It's an image that Teva has, but I sense an element that Teva doesn't have.

First of all, please tell us about your shoe history.

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)I think I first became conscious of shoes when I was in elementary school. I was learning to play soccer at the time, and I remember that I had to wear spikes made by Adidas or Puma. I was also interested in Nike shoes when one of my idols at the time started wearing them.

When I entered junior high school, I came into contact with hip-hop, break dancing, and skating, and I began to make choices based on culture. In high school and college, I wore boots and leather shoes that were typical of the Shibu-Kazi style.

Then, as I grew up and started traveling, I wondered if the next step was to go with something lighter. And so, I returned to authentic low-tech shoes such as "Vans" and "Converse.

Despite appearances, I've worn a surprisingly wide variety of sneakers. I have gone through all kinds of shoes, from the popularly known masterpieces to the models of the era.

Are there any models that you have used in particular?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)Stan Smiths for Adidas, Chuck Taylors for Converse, and Authentics for Vans. The classic models that represent a brand never fade away, and can be worn with any style. I tend to have a long relationship with such models.

What kind of shoes are you wearing these days?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)In fact, recently, the key to choosing shoes has become "how comfortable" they are. I often wear shoes with a simple structure, such as slip-ons, kung-fu shoes, and slippers. This does not mean that I have given up on fashion, but I find it interesting to choose designs that can also be worn in style.

Have your awareness of shoes changed as a result of your collaboration with adidas Originals?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)I don't think there has been any major change, but I think I have started to look at shoes from a more fashionable perspective. No matter how hard we try, we cannot create cutting-edge technology. We have to add our own unique perspective to "adidas Originals. This makes us more conscious of what our style is.

What are some of the rules for choosing and wearing shoes?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)I think of it like this: think of functionality that suits your activity as a criterion, and then design comes next. If I like to skate, I need something that goes well with deck tape, and if I like to run, I need something light and easy to run in, and so on.

I think it was a bold decision, typical of Teva, to use the strap.

What kind of image do you have of Teva?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)The image of the 1990s is very strong. In the beginning, the image was not so much fashionable, but more of authentic and comfortable outdoor sandals sought by people who were not comfortable in beeswax.

In the beginning, they were often worn by active people who went back and forth between surfing and climbing. I remember how interesting it was to see how this style came down to the city and how it was adapted.

What are your first impressions of the newly released "Arrowwood Evo" sneakers?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)In a word, it is the image that "Teva" has, but I also feel elements that "Teva" does not have. Just one glance at the shoes makes me curious about their comfort. It's a design that stirs the imagination.

In fact, shoes made by a brand like Teva, which has mainly made sandals, are simply interesting to look at because their approach is different from that of conventional shoe brands.

How about the strap sandal motif?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper): I think the range of variation in sneaker design is narrower than in clothing. For example, with or without straps, low-cut or high-cut, etc. In this sense, it was a bold decision by Teva to use straps. In that sense, the use of straps was a bold decision, typical of Teva.

It has an urban form, but it also has a soft image, and at the same time, it also reminds us of Teva's roots. In any case, I think the result is well-balanced.

How did you feel when you actually tried them on?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper): It's just so easy. They are as comfortable as sandals, but they are also waterproof and durable. As expected, it may be difficult to wear them in hard-core situations, but I think they are the kind of shoes that can connect the city from outdoor fields such as light hiking, camping, and festivals.

Shoes that fit every situation.

What is your impression of this kind of urban approach being presented as a Japanese project?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)I am surprised that a global brand like Teva has such a flexible approach to manufacturing. Moreover, they are able to differentiate their products from their American models. Even if the shoes have the same structure, what is required in each city is different. I think this is a wonderful challenge. I hope they will continue to do so in the future.

What style of dress do you think it should be matched with?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)I think it would go well with any urban style. On the other hand, I don't think it would fit in with a style that is too outdoorsy.

Also, personally, I would like to wear them like sandals. It would feel good to wear them in a relaxed state without socks, wouldn't it?

How about the "situation" part?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper): As I mentioned earlier, I think these shoes fit in all kinds of situations. The design fits in with urban cityscapes, and the functionality is comparable to outdoor fields. It may be an exaggeration to say that you can go anywhere with these, but I think they are shoes that can take you everywhere.

Do these new products inspire you as a creator?

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)Of course. It's like an occupational hazard to think about what I would do, or what color I would use here. Arrowwood Evo" is very urban, so I dared to use American culture, which I have been exposed to, as a motif.

This sounds like something we can expect to see in future efforts.

Watanabe (Japanese newspaper)Actually.... But we are just getting started. I can't give you the details, but I think we can create our own Teva. Please keep your expectations high.