. First of all, please tell us how you first met NAOKI and VANS.
NAOKI. I think I was in the 5th grade or so, when I started wearing my 5-year-old brother's personal slippers without his permission. . I think they were "slip-ons" or "authentic," I think. Besides "Vans," I used to wear "Converse" and "Airwalk" a lot. At the time, I didn't really care about the brand, I just naturally picked up "Vans. I think it was a year later, around 6th grade, that I started wearing Vans shoes with full awareness of the brand. I bought my first pair of slip-ons, and I often paired them with Levi's 517 and 646 boot cuts, with an eye toward the 70's. I would go to thrift stores and look for cheap ones. I used to go to thrift stores to find cheap ones and buy them.
Not from Skate?
NAOKII started out wearing "Vans" just to follow my surfer brother's fashion, but then I got interested in "Vans," and I discovered skating through my own exploration of the various cultures surrounding the brand. From there, I got into old-school skating. When I was in the 6th grade, I bought a Caballero sweatshirt at a local thrift store. I think it was 9,800 yen. From then on, Powell's, Santa Cruz, and Vans became special to me. . Then I started wearing high socks and skating in Vans sneakers. I used to go into the concrete ramp, do airs, and fall off my head... (laughs) . Looking back now, I can definitely say that skating definitely nurtured my aggressive spirit.
What attracted you to "Vans" out of all the different types of sneakers?
NAOKI. I remember "Skull Pirates" well. . I remember how impressive they were. . and the black-based floral patterned "slip-on" shoes. These two patterns were just so cool, and I became a fan at once. I could say that it was the coloring and color combinations of "Vans" at that time that made me who I am. I think a lot of that is reflected in the creations of "Sunny Sea Cider. I also wanted to wear something different from others, I think that was at the root of it. It's exactly like "off the wall. My brother used to wear "Converse" a lot, so I guess I had a rebellious spirit against them. I guess there was a kind of rebellious spirit against that, too. Also, I always saw "Vans" in the culture. Skating, music, art, everything I liked was Vans. Anyway, "Vans" is my roots.
Whenever I see you, you always wear "Vans. Why are you so particular about it?
NAOKI. We are the Kicks generation. The most cool thing that this generation can express is sneakers. I've been wearing "Vans" for a long time, so I want to express that. It may be against the rules, but I wear "Vans" on my feet when I go to weddings, funerals, and even when I wear a suit. . I may be an idiot, but I don't wear cushioned sneakers when I go to the gym. . I always wear "authentic" or "slip-ons" no matter what. . I can always feel the closest to what I'm used to when something happens. . They are more practical for me than technical sneakers. Of course, when I ride my skateboard, I still wear Vans "Old Skools. I have to wear them or I get ankle sprains. My feet are so used to the shape of Vans that I can't wear any other sneakers. (Laughs) But Vans are such an integral part of my body, and from a fashion point of view, it wouldn't be complete without them.