In the 1990s, the term "vintage" was used to describe vintage clothing that did not meet the definition of "antique," but still had value, as opposed to "antique" clothing that was 100 years old. Nowadays, there is a movement to find new value in "new vintage," even in old clothes from the 1980s onward, which used to be called "regular" vintage clothes. In this project, four vintage clothing stores with different styles propose new ways to enjoy vintage clothing. Each of them will talk about the charm of vintage clothing with their own sense of style.
This is the 14th season with all new stores! The 111th issue of the second round of the series will be presented by Tsubasa Koyama of "ONTHEWAY STORE"! What kind of new vintage items will he introduce!
Text_Tommy
Edit_Yosuke Ishii
Tsubasa Koyama / ONTHEWAY STORE Owner
Vol.111_Cap of Japanese Companies
What new vintages would you like to introduce this time around?
Like last time, the item this time is also a cap. The theme was a collection of corporate items.
The Astrology store is a company that sells caps for companies. Vol. 43 "Trucker Caps with a Great Atmosphere and Flavor"The "marmalade" is the most popular type of marmalade in the world.Vol. 106 "Dud Caps Bought in the U.S."But is it a different approach?
We basically buy used items overseas, and we are always happy to find Japanese corporate items, including the surprise of "encountering them overseas. In Thailand and Southeast Asia, you may find recycled goods, or you may find uniforms or promotional novelties from local factories or sales branches that serve as production backgrounds.
That's true. By the way, what do you think about the local distribution price?
Since the value of these products has not yet been discovered except by a few well-known companies and the market has not yet been established, they are sold at low prices as used clothes (laugh). However, some dealers who like such items pick up well-designed items from famous companies such as SONY, Panasonic, and TOYOTA at a certain price. Kawasaki, for example, is on that side of the market.
Kawasaki cap ¥6,600(On the Way Store)
It's good timing, as motorcycle culture has been attracting a lot of attention in Japan in recent years. You have made a very elaborate product.
It's worth a look. The K logo is embroidered on the front! The design is reminiscent of a racing jacket, and it's in the company's iconic lime green, also known as "Kawasaki green," so it's a perfect match for the racing team. The strap on the back has an embroidered logo and an original tag, so it may have been used by the racing team staff or a merchandising item sold by the company.
The next one will be interesting too. Kubota...you know...?
Kubota cap ¥5,500(On the Way Store)
That's right. Kubota, Japan's top manufacturer of agricultural machinery. According to its official website, the company is engaged in a wide range of businesses, including environmental solutions. I bought this one because I liked the overall atmosphere of the design, including the logo. The URL embroidered on the back is for Berg Equipment, one of the largest Kubota dealers in Canada. Kubota has a lineup of heavy equipment for forestry use, and the combination of this bright orange and real tree camo pattern makes sense when you hear it is Canadian.
What is the third?
Fishing enthusiasts are familiar with the "DAIWA" brand. The "TEAM DAIWA" was a title given to the top models in the company's lineup from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
Daiwa cap ¥8,800(On the Way Store)
I used to wear one like this when I lived in the neighborhood with an old man who liked to fish.
It is true that only people who really "like" the product would wear it (laughs). (Laughs) This type has a decorative strap, and it is made by Daiwa. The back of the visor is green, and the black cotton and polyester body is accented with gold embroidery. The last one is "BOSS" by Suntory, a beverage manufacturer.
Suntory cap ¥5,500(On the Way Store)
Boss" is a popular series that is still being sold today. I have an image that they often make novelty goods for apparel, such as the Boss Jean, which was a big hit as part of a giveaway campaign.
Bosjan is often found in Japan because of their ongoing giveaway campaign, but I thought caps were rare. This one was found in Thailand. I have encountered the same cap several times, but I don't feel that Boss itself is sold in Thailand separately, so maybe it flowed from Japan... No, it was sold in Australia, so maybe it was a novelty.
The silhouette also feels modern in a roundabout way.
The visor is a bit long and the cover is shallow. The silhouette looks like something a street brand would make, but the adjuster on the back is a sliding belt instead of a crackle. I think this retro specification is also in the current mood. Not only this, but also other Japanese companies' products may look too much like a target when matched with elaborate outfits, so I recommend you to take it easy and not be overzealous.
Tsubasa Koyama / ONTHEWAY STORE Owner
After working for a custom-made jewelry company, she went to Australia to work as a migrant worker, aiming to become independent. In the summer of 2023, he opened "ONTHEWAY STORE" in the Noge area, Yokohama's drinking district, to sell his jewelry and selected apparel. The store is located in the Noge area of Yokohama's drinking district. The store mainly deals in niche brands from Japan and abroad, as well as vintage clothing.
Instagram:@ontheway_store_yokohama
