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#01_JOURNAL STANDARD

JOURNAL STANDARD" has a wide range of fans from middle-aged to teenagers, with items centered on American casual and outdoor styles. What kind of presence does "Dispatch" have in Japan's leading select store, which selects and selects timeless basics from the "now" and re-edits them into fresh fashion?

Many functions are condensed in a minimalist look.

First of all, please tell us about recent trends in casual bags in general.

shrine river: To be honest, there doesn't seem to be any significant trend when it comes to bags. Simple totes, eco bags, and sakosh bags are selling well, but I think it is because they are easy to buy at a reasonable price point rather than because they are trendy. Also, backpacks continue to be a steady seller.

Do you have any suggestions for bags as "Journal Standard"?

shrine river：We are focusing on items with a sporty atmosphere, including clothing. For bags, we are looking for well-made types with space for gadgets such as laptop computers and tablet devices as well as shoes. Military-style bags are an option for this type of functional bag, but I am more in the mood for a design that looks and feels light, like that of an outdoor manufacturer. However, it is also important to have urban sophistication that differs from athletic, straight-forward sportswear. The "DISPATCH" brand is in line with our proposal.

There are other bag brands that have sporty and urban elements, but why did you choose "Dispatch"?

shrine riverThe brand is based in San Francisco, a progressive, liberal city that was and still is a center of street culture, and it is "made in San Francisco. This was our first hook. It's not easy to see visually, but in men's fashion, it's important to have a background that evokes a sense of romance, and for some reason, it's irresistibly appealing.

shrine riverThe other highlight is the unique features not found in other manufacturers. For example, in the case of this "daypack," the laptop-compatible sleeve has a hollow structure to prevent direct impact even when the bag is placed on the floor. There is also an organizer inside the front pocket, which, unlike ordinary ones that hold stationery and other items, can be used to smartly organize gadget chargers, cables, and other items that tend to get cluttered. Of course, it is not limited to digital gadgets, but is also useful for storing small items that tend to clutter up your bag.

The organizer itself is designed like an extension loop for attaching carabiners or extension pouches to the exterior of a military bag or outdoor pack.

shrine riverThat's what makes it so cool. Moreover, it is cleverly placed not on the exterior but on the interior where it cannot be seen to give it a clean look. This kind of gadget-life-oriented design is typical of "Dispatch," which started out as a camera accessory company. I think this is a product that is different from both military and outdoor products, and is typical of an urban-born brand. At first glance, it looks minimalistic, but you will be surprised when you open it because it is packed with many functions. I use one myself, and I am impressed by how well thought out it is.

What models do you recommend among the extensive "dispatch" lineup?

shrine riverThe "daypack" is still the standard. It is the most popular among all the models, and as many as there are, they are sold. They can be worn with any outfit and are the most convenient in terms of size and feel. In addition, the "Book Pack," which has a slightly thinner gusset, is also popular. As the name suggests, it is suitable for carrying a laptop, notebook, documents, etc., and is just right for people with little luggage. Also, the "waist bag" is convenient for carrying a little bit of stuff on weekends.

The "Book Pack" has a distinctive clasp on the front pocket.

shrine riverThe "German Hook" is a component called a "German Hook". It is a sliding magnet that can be fastened with a single touch, yet will not accidentally open, making it both interesting and practical as a mechanism. These little accessory parts also tickle a man's fancy, and the attention to detail is very thoughtful.

The three items selected as the store's top picks are all black. What was your intention?

shrine riverWe want to introduce as many variations as possible to our customers because the brand has a full lineup of great models. However, we can't carry everything, so we have narrowed down the colors in our stores, focusing on black, which is the most typical "dispatch" color, and have a rich lineup of models to accommodate this.

This is your sixth season in Japan.

shrine riverThe number of orders is growing rapidly. In the beginning, we used to place purchase orders every season, that is, every six months, but that was not enough to keep up with our inventory, so now it is every two months. That's how fast they are selling in the stores. We already have two or three models, and the number of repeat customers is increasing.

What kind of style do "DISPATCH" bags match?

shrine riverThe "dispatch" is a minimalist design that is highly versatile and can be used for outdoor recreation as well as for business use. It can also be used for outdoor recreation and business use, and the high versatility of its minimal design is another appeal of "Dispatch. The flexibility of the brand, which can change its image in any way, allows us to offer a wide range of products to a wide range of customers.

Today, I am conscious of the sporty and urban mood of "DISPATCH," and have paired it with items from the sports brand's fashion line. Casual set-ups like this are a trend this season, and they are a perfect match. By matching the bag and clothes in a similar manner, you can create a more fashionable look.