On Wednesday, July 20th, the opening day of the currently running " PITTI IMMAGINE UOMO at ISETAN MEN'S ," the Sapeurs, a group of fashionistas from the Republic of Congo in Africa who have inherited a unique aesthetic, appeared at Isetan Men's. They paraded through the building an hour before closing time, performing their distinctive steps and dances.

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▶Click here for a list of photos from the "SAPEUR SPECIAL PARTY"

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Six "Sapeurs" suddenly appeared at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . The surprise appearance excited passersby, who were taking pictures with their smartphones.

The "Sapeurs" are a group of stylish and elegant gentlemen living in Congo, a country with an average monthly income of 30,000 yen and an unstable political background plagued by civil war. They are known for their vibrant suiting style, meticulously chosen accessories, and a shared philosophy encompassing not only the way they tie their ties and behave, but also their overall principles. Based on the principles of "being elegant, behaving politely, respecting others, and upholding non-violence," they convey a message of peace through fashion.
In recent years, the Sapeurs' passion for "dressing up" and their way of life have also attracted attention, with a photo exhibition held to coincide with the publication of Kunio Chano's photobook "THE SAPEUR: The World's Most Stylish Gentlemen I Met in Congo," as well as a special documentary aired on NHK General.

Mr. Severin, known as the "Great Sapeur" with 43 years of experience as a "Sapeur," appeared wearing a "fishing flag jacket" that he said was a gift from Kansai Yamamoto.

Dressed in their own unique and vibrant fashion, they paraded from the basement to the 8th floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building with their distinctive steps. On each floor, they performed dances with the staff and posed for photos with customers and fans, creating a heartwarming scene.

Furthermore, after closing time, a "SAPEUR SPECIAL PARTY" was held for specially invited guests. Bonifas Resoner, Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of Congo, also attended and concluded by saying, "We are proud that they, who are messengers of peace to us, showcased SUP in Japan, a country of peace, and we would like to share this event with the people of Congo. In the future, we hope to spread the 'Sapeur' culture to Japan and France and hold an event where we can compete to see which country is the most fashionable."

Bonifas Rezonner, Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Congo, was also in attendance.

The six members who came to Japan this time are, from left to right: Muyengo Severin, Kanga Erick, John Barreta, Malonga Jober, Ibarra Renaud, and Yves Saint Laurent.

As the announcement of their introduction was made, they made their entrance, showcasing their signature dance moves.

The six Sapeurs who have come to Japan this time are Yves Saint Laurent, Maronga Jober, John Barreta, Kanga Eric, Ibarra Renaud, and Muyengo Severin. One of their purposes is to photograph the second volume of photographer Kunio Chano's photobook, "Sapeurs Traveling in Japan," and to attend the photo exhibition that is being held in Okinawa from July 23rd (Saturday). They will be traveling all over Japan, including Kamakura, Tokyo, Okinawa, Sendai, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. In addition, on July 30th (Saturday) and 31st (Sunday), they will be holding events at the 6th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan and at Iwataya Main Store in Fukuoka, similar to the events at Isetan Men's. Customers in the area should definitely not miss it!

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"THE SAPEUR in KYOTO"
□Saturday, July 30th, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM□JR Kyoto Isetan, 6th Floor = Special venue next to the central escalator
https://www.facebook.com/wjri.k.mens

"THE SAPEUR in IWATAYA"
□Sunday, July 31st, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM□Iwataya Main Store, Main Building, 5th Floor = Men's Floor
http://www.i.iwataya-mitsukoshi.co.jp/real/event/sapeur/index.html

Kunio Chano
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1959. Began working as a freelance photographer immediately after graduating from university. In 1984, became the youngest person to be nominated as a full member of the Japan Advertising Photographers Association (APA). Moved to the United States in 1986 and worked for NEW YORK YOMIURI PRESS. Conducted on-location photography in Europe and the United States. Moved to Okinawa in 1991. Currently based in Okinawa, he dedicates his life to advertising photography and photography of the Sapeurs.
www.sapchano.com

The world's most stylish gentleman from Congo, Africa
"SAPEUR" Photo Exhibition
THE SAPEUR
□ July 23 (Sat) - August 31 (Wed), 2016, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM □ Plaza House Shopping Center Fair Mall 3F, Rycom Anthropologie (3-1-12 Kubota, Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture)
■Admission fee: 500 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger)

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