Special conversation between Ken Nishiyama and Masahiko Kusagaya

Resonance of commitmentVol.1～Looking back at the joint exhibition～

Ken Nishiyama × Masahiko Kusagaya
Special conversation

Resonance of commitmentVol.1～Looking back at the joint exhibition～

7moon13Sun～15day3Minami Aoyama for daysSTUMP BASELifestyle joint exhibition held at. "Beautiful Lifestyle'', we offer everything from apparel, sports, jewelry, fragrances, next-generation home appliances, wellness, miscellaneous goods to natural wine.12Brands gathered together, and many happy encounters were created for both exhibitors and visitors. This time, we present a special conversation with Ken Nishiyama, the instigator of the project, representative of the Brooklyn Museum, and Kusagaya's ally.

Kusagaya: Thank you for your hard work the other day. Thank you very much for giving me this precious opportunity.

Nishiyama: Thank you very much. I think not only us, but everyone who was there was happy.

Kusagaya: That's right. It was very stimulating for me, and it was very popular with our customers, and we've already heard from customers who couldn't come this time that they definitely want to go next time.

Nishiyama: Thank you. After that, a lot of people told me that we had a great time together, but it wasn't like we had gathered people specifically for this occasion, it was just friends who were close to us on a regular basis, so the atmosphere was natural.

Kusagaya: There was a really wide variety of brands, and everyone was creative and unique, and all of them had their own wonderful things they were particular about.

Nishiyama: Exhibitors, visitors, everyone.“Someone who understands”Because of that, I think we were able to have a very positive and good conversation even when we met for the first time. I received a lot of feedback saying, ``It was fun,'' and it was a very fulfilling time for me as well. I was happy to be able to share that atmosphere and worldview with so many people. Kusagaya-kun, how was it for you personally?

Kusagaya: It was a special joint exhibition that felt out of the ordinary. Also, all of the brands came together through Ken-san's filter, so I felt like there was a tremendous amount of empathy. Don't just empathize with it.“depth”That's amazing. It didn't take long for me to get to know the exhibitors as well as the customers from other brands I was meeting for the first time. The sense of unity felt like a music festival, and I was surrounded by such comfort.

Nishiyama: I feel the same way. Even the lingering aftertaste was pleasant. It's great to be able to enjoy the aftertaste.

Kusagaya: I would be happy if a variety of people could enjoy that experience.

Nishiyama: Actually, I've been thinking a little about what's next, and I'm thinking that next time it might be a good idea to do it in a place that everyone would be interested in visiting. New or popular places. For example, a recently opened luxury hotel.

Kusagaya: An event that encourages people to go to places they want to visit. That feeling is great.

Nishiyama: In addition to the brands that gathered this time, I hope that new friends will also participate.

Kusagaya: The possibilities are expanding.

Nishiyama: Eventually, I think it would be interesting if we could go overseas with the brands we gathered through this connection. For example, Paris, Florence, Singapore,NY, let's do it in Shanghai. When I say this, it sounds like something amazing, but I think it's totally possible if we all work together.

Kusagaya: I think so too. I want to spread the circle of empathy and resonance around the world.

Nishiyama: What the brands that gathered at the joint exhibition have in common is that they are all really serious about making things. No one wants to make something cheaply and make a lot of profit. They are all people who take the stance that all they have to do is make something good and get it across to the people who want it.

Kusagaya: I certainly felt that commonality. I've been working here for 20 years, and my values ​​haven't wavered.

Nishiyama: Of course, if it sells a lot, it's fine, but at the core of it all, I don't want to go so far as to compromise my own wishes. The price will inevitably be higher because of the care we put into it, but the ideal is to make a good product and make it available to people who appreciate it.

Kusagaya: The key is how to increase the number of people who understand that stance. It's about expanding the circle of empathy. It's important to talk to each person individually and get a sense of their charm.

Nishiyama: It's important that we advertise Burn and not just say, "Everyone come!" It's great to have your customers introduce you one by one, and the connections that grow.

Kusagaya: Thank you very much. We often receive new customers from customers who have used our products and found it to be a good product. I think Ken's brand is the same. When you actually try it on and feel that it's comfortable and feels great, that's what makes you want to introduce it to someone.

Nishiyama: It's difficult to introduce someone to someone if you don't have confidence in yourself.

Kusagaya: In that sense, that joint exhibition was full of brands that I wanted to introduce.

Nishiyama: I'm glad to hear that. What's important is that it's a brand that you want to introduce, along with the personality of the creator. I would say it's a good worldview where the creator and item are a set. Lately, I've come to think that "comfort" isn't just about "good things." I feel like the joint exhibition was a complete product in which the "brand," "space," and "visitors" all fit perfectly.

Kusagaya: Yes, I understand. I would like to continue to brush up and improve. The more I look back, the more I realize how great the space, members, and customers were. It will bring back your happy feelings.

Kusagaya: We'd also like to do a joint exhibition, but I'd like the two of us to create something together.

Nishiyama: That sounds interesting too. How to combine fabric and leather...

Kusagaya: For example, the background might be interesting. Ken-san's branded fabric is well made, so with a little lining it should be durable enough... For example, try using our own material for the handle, or add a leather tag.

Nishiyama: I see. That's a really good idea.

Kusagaya: Of course, I think design is important, but I also believe that it depends on the materials, so I think that by combining the materials that Ken and I are particular about, we can create something truly unique.

Nishiyama: Good. It's a collaboration between brands that are particular about their materials.

Kusagaya: Yes. I think you can make a lot of different things out of something like a purse. Since it's made from T-shirt material, I think there are some that can be used as is, and some that aren't. Although I feel like I have to do some processing, I don't want to do anything unnecessary because I want to take advantage of the quality of the material. Still, I think it would be fun for the two of us to ponder over what kind of design would ensure durability.

Nishiyama: As we talk like this, ideas keep coming to us. Maybe we can make it into some form at the next joint exhibition.

Kusagaya: Just thinking about it makes me excited.

Nishiyama: Exciting, that's important. I want to look to the future and turn my imagination into creation.