Hats that are inspired by stories, hats that give rise to stories

—What are the distinguishing features of the hats you make, Mr. Takeichi?

I place great importance on patterns. Also, I often have opportunities to introduce hats while talking with customers, so I incorporate their opinions and comments into my own creations. I combine my hat-making skills with various opinions to create my products. My primary focus in design is ensuring that the hat looks beautiful on adults.

—What are your particular preferences when it comes to hats?

I designed this hat with practicality in mind. The "Stranger Hat," created with the theme of "taking it on a trip," is made from durable canvas that can be washed in a washing machine and is easily foldable, but the use of a plastic cord at the top of the hat helps it return to its original shape when worn. I wanted this hat to give off a "stranger" vibe when traveling, so I made it not too outdoorsy.


Additionally, the hat we named the "Town Diver Hat" is a fedora-style design themed around "exploring the city." While it might look outdoorsy at first glance, the material gives it an elegant feel, making it easy to wear without feeling self-conscious.

I was able to realize my dream of "making a living by creating things I love."

—Mr. Takeichi, why did you decide to work at "Taito Designers Village"?

I've known about this place since I was working as a craftsman at a hat manufacturer. At the time, I mainly handled OEM work for domestic apparel brands, but I thought, "I want to do work where I can create things from scratch," so I considered the option of starting my own brand. However, even though I could make products, I had virtually no experience in selling them or presenting myself, so when I thought about going independent, I remembered this facility.

I wanted to know what the world expects of so-called creators, so before moving in, I listened to the incubator manager at Design Village and decided to go independent hoping to find my own way of doing things.

—How was your experience living in "Design Village" for the three years you've been a resident?

It's been a three-year period, but it's been nothing but good things. I was able to be fully aware of the process from creating a product, getting people to see it, and getting them to hold it in their hands. This place aims to support entrepreneurs who want to run a business rather than just be artists, so I think it's a great place for people who want to make a living by creating things they love. For me, these three years allowed me to objectively think about what I should create.