FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

The true value of Nanamica's down, as learned with photographer Kenju Sato.
Best quality of Down feather

The true value of Nanamica's down, as learned with photographer Kenju Sato.

Every year, Nanamica's GORE-TEX down jackets are in short supply as soon as they go on sale. The standard design using highly functional materials is a gem that condenses the brand's world view. The extraordinary attention to detail in the materials, sewing, and patterns is reflected in every detail, but this time we will focus on the substance of the jacket, the photoelectron® down. We will visit the Kawada Feathers factory, which is the only company in the world with the technology to combine photoelectron® and down, with photographer Kenju Sato, a world traveler with a unique perspective, to unravel the charm of NANAMICA's down jackets.

  • Photo_Naoto Date
  • Text_Shogo Komatsu
  • Edit_Shun Koda

Design that fits in with the city , is also a part of functionality.

After the second "dusting" is completed, the feathers and down are "sorted" by taking advantage of the feathers' ability to fly in the wind. The machine is equipped with a number of partitions, and feathers with feather shafts fall toward the front, while down that is lighter than feather shafts is blown farther away. Here, hair follicles, which are separated after high-temperature drying, and other large debris that cannot be removed by the dust collector, are also removed. This sorting machine is one of the largest in the world. It is an analog method that uses wind, but the air flow is precisely controlled and calculated so that there is no difference depending on the position. The sorting machine is made of wood to prevent feathers and other materials from sticking to the walls due to static electricity.

. with its wooden frame and glass windows, it looks like a retro Western-style house. . and the fantastic sight of feathers dancing like snow. The natural down and the factory machinery give it a retro-futuristic, steampunk-like worldview (laughs).". and Mr. Sato.

Photo_Kawada Feather

For Mr. Sato, who also travels to the Arctic Circle, a down jacket is a necessity. He says that highly functional clothing is indispensable for the harsh environments in which he shoots, but he is not just looking for simple comfort.

. I think functionality can be captured in many nuances. If you value heat retention, breathability, and ease of movement, you would go for sportswear or outdoor wear. However, in my case, I sometimes shoot in the city, so items that focus entirely on functionality would not stand out on the street. Therefore, I consider design to be a part of functionality. I don't separate my clothes between my life in Japan and my travels, so I prefer clothes that can be worn in both situations.

The outer fabric is made of 2-layer polyester GORE-TEX fabric, a waterproof and breathable material. . So, even if you are suddenly hit by bad weather, you will be fine.

In addition to the front flap pocket, there is a large pocket on the inside that can be used to store a scarf or gloves.

For Mr. Sato, NANAMICA's GORE-TEX long down coat is the right choice. The GORE-TEX and Photoelectron® down coat can be used in colder regions than Japan, and the design, based on the US Army M-1951 parka shell, has a fashionable appearance that would fit in well on the street. Mr. Sato says he usually coordinates his outfits with simple items, which makes the "Nanamica" even more suitable.

This GORE-TEX long down coat can be worn in the city, and I think it is a piece that can be used in foreign environments such as the one I am going to. And yet, it is not heavy, so you will not get tired of wearing it.

Since the design is based on the US Army M-1951 Parker shell, the fishtail is also reproduced.

As the saying goes, Photoelectron® down utilizes far-infrared rays emitted from the body to retain heat, so it is warm and lightweight even with a small amount of down. . To our surprise, Kawada Feathers invented the technology for mixing photoelectron® fiber into down. Most people have worn Photoelectron® down before, but they have never seen the actual product because it is encapsulated. Let us show you that in person.

INFORMATION

nanamica DAIKANYAMA

Address: 26-13 Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Phone: 03-5728-6550
Instagram: @nanamica_daikanyama