We also introduce some of the hip things our editorial staff has found!
Hideki Shibayama
Hideki Shibayama
. 2023 was a year of getting out of the office and visiting many places. During the preparation period for TOTOKEN, I went to Hamamachi all the time, and for production projects, I traveled to the countryside once a month. The people I met each time had different ideas from my own, and they were, well, interesting. . While I had my own theory, I realized that it is not good to be rigid.
What is your recommendation for the hippest place to visit this year?
TOTOKEN is a running station with a sauna and bar that I participated in as a founding member.
. What were some of the difficulties in launching TOTOKEN, and what were some of the inspiring moments?
I had never built a facility before, so there was a lot I didn't understand. There were so many things to do, from big things to small things, and I realized how hard it is to build a facility. I had no idea that I would be stocking cotton swabs after joining HOUYHNHNM's (laughs).
I guess what impressed me was the day of the handover. It was one month before the opening, and since it had been a two-year project, I felt that we had finally come this far. . I was also touched when I saw many people coming to the facility after it opened, and seeing them enjoying themselves.
. What would you like to challenge yourself next year?
Sub 90 in a half marathon , sub 3.5 in a full marathon!
Soma Takeda
Soma Takeda
Looking back on this year, it was a year in which I played a lot . Thanks to that, I got to know more and more people, which in turn led to more places to play and more and more fun in Tokyo. Thank you to everyone who has been a good friend to me, and let's have lots of fun in 2024!
How many artists did you see live this year?
I think it's around 20 or so. . not that many, but looking back, it was a year of many live memories.
. Please tell us about some of the best live artists you have seen this year.
Liam Gallagher's one-man show at "Toyosu PIT. I saw Liam at Summer Sonic as well, but the enthusiasm of the audience was totally different between the festival and the one-man show. The crowd was so excited that it was hard to believe it was in Japan, and I especially remember the first song, "Morning Glory". I especially remember the first song, "Morning Glory," when everyone was singing along, which was a lot of fun.
Then there was Kendrick Lamar, who I saw at Summer Sonic. The crowd was jumping up and down for "Alright," and the chorus was so great despite the English lyrics, there was a moment when I looked like a god, no joke.
Who would you like to see in Japan next year?
I know it is unlikely, but I would like to see Frank Ocean. Looking at his recent installations, it looks like he is going to have a new song, and that's all I need to know....
Naoya Tsuneshige
Naoya Tsuneshige
I want to read a book . . want to see a movie . I want to go to that store . I want to meet that person. In 2023, such desires ended up as desires, and in 2024, I will review how I use my time. I think I'll start by going to bed early and getting up early on New Year's Day.
What was your fashion mood this year?
. I was conscious of dressing like a stranger. This is what is known as "coolness. This year, I was transferred to a new department, and my opportunities to meet people from various industries at exhibitions and other events increased dramatically. . I chose my clothes with an eye to how I would be seen as a HOUYHNHNM editorial staff member. It's not that I wanted to stand out or anything, but I noticed that I was wearing more patterns and colors.
What styles would you like to try next year?
Slim pants, I guess. And then there are animal prints. Red and yellow primary colors would be nice too. . I'm not trying to stand out or anything.
Amane Yasuda
Amane Yasuda
During the second half of the year since I joined HOUYHNHNM's editorial department, time really flew by at the speed of light, probably because I was so fulfilled. I spent my days getting more and more in love with fashion day by day. I want to buy more clothes next year. In terms of shoes, I would like to buy everything from " Vans " to " J.M. Weston ". . I want to try on all kinds of items in different shapes and genres.
What was your most impressive album this year?
This is "Maktub" by JJJ. I heard Mr. Suzuki and Mr. Takeda, who are senior members of HOUYHNHNM's editorial department, rave about this album, so I listened to it and was shocked at how cool it was. each song is impressive, but also pleasant to listen to throughout the album. I really listened to it every chance I got this year.
What is your common stance on fashion and music?
. I am still trying to be flexible and incorporate other elements into my work, while keeping the roots that I have come from in the past as a base. I think I will be able to encounter more interesting things that way. It may seem simple, but it is surprisingly difficult, and I feel that it is quite important.
HOUYHNHNM's readers are invited to reflect with friends and family on all the hip things they found in 2023, and in 2024, HOUYHNHNM's 20th anniversary will be celebrated. We look forward to your continued support.
