Since its founding in 1971, C.P. COMPANY has continued to create a unique presence with its innovative use of materials and products. In this article commemorating the release of its latest collection and campaign visuals, WANDA, the creative director of the visuals, will serve as interviewer for a trilogy discussion with NAGAN SERVER and Mitsushi Shimotsu, who appear in the visuals. The casting and the choice of the Toyo Kasei factory, which manufactures vinyl records in Japan, as the filming location were made with the intention of expressing the two axes of “music” and “craftsmanship” that CP COMPANY has long cherished. which has long been a core value of CP Company, and craftsmanship.
Linen Long Sleeve Button Lens Shirt ¥69,300
Chrome-R Lens Boxy Cargo Shorts ¥48,400
Heavy Chrome-R Zipped Lens Overshirt ¥107,800
50 Fili Stretch Loose Lens Cargo Shorts ¥47,300
Mercerized Jersey 30/2 Twisted Short Sleeve Logo T-Shirt ¥31,900
Cargo Pant In Flatt Nylon ¥69,300
Nylon B Lens Waistbag ¥41,800
Cotton Crepe Double Dyed Polo ¥58,300
24/1 Jersey Short Sleeve Logo T-Shirt ¥37,400
Bermuda Cargo in 50 Fili Stretch ¥52,800
Cotton Goggle Beanie ¥28,600
The two encounters, connected by , are like a session.
PROFILE
Born in Hiroshima Prefecture. With music, fashion, and art culture at the core of his work, he collaborates with a variety of media and brands in a wide range of creative activities, including editing, visual direction, and campaign planning.
Instagram: @wada_wanda_kento2
PROFILE
Rapper/wood bassist. His unique style is a fusion of rap and live music with hip-hop and jazz at its core. In addition to his solo work, he also performs with "NAGAN SERVER and DANCEMBLE," and has appeared at festivals in Japan and abroad, including "FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL. He has gained support not only from music but also from fashion culture.
Instagram: @naganserver
PROFILE
Born in 1989 in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, he formed the rock band "Dancing Land" in 2008, performing as a guitarist and vocalist. He creates unique music that combines folky, lyrical melodies with psychedelic soundscapes. In recent years, he has also been actively engaged in solo performance and live activities, expanding his range of expression both as a band member and as an individual.
Instagram: @shimotsukoji
First of all, please tell us about how you two met and your first impressions of each other.
Mitsushi Shimotsu ("Shimotsu"):Actually, this shoot was the first time I met my server brother (NAGAN SERVER). But from the moment I looked into his eyes, I thought, "Oh, I feel close to this person. When you are doing music, you naturally know who is on the same wavelength as you are and who is not, and Brother Sarber was totally the former.
NAGAN SERVER:What, with just your eyes? (Laughs)
Shimotsu:Yes, it's the eyes (laughs).
How about NAGAN SERVER?
NAGAN SERVER:I had the same feeling. People who get along with each other quickly become closer from the very beginning. Shimotsu (Mitsushi Shimotsu) was just like that. I felt that we had similar facial features, and I felt a sense of familiarity with him.
Shimotsu:We have a lot of mutual friends.
You went home together on the day of the shoot, didn't you?
Shimotsu:That's right. This shoot brought us all closer together.
Please tell us about the items from CP Company that you wore for this shoot.
Heavy Chrome Goggle Jacket ¥121,000
Mercerized Jersey 30/2 Twisted Short Sleeve Logo T-Shirt ¥31,900
Micro-Reps Boxy Cargo Lens Pants ¥61,600
NAGAN SERVER:I like this brand so much that I have always collected it personally. I have been following the brand from the early works of Massimo Osti's era to the current collection, so I am quite familiar with it. The collection I was allowed to try on this time had a classic feel with modern earthy colors, giving me the impression that I could wear it very naturally. I felt that the brand's core strength was also present. I really like the collection without any compliments.
The cut of Mr. Shimotsu running on the rooftop was also impressive. How was it comfortable to wear?
Shimotsu:It was very easy to wear and lightweight. I am not the type of person who knows that much about clothes, but I have always loved UK rock music, and I have seen "CP Company" on album covers and in music videos. So I have always admired the brand. When I actually tried it on, I was surprised at how functional it was.
