PROFILE
He spent his elementary and junior high school years in Seattle, U.S.A., where he discovered skateboarding , and after returning to Japan in 1989, he became a key figure in leading the skateboarding scene in Japan. . He is the editor-in-chief of VHSMAG, one of Japan's leading web media specializing in skateboarding.
Nicknamed "Little Fish", he started skateboarding at the age of 15 and currently works at "FTC TOKYO". . He is often used as a model for magazines and web media. . His hobbies are sea fishing and photography. . His nickname comes from his respect for Sakana-kun.
A fashion model active in magazines and advertisements, she is well versed in 90's hip-hop, skateboarding, and other cultural aspects. In her private life, she likes to wear vintage clothes and sneakers, and her originality in dressing is supported by many men and women.
Vans" encompasses a wide range of genres, from the skating, music, and other cultures behind the brand, to professional wrestling and other martial arts, as well as manga, anime, idols, and other subcultures.
The design of the detailing is closer to the retro model.
VANS: These are the "Pro Skate" and "Skate Classics" from VANS. First of all, how do you like the look?
Sasamoto:So this place (the pith name) is now a checkerboard. The back has the "Vans" logo. It's now easy to tell that it's skate specs.
Asai:. and that's the focus on the box as well.
Shimada:In terms of a quick look at the design, that is the most significant change. The black version was released last month, and now a new white version is available.
Asai:Also, they are off-white, not pure white, so I think they are easy to coordinate with other outfits. Vans" shoes come in many colors and have basic designs, so I like them because they are easy to use. I often dress up my outfits by using the color and pattern of the shoes.
. By the way, you wore socks that matched the checkerboard today.
Asai:These are not "Vans" socks... (laughs). . Today, I put together a full-body outfit with the same California-born brand as the "Vans" brand. I like to coordinate with the country or region where the brand was founded and the culture behind it.
Kajiya:Recently, there has been a huge increase in the number of girl skaters, and they are all wearing plain T-shirts and "Dickies," or high-waisted pants, and they are all very fashionable.
Shimada:Also, in terms of appearance, the sole has a glossy finish and the shape of the sole is slightly shaped. This is used on retro models such as the Anaheim Factory Collection and Vault by Vans, and was also used on Skate Classics. . It's a little easier to clean.
. But I think the charm of "Vans" is that they look cool even when they are dirty.
Shimada:The off-white upper and blue foxing line are classic and popular among the classic models. . they get dirty easily, but I hope people will see that as a taste.
Asai:I think it's okay to wear your sneakers a little dirty rather than clean and polished. Because it feels like it shows your everyday life, and isn't that nice? . I think it would be cool if they get dirty with this shine.
Shimada:A promotional movie for "Skate Classics" featuring a young skater, Daiki Hoshino, will be shown on Vans' websites around the world. The main visual is a pair of dirty shoes that have been worn for a day. I think it is rare for a brand to use dirty shoes in an advertisement.
Kajiya:I would love for you to see that movie.
Shimada:Skaters from the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia were selected one by one, and for the first time, a Japanese skater was chosen for the global product campaign. This is an accomplishment!
Kajiya:Also, the logo on the heel patch and insole has changed. The "Pro Skate" line used to say "pro," but now it says "skateboarding. I feel that the skaters are more important.
Shimada:That's exactly right, the team in the home country always makes shoes with skaters, so it is the brand's policy to reflect feedback such as some parts wear out quickly or are easy to steam, etc. Just as "Era" was created from "Authentic" by reflecting Tony Alba's feedback, we value the feedback from skaters.
Kajiya:Also, I just noticed that there is a small "SK8" on the waffle sole.
Sasamoto:It's true! It's written very small.
Shimada:Well noticed! It used to be "Pro" here too , but the waffle sole was changed and it became "SK8".
What has changed with Waffle Sole?
Shimada:It has been replaced with a new rubber called Sixtick , and the grooves in the waffle sole have been deepened. Grip and durability have been increased.
Kajiya:. Indeed, the outsole is very sticky. Jeff Laurie told me that the old American-made "Vans" also had a very sticky outsole, and when he threw them against a wall, they stuck.
Sasamoto:I used to wear them until the waffle soles were flattened out because I didn't have the allowance to buy new skates. . it's nice to see that they are more durable and less prone to wear and tear.
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