Relationships built over the years and the changes we feel.
I feel that the clientele in Osaka is different from that in Tokyo.
Kato: This place is close to Nagoya as well as Kansai, and we often have customers from Shikoku and Chugoku regions. They are of all ages. Also, since there are many stores that sell Nepenthes in Osaka, many customers come to our store after getting to know us through these stores.
ZIPPED WORK HOODY ¥64,900
REBUILD by NEEDLES" hoodie created to commemorate the 15th anniversary.
NEEDLES] hoodie. The following items are similar, but they are all made from used denim that has been reconstructed, hand painted in purple and pink, post-dyed, bleached, and many other processes.
H.D. PANT - PAINTER ¥44,000, Strap Back Cap ¥16,500
H.D. PANT," a long-selling item from "NEEDLES," and the first cap from "REBUILD by NEEDLES" will also be available to commemorate the 15th anniversary. The nuances are all different, and no two are alike.
It seems that even 15 years ago, there were many stores in Osaka that sold Nepenthes. Did you encounter any difficulties in doing so?
Kato: In the beginning, there were definitely some difficulties. As you said, we have a number of customers in Osaka, and the ties between each store and its customers were very strong. On the other hand, "NEPENTHES OSAKA" offers a richly varied lineup and an environment that allows customers to directly experience the brand's world view. The staff also has a wealth of knowledge about clothing and a deep understanding of the brand. That is why we would like to work together to enliven the Osaka fashion scene while taking advantage of each other's strengths. We have been working with this in mind.
15 years ago, was Nepenthes well known and well established in Osaka?
Kato: At the time of the opening, I don't think it was as big as in Tokyo. At that time, when Engineered Garments became popular, there were many people who came to buy it, but there were not many customers who wanted to buy it at "NEPENTHES However, there were not that many customers who wanted to buy from "NEPENTHES OSAKA. We have been steadily building up to where we are now.
Please tell us what you have done to promote the appeal of "NEPENTHES OSAKA".
Kato: We held advance reservation events where customers could see our products before the season started, and held regular events that only a directly-managed store can hold. We also held pop-ups and other events with the help of brands with which we have connections. I believe this is the result of deepening our relationship with our customers, step by step.
I'm sure that in the 15 years that you have been doing this, many moments have come and gone. What were some of the most memorable moments?
Kato: In February 2020, 10 years after the opening of "NEPENTHES OSAKA," "NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA" opened, just in time for the Corona disaster. I remember worrying about what would happen in the future as people disappeared from the city.
Three staff members supporting "NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA. From left: Riko Makita, store manager Yuki Tomiyama, and Sakura Fujii.
DIVIDED JEAN SKIRT ¥37,400
This skirt by REBUILD by NEEDLES was created to commemorate the 5th anniversary of NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA. The weighty, yet wide silhouette adds a sense of crispness to your everyday outfits.
Do you feel that your business has taken root in Osaka over the years?
Kato: Yes, I know. The number of customers who come here for "NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA, but the number of customers who come here for the "NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA" has also increased, and the number of "Rodrillion" customers has also been steadily increasing. I really feel that the number of customers has been spreading like beads over the past year or two. Also, until now, most of our male customers brought their partners, but now we are seeing more and more women bringing their partners.
This may be a stereotypical opinion, but Osaka has an image of being more flamboyant. On the other hand, many of the "Nepenthes" items are also very strong-accented. Do you feel that affinity?
Kato: Track pants are popular at all stores, but "NEPENTHES OSAKA", jacquard ones are particularly popular. Many customers may be interested in patterns and designs that are a little quirky. We also have the impression that many are willing to try out our suggestions.
The latest issue of "NEPENTHES In Print," a bilingual magazine published by Nepenthes featuring Osaka. The magazine is full of highlights including a city guide edited from a unique local perspective and style samples that are typical of Nepenthes.
Tokyo is conservative, while Osaka has a challenging spirit.
Kato: That may be so. Patterned shirts sell better than plain ones, for example. Another thing I feel is that people are not bound by rules. In other cities, people tend to stick to one brand for their entire outfit, but in Osaka, there are many people who mix and match.
I see that a culture of pure enjoyment of clothing has taken root in the area.
Kato: There are relatively many people who value uniqueness and dislike being the same as others. One might also say that they have an inquisitive mind for fashion.
t-shirt ¥7,150, l/s t-shirt ¥8,250, socs ¥2,750, baseball cap ¥7,700, one shoulder bag ¥8,800
The collaboration between "Unlikely," a brand by Shinsuke Nakata, and Nepenthes consists of a total of five models. Last year, when a pop-up store was held at "NEPENTHES NEW YORK", an item with the "N logo" upside down was released.
The color of the item is a commemorative color for the anniversary of the release of the item with the "N logo" upside down when the pop-up store was held at "NEPENTHES NEW YORK. The items, created under the theme of "Souvenir," are perfect as souvenirs for yourself or for your loved ones.
NARROW ROPE ¥9,900, ROPE - 6inch ¥6,600, ROPE - 6inch / Leather Mix ¥8,800
B:TOGETHER, a brand that creates accessories based on the concept of "infinite one-offs," has released the "NARROW ROPE" and "ROPE - 6 inch," which can be freely adjusted in length with slider parts, and the "ROPE - 6 inch" and "ROPE - 6 inch," which can be freely adjusted in length with slider parts. ROPE - 6 inch
/ Leather Mix" in anniversary colors. NEPENTHES OSAKA" is available in black, and "NEPENTHES WOMAN OSAKA" in pink.
