KENSEI with Decade GORE-TEX Moccasin Shoes that you would never guess were made by an outdoor brand.
PROFILE
Born in 1984 in Kanagawa Prefecture. In addition to modeling and acting, he is currently the director of the apparel brand "Climber's Climax. He is such an outdoorsman that he goes camping with his family at least once a month, and in recent years he has become addicted to bass fishing. He is also a father of two children.
Instagram : @kenseimikami
In addition to modeling and acting, you have been active in a variety of fields, such as being appointed director of "Climbers Climax" last year.
On the water: We had our first brand preview in June this year, and we are very grateful to the many people who visited our booth. We are now preparing for next year's exhibition to great acclaim.
Q: The brands that you direct are all specialized in functionality, but do you usually choose functional clothes?
On the water: That's not true. Basically, I wear anything. Sometimes I look like a fashionista, and other days I look like I do today. I dare not set too many rules, and wearing anything is my style. However, I think I tend to wear functional clothes these days.
Your brand is not an outdoor brand, is it?
On the water: We dare not set a position for our products. Rather, they are designed to be worn around town and incorporate elements of the outdoors. Although there are differences in style, I have the impression that we tend to play around with specifications because we basically do not go to places with rough roads or rapidly changing environments. We are conscious of creating products that can go directly from the city to the field of your choice, while emphasizing the balance between the specifications necessary for outdoor activities and designs that can be worn in the city.
The moccasins you are wearing today from The North Face are exactly the kind of shoes that incorporate the rationality and functionality of the outdoors into city shoes.
On the water: At a quick glance, the design doesn't seem like a shoe made by an outdoor brand, and it fits in well with everyday use. The classic moccasins and the stubby leather heel give the shoes an interesting mix and match feel. On the other hand, The North Face's know-how in the outdoors is not half bad. Whether in the mountains or in the city, shoes get wet and dirty, and cushioning and grip are important. In a way, I think that functionality is the most important aspect of these items.
The upper is made of Eco-Pet leather, and the Vibram sole is also made of recycled rubber. Are you interested in such ethical materials?
On the water: Of course. There may be an aspect of a boom, but in the future, such keywords will be important in manufacturing and will become one of the criteria for those who choose to use them.
What made you become aware of such environmentally friendly materials?
On the water: Environmental considerations are a little different in nuance, but since I started my family, the foods I eat have changed first and foremost. I want my children to eat safe and secure food. From there, I naturally became more conscious of the materials we use. Because we are allowed to enjoy our hobby in the midst of nature, I think it is inevitable that we must be considerate of the environment. I don't think it is something that can be forced on people, so I hope to continue to do what I feel and what I can do.
