Denim Sceneries
A Passion for Denim: The Story of One Notebook
Whenever a new denim release comes out, it is a must-buy for him. With a collection of over 70 pairs, Mr. Kenta Goto, also known as the original Denim Master at 45R, is a remarkable denim aficionado within our company.
We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Goto from the Appare division.
- Encounter with Denim -
When did you first become interested in denim?
"Thanks to my father's influence, I've been wearing denim since before I can even remember."
His first personal denim purchase was a reissue of the vintage 501xx. At the time, he had no knowledge of denim and was so surprised by the shrinkage and distortion after washing that he rushed the jeans back to the store in a panic.
- Meeting 45R -
"After moving to Tokyo, I was captivated by a pair of jeans displayed in a shop along Meiji Street.
The sheer coolness of it drew me inside, where a stunning array of white shirts lined the racks.
Over time, my frequent visits turned my desire from simply wanting their denim to wanting to work at 45R."
Mr. Goto shared his impactful first encounter with 45R, conveying his straightforward desire to work surrounded by the things he loves.
- About the Notebook -
For over 20 years, he has maintained a notebook filled with everything from denim-related knowledge about materials, yarns, and dyeing to simple questions.
"Three years after joining, I was tasked with managing a store, and I had weekly opportunities to visit the main office in Minami-Aoyama. Every week, I would stop Oyakata, the president of 45R and Ms. Inoue Yasumi, the designer, to pepper them with questions throughout the year."
After being chosen as the first Denim Master, he had the valuable opportunity to tailor denim from scratch as part of his training, learning about various treatments and washes. Among the pages, a question stands out: "Why make denim?"
The top answer written was "Love".
"At the time, I didn't quite understand what that meant, but after 20 years, it finally makes sense to me."
He recalled hearing the president speak of the beauty in designs born from love, such as the patches and mends a parent makes on their child's clothes, which helped him understand the depth of the answer.
- Favorite Denim Style -
"Back then, I always wore a Nando Nando denim shirt that was the same as this pair of jeans."
His favorite piece of denim is a pair purchased in 2003, woven from indigo-dyed yarn both inside and out, known as Nando Nando denim. Even after more than 20 years, these jeans are still cherished and in beautiful condition.
- About Repairs -
"Back in the day, I wore a 29-inch waist, but I wanted to continue wearing them even as my body changed, so I had them altered at Manzoku Workshop to increase the waist and extend the length a bit."
When asked about his styling preferences, he gave a simple answer: a white shirt and jeans.
This straightforward style is one he chooses so he can age gracefully and wear it well over the years.
Denim Tale Continued
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
White Denim
Just as pristine as a white coat or as transparent as a Khadi blouse, the image of white varies with its shades and intensity. Our White Denim embodies a warm, rustic white that pairs well with both summer and winter outfits, offering versatile off-white hues.
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
Kawaraban Print
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
The Power Loom Stamp
The gravity loom is indispensable in the creation of 45R's Japanese artisan denim. With only a few of these antique looms still operational in Japan, they have garnered worldwide attention for their rarity and historical significance.
The Three Treasures of Denim Matsuri
Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.
Denim Styles
To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.
Patch
In the serene stance of prayer or the dignified seiza posture on tatami mats, lies the essence of the leather patch. Crafting a patch that seamlessly blends into the tapestry of Japanese landscapes has been a pivotal challenge we've embraced alongside the inception of our denim's second chapter.
Embroidery Thread
"I love ‘R’ embroidery. "These precious words were given to us by a customer. R embroidery is the emblem of 45R. We call this R embroidery "Sleeping R. " With its relaxed, horizontal form, it embodies richness and freedom.
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 1
Hiroaki Maekawa Katachi Laboratory Department, Joined in 1998. Deeply connected to denim factories, with unparalleled love and knowledge for denim within the company.
The Five Shades of Indigo and Finishes
There's a phrase that says, "Sumi ni Gosai Ari," referring to the five shades of sumi ink. In the art of ink wash painting, shades of ink are used to represent different hues, ranging from the deep color of calligraphy ink to the lightest shades that look almost like water.
Union Special
The sound of a sewing machine, "Whirr-whirr, whirr-whirr" echoes from the back of the shop. In 45R's store, denim hems are altered with an old sewing machine painted with "Union Special."
Denim Tale Continued
Appare Crafted Denim
Appare... A state of being remarkably splendid, impressive. The boldly applied patchwork and brightly
White Denim
Just as pristine as a white coat or as transparent as a Khadi blouse, the image of white varies with its shades and intensity. Our White Denim embodies a warm, rustic white that pairs well with both summer and winter outfits, offering versatile off-white hues.
Denim Masterful Repairs
Denim that has been worn and loved often develops holes, frayed hems, and worn pockets.
Kawaraban Print
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
Denim Journey Journal - Episode 2
The launch of the 2024 Denim Second Chapter Collection marks the beginning of a series of in-store events known as Denim Matsuri, aimed at sharing our passion with more customers.
The Power Loom Stamp
The gravity loom is indispensable in the creation of 45R's Japanese artisan denim. With only a few of these antique looms still operational in Japan, they have garnered worldwide attention for their rarity and historical significance.
The Three Treasures of Denim Matsuri
Many of you who have visited our 45R store are likely familiar with "Matsuri." This event, pulsing with energy, involves the entire team coming together as one. It's not just a store event; it's a traditional festivity for us. And the symbols of 45R Denim Matsuri are known as the Three Treasures.
Denim Styles
To mark the beginning of Denim Chapter II, we've assembled five distinctive designs. First, for true denim enthusiasts, we present Sorahikohime. This straight silhouette, built with rugged construction and minimal embellishment, stands as a hallmark of 45R's denim craftsmanship, stitched powerfully with thick cotton thread.
