A roundtable discussion to learn more about Kiu, a rainwear brand born out of a love for festivals.

Neglecting rainwear can be a painful experience. This is the experience of many people. The products of the rainwear brand "KiU" are born from a combination of passion and calm analysis, and have gained popularity mainly in the festival scene for their graphical design and high functionality. However, the use of these products has actually expanded from rainy weather, and now they can be used in all weather conditions.
UNRAVEL ALL ABOUT KiU" is a series of articles that delves into the appeal of this brand from various angles, and Vol. 1 is a roundtable discussion between Mr. Yoshii, KiU's marketing manager, Ms. Kondo, a stylist in charge of visual direction from this season, and Nanami, a model who loves fashion, outdoor activities, festivals, and various cultures. and Nanami, a model who loves fashion, outdoor activities, festivals, and various other cultures. We ask the creators to introduce the origin of "KIU," and we also ask about the design and functionality of "KIU" as seen from the outside.

Photo_Sohei Kabe
Text_Shinri Kobayashi
Edit_Hideki Shibayama

Cheap kappas do not work in the rain at Fuji Rock.

Yoshii: Nanami, have you ever been caught in the rain at a festival?

Seven Seas: Yes, there was. When I went to Fuji Rock for the first time, I didn't know it was going to rain a lot, so I brought a cheap kappa. But it didn't protect me from the rain at all. It was just a piece of cloth (laughs). That is when I realized how important it is to choose the right rainwear.

Yoshii: That's right. Fuji Rock" has the image of storm-level rainfall every year.

Kondo: It's like how you get through it is now part of the event, you know (laughs).

Seven Seas: Yes, yes. If you know it's going to rain, it's easy to prepare for it, but the repetition of rain and cessation of rain is tricky.

Yoshii: It really is, and since there is not much escape, you have to be prepared at all times. At KIU, ponchos are placed in a storage bag so that they are easy to carry.

I have a strong viewpoint of whether it can be used at festivals without any problems.

Yoshii: We are going to release our spring/summer items in about February, but we really want to start planning a year in advance. But I couldn't do the final functional check without experiencing "Fuji Rock.

Seven Seas: I see. So you actually use it and verify it.

Yoshii: That's right. That's why we use them at festivals such as "Fuji Rock" to sift out the best of the best. Then we actually add functions that would be nice to have, and plan to reach those that are itchy.