Takashi Kumagai, known as a stylist and photographer, is launching a new golf line. Kumagai, who has become so passionate about golf in recent years that he says he "plays six days a week," took the initiative to create "renoma golf," the golf line for renoma PARIS. We spoke with him about his thoughts on renoma PARIS and the appeal of golf, given his past experience living in Paris.

View Renoma Paris products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store.

After just two years and three months of playing, she achieved a best score of 82—what talent!

Those who know Mr. Kumagai probably picture him as a surfer. In his guidebook, "The Takashi Kumagai Guidebook" (published by Lighthouse Media), he says that "my perspective on life changed dramatically when I encountered surfing," indicating that the ocean has had a significant impact on him.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when he had a lot of free time on his hands, he took up golf after being invited by an acquaintance. He broke 120 on his first round and has since improved to the point where he has recorded his best score of 82.


"At first, I started without any real interest, but as is often the case, I ended up getting completely absorbed in it. When I was younger, I used to go to the driving range with my father and friends just for fun, and they would praise me for my talent. When I actually started playing, it turned out I did have talent after all (laughs). I thought I might be able to aim for the 70s, but reality is tough, and currently I score in the high 80s to 90s. Sometimes I even hit 100."

He laughs, saying that two weeks ago he played golf six days a week, and last week he rested his body. "Until now, I had never bought clothes with collars, but now I only buy clothes with collars or mock necks," he added.

Many golf courses strictly adhere to the dress code, requiring collared shirts as a matter of etiquette for golf, a sport traditionally considered gentleman's. In recent years, mock neck turtlenecks have begun to be accepted as a substitute, but surfer Kumagai's wardrobe mainly consists of street-style clothing such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies, and collared shirts are not his forte. Nevertheless, he is also known as a collector of Supreme®, and he says, "These days, even when buying Supreme, I start with collared shirts," showing that he filters his own fashion choices through the lens of golf.

What is it about golf that has made you so hooked that you've completely