An item that they are both interested in.
Q: Based on what you've said so far, which of the items in this lineup are you two interested in?
Seven Seas: I love this poncho. The design is really cute!
Yoshii: Nanami is wearing a poncho with a water pressure resistance of 20,000 mmH2O. The sleeves are designed to reduce flapping caused by wind, so it is easy to raise the arms up.
Seven Seas: I love to dance at festivals and the tape on the sleeves will allow me to dance in the rain without worrying about water getting in.
Kondo: I'm interested in this bicycle poncho because I need rainwear for my child's bike to school.
Yoshii: It has a hood and a structure that allows the hood to follow the movement of the face. It is convenient because it does not obstruct your vision. Also, it is equipped with reflectors on the outer surface, which reflect light when shone on them, so it is safe even on night roads.
Kondo: True, you can't turn your head to the left or right and still have a blind spot. I remember that it is a fine to ride a bicycle with an umbrella.
Yoshii: Yes, it has gotten tougher. Ponchos for bike riding can be dangerous if they are not well made. It can flap, get caught, or be too long and get caught on the wheels. Strong winds can also block your view. KIU has been conducting repeated tests in this area, and we would like to continue to test and refine the product with a greater emphasis on safety. I also started picking up and dropping off my children and realized how difficult it is to ride a bicycle on rainy days. I would like to reflect this experience in our items.
Lastly, please tell us about KIU's future prospects.
Yoshii: Although our roots are in rainy day festivals, we would like to develop our brand not only as rainwear but also as an outdoor activity brand that can be used in a variety of climates. From next year onward, we would like to focus on apparel and create items that can be used in a wider variety of fields.
I have a strong impression that you are a brand with a sense of responsibility for its products.
Yoshii: Thank you very much. I would like to continue to offer items that are affordable and challenging for people who are interested but not ready to take the plunge. We will continue to offer items that can be enjoyed in your own way in any weather, in any scene, in any culture, including festivals and outdoor culture.
K.K.: Through this interview, what kind of brand did you two perceive KIU to be?
Seven Seas: I was impressed by the fact that Kiwi is a hospitable brand, and that they actually improve their products through trial and error. It made me want to try using more items, regardless of the occasion.
Kondo: I felt that this is a brand that has been able to improve through repeated trial and error. Ponchos, umbrellas, and boots are items that we tend to disregard, but I felt that KIU's products enhanced my lifestyle. In this respect, I feel that it is similar to outdoor gear.
