After 2021’s North America Roadshow GORE-TEX Studio has visited 13 like-minded individuals in different cities across Japan to talk about their personal backgrounds, local climates, favorite spots, and GORE-TEX. As a visual component, each host picked her/his favorite GORE-TEX outfit to be portrayed in. The result is a showcase of diverse styles and subcultures, captured for the GORE-TEX STUDIO JAPAN ROADSHOW.
GORE-TEX Studio: How would you describe yourself in 1 sentence max? A lazy, hard-working artist
GORE-TEX Studio: Tell us a bit about your city’s climate. What are your three favorite spots - in the summer, in the winter (outside)? What is your favorite method of transportation and why? How do you prep for bad weather if you spend time outside? My city is rather quiet. There are four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The most pleasant days are the sunny days in autumn. My favorite spots are Yoyogi Park, and Nozawa Onsen in winter, My favorite methods of transpiration are cycling and running.
GORE-TEX Studio: What are you wearing today? Why are you wearing it, and did you have a particular weather scenario in mind when choosing this piece? What do you love most about your GORE-TEX product? Today I’m wearing the Nike ACG GTX Misery Ridge Jacket. I like the technical features that offer protection from the weather, even when it’s raining a lot.
GORE-TEX Studio: Where and when did you get this... Do you have any special memories connected to this item? If you could go anywhere, where would you like to take this piece? I got this jacket from a friend who works for Nike. I took this jacket with me when I climbed Mount Asahi Hokkaido. It was windy and crowded on the mountain, but the jacket’s bright design and hard shell saved me. The next time I go climbing, I will definitely bring this jacket.
GORE-TEX Studio: Why do you think functional clothing has gotten more popular in recent years? I think it’s simple. Functional things are just better.
GORE-TEX Studio: How do you define the term “comfort” in clothing, in particular technical apparel? To me, comfort is a garment that helps you feel comfortable in an uncomfortable place.
GORE-TEX Studio: What are you looking for in the next six months and what challenges do you see that you’re excited about? In October, I finished my solo exhibition The Elephant in the Room at Lurf Museum in Daikanyama. I also published my first book, and I plan on touring with that book. Next March, I'll be holding an exhibition at the Ace Hotel in Kyoto, then and in July at the PALI Gallery in Miyakojima.
“To me, it's a garment that helps you feel comfortable in an uncomfortable place.”