Connecting the past and the future, people, things, and things of interest in 2023.

Here are five people, things, and events selected by the editorial staff based on their own prejudice. One point to remember is that many exciting events in the world are based on "people.

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VERDY has been active in the art and fashion scene by international standards for the past few years, and the name of the gallery he opened in Tanimachi, Osaka in February 2023 is "RISE ABOVE", which was also the title of his first solo exhibition at Kaikai Kiki in 2021. RISE ABOVE", the title of his first solo exhibition at Kaikai Kiki in 2021.

Yes, it is the famous song by Black Flag and the message of the skate company "ANTI HERO," and from the words they chose and the thoughts they put into them, one can't help but feel VERDY's respect for their punk and hardcore roots.

And Lazy Boys, the music unit developed by VERDY, has announced the full launch of a new organization as The Lazy Boys. Although the members have not dared to reveal themselves, many of the faces of VERDY's friends will naturally come to mind when listening to the sound of their first single, "One Thing," released in January.

VERDY's attitude of cherishing his roots and rising with his friends is exactly what "RISE ABOVE" is all about, and it is this kind of human charm that makes VERDY so captivating to people all over the world.

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HuberStore™ was launched in September 2022. The label is the brainchild of TKC, who continues to transmit fashion x culture + α as a buyer for a select store, and Yuya Tanaka, who belongs to Diaspora Skateboards, one of Tokyo's leading skate labels, and also works on his own brand, CABARET POVAL. The label is created by Yuya Tanaka, who belongs to Diaspora Skateboards, one of Tokyo's leading skate labels, and also works on his own brand, CABARET POVAL.

The independent and mellow atmosphere of the movement is in sync with the mood of the times, as they hold solo exhibitions with artists and release original items on an irregular basis, each with their own main business.

So far, we have had a solo exhibition of photographer and skater HAL JINUASHI, the brand's first pop-up "The Believable Media is Around us", and most recently, an exhibition of silkscreen posters by drawing artist HIROTTON's exhibition of silkscreen posters, and expectations for the future are only increasing.

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Instagram: @kiyoharayui

With two women as the main characters, the story would surely progress at a leisurely pace and have an emotional ending. My prejudiced and lukewarm expectations were quickly shattered and I was pulled into the story of "That House".

It was five years ago when I saw "Our House," the first feature film shot by Tadashi Kiyohara as his graduation project from the graduate school of Tokyo University of the Arts. I was convinced by the fact that she had studied under directors Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Atsuhiko Suwa, but at the same time, I sensed in the film a world that was unique to her, one that did not lean on those two directors. I remember being surprised at how detailed her awareness of things other than people and things that exist without form was. The film tells the story of two women in the same house, and is a clever indoor drama, a mysterious horror story, and a film about youth and friendship. If you haven't seen it, you should.

Her activities are not limited to video production, but she also organizes art projects in Tama New Town, names her antique store "Goods," and contributes articles to the media. While all of these activities have a commonality that is uniquely hers, I am always surprised to see this side of her as well. It is interesting because it is hard to grasp the image of Tadashi Kiyohara.

On a hot note, a new film "Remembering All the Nights" was screened in Berlin a few days ago, which is about three women who pass by each other in Tama New Town. I was tempted to imagine how their stories would intersect just by looking at the poster, but I kept my cool. We recommend that you experience the world of Kiyohara without much prior information.

In the past few years, there has been a demand for easy-to-understand and instantly interesting works, but it seems that this demand will slow down soon. I believe that the films that people want to recall and ruminate over again and again, such as those produced by Mr. Kiyohara, will become a source of support for people.

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Instagram: @blank_mag
https://www.blankmagbooks.com/

BLAMKMAG is an art project that disseminates street culture in various forms. From holding pop-ups to publishing books and sometimes teaming up with artists to release T-shirts, the activities of BLAMKMAG are as free as they are elusive!

Why has such an unidentified project collaborated with such heavyweights as Larry Clark and Ari Markopolos, and why has it gained a cult following? I think it lies in the purity of the products and events they produce.

As the owner says, "The truth is that we have not sought anything in return for all of our activities, but have simply given it our all, and as a result, we have reached a point that we had not originally envisioned." BLAMKMAG is not a business, but an independent effort that is an extension of a hobby. To give form to our love of street culture, we create what we like with people we like. The pure creations created in this way have probably won the hearts of many people.

Among them, the "BLANKMAG BOOK" released last October is the culmination of 10 years of activity. The "BLANKMAG BOOK" is a compilation of about 200 art books collected by the owner of "BLANKMAG". The fact that he produced this "book of books" at his own expense, without going through a publishing company, should give you an idea of BLANKMAG's passion for street culture, which is sure to make even the most discerning connoisseur gasp. Incidentally, it seems that BLANKMAG is planning various events for 2023, so keep your eyes peeled for future developments.

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Instagram: @in_part__

In part" is located on a quiet street about a 5-minute walk from Inaricho Station in Higashi-Ueno. The owner is Mr. Ishibata, who worked as a buyer and MD at a major select store. As the name of the store implies, he opened this store at the end of October 2022 with the hope of being involved in fashion within his own reach.

In part" mainly carries American and European vintage clothing, as well as select brands such as "SMOKE T ONE," "Neil," "CALE," and "UN/UNBIENT," and "Blink," which Ishibata handles himself. which Mr. Ishibata handles himself. Although there are different genres such as vintage, select, and original, they all have one thing in common: they are basic, yet have something interesting about them.

We are particular about items that look ordinary at first glance, but have unusual materials and details. In this day and age, the same items can be purchased online, so since we have a physical store, we want to offer styling that is unique to 'In part' by mixing these items together," says Ishibata.

There is one more thing that "In part" values. That is to provide good quality products at a fair price. Our motto for secondhand clothing is 'cheaper than new' because we want people to have easy access to good things. We also pay attention to the condition of the used clothes so that they fit in with your regular clothes," says Ishibata, adding that all the used clothes in the store are in good condition at good prices. The owner's tastes and preferences are reflected in the clothing, while at the same time being considerate to the customers. This is the charm of "In part.

The store is visited by a variety of people, including fashion professionals, art students, photographers, etc. Eventually, the store aims to become a hub where such people can meet.