Minami is extremely rational and has a broad perspective. His rationality is evident even in his approach to tools.

"I use a rotary cutter for cutting. The factory I worked at used cutters, so I've been using them ever since. If you're thinking about the appearance of a craftsman, scissors would be better. But when you cut with a blade, the fabric lifts up and shifts. Maybe being able to take that into account is what makes you a professional, but you don't need to hone your skills in that way. Because a cutter is far more accurate and faster."

MINAMI SHIRTS offers three bespoke options: machine-made, half-hand, and fully hand-made, but Minami recommends the machine-made option.

"The comfort of a shirt is determined by the pattern and the fabric. Whether it's hand-sewn or not is more of a psychological matter. Of course, if you want to create a softer feel, hand-sewn has the advantage."

The breadth of their vision is demonstrated by their materials. MINAMI SHIRTS features a lineup of original Japanese fabrics alongside renowned international fabric brands.



"We have a custom fabric made in Nishiwaki, Hyogo Prefecture. It's a famous production area known as Banshu-ori. The fabric is 140/2/2, meaning two double-ply yarns are twisted together. It's incredibly strong despite being an ultra-fine count yarn that is supple and lustrous. That's the charm of this fabric. It started with the idea that it would be interesting to make something like this, but beyond that, we also had the hope that it would help promote the production area, even just a little."

If the producing regions thrive, that will eventually come back to benefit us as well.

This focus on the origin of the materials is evident in the mother-of-pearl buttons that were just completed a short while ago. At 3.5mm thick, they feel wonderfully smooth to the touch as you open and close the buttons—a product Minami is very proud of.


"We commission a factory in Nara. Nara is the production center for shell buttons, accounting for 90% of Japan's total production. However, even the taxi driver who took us to the factory didn't know that fact. I thought this wouldn't do, so I had them engrave 'MADE IN NARA' on the back of the buttons. As a result, each button ended up costing 2 to 3 yen more (laughs)."

It's surprising enough that an independent shirt maker is creating its own original designs, but when they said they want to grow their own cotton in the not-too-distant future, I was speechless for quite some time.



However, all I can say is that Minami has earned his current position through sheer determination. Three years in a factory, seven years as a subcontractor, and four years since launching his own original business—he has now built up the strength to employ four staff members. When I asked him if he was unstoppable, he remained modest, saying, "It's up to the customers to evaluate me." After I persisted with my questions, he paused for a while before saying this.

"To be honest, I'm confident I'm second to none. But this job is a battle against myself. There's no such thing as 'finished' when it comes to shirt making."

Photo: Shimpei Suzuki
Text: Kei Takegawa

Related Article ▶ MINAMI SHIRTS | Thorough shirt making, done entirely in the workshop attached to the store, without outsourcing.

Event Information

MINAMI SHIRTS Order Event

□Sunday, November 11th, 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM□ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor = Dress Shirts & Ties
Order Details
■Price: From 37,800 yen ■Delivery: Approximately 8 weeks later

*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor = Dress Shirts & Ties
03-3352-1111 (main representative)