Please tell us about your daily fashion. Do you have a particular style?
NAGAN SERVER:I have a theme of “love, toughness, and roughness” in my mind. First of all, “love” refers to whether or not the wearer loves and wears the clothes. Tough“ refers to durability and the spirit of the brand. The last ”rough“ is the sense that I want to take care of things that are not too tight for my music. The style of rapping while playing the wood bass is one example of this, but I think the silhouette and atmosphere that allows me to be natural is what makes me who I am.
Shimotsu:I am not that particular about shorts, but the shorts I wore for this shoot were very fresh. I thought they would work well for a live performance. I usually choose shorts that are comfortable to wear. They are lightweight and easy to dry. Wearing "CP Company" this time made me realize that the brand is suitable for this type of person.
The nature of music and manufacturing.
Ltd. (Toyo Kasei), one of the few record manufacturers in Japan, for not only the interviews but also the visual shooting. We chose this location because of its strong commitment to manufacturing, which CP Company values, and because of Toyo Kasei's craftsmanship in making records over many years. This is also the reason why we chose this location. In such a space, I would like to ask you both again, what do you think is the appeal of vinyl records now that distribution has become the mainstream?
Shimotsu:After all, the jacket is huge (laughs). (Laughs) That alone is the best thing about it. Moreover, if handled properly, it can remain semi-permanently. You never know when data will disappear. But with vinyl records, you can drop the needle and it will always play, and I like that sense of security. I don't think I will ever get rid of it. I am even thinking of not making CDs for my next release, but only distributing it and making it on vinyl.
NAGAN SERVER:The reason I got into hip-hop itself was records. I liked "Ice Cream" by Raekwon, a member of the "Wu-Tang Clan," and I went to a record store to get that song. But at the time, I didn't even know there was an instrumental on the record. I asked the clerk, "How can I rap?" I asked the shopkeeper, "How can I rap? That's how it all started. That's why vinyl records are my roots. It has a temperature feel that digital music doesn't have, and it has a unique softness when played through loud speakers. It doesn't hurt my ears.
Shimotsu:(Records) have that feeling of being deeply moved in the pit of your stomach. I think that is only possible with records. I'm talking about going to dig records with my server brother after this (laughs).
I would love to accompany you (laughs). Now, please tell us about an event that changed your values or a turning point in your life.
NAGAN SERVER:I have the sense that I have been changing throughout my career as a rapper, but the biggest thing was that I got a wood bass. Before that, I used to play at clubs with DJs, but after I started playing my own instrument, I started to hear sounds that I could not hear when I was just rapping. I naturally became very aware of the sounds around me.
Shimotsu:For me, the timing of the release of the album "Into the Light" was significant. Each member changed, and I felt that we accelerated as a band. But I think that artists change all the time. Every day is different, and every album is different. On the other hand, I don't think it is possible to make a conscious decision to change from here.
NAGAN SERVER:The wood bass was not a forced change of direction either; I originally liked that sound. I liked it so much that I wanted to play it myself. I think that kind of natural impulse will show up in our live performances and works.
Shimotsu:If I wasn't interested, I wouldn't have touched a wood bass in the first place. Artists who keep the desire alive in this way are trustworthy.
What is important to you as artists?
NAGAN SERVER:You have to be honest with your own senses. I like what I like, and if I feel different, I am different. I try not to misrepresent that feeling. Also, I want to be free to work without being tied to a generation.
Shimotsu:I am always thinking about whether or not I am lying to myself when I was 19 years old. I always think about whether or not I am singing without forgetting the initial feeling of being saved by music. That is the most important thing.
NAGAN SERVER:It's still a first for me.
Shimotsu:I feel that if that point becomes blurred, I myself will become a mess. It would be impossible to save anyone.
I am sure that this is a feeling that can be shared not only by artists but also by all people who are seriously engaged in their work. Thank you very much for your time today. Lastly, please tell us about your future plans.
NAGAN SERVER:I would like to do something with Shimotsuchan in the near future. We had a light jam in the studio a while ago, and the sound came out very naturally. Maybe we can make some kind of announcement in the near future.
Shimotsu:I'd love to wear my "CP Company" uniform and perform with my brother Sarver at that time. I think it would be great if I could perform with my server brother wearing "CP Company" at that time.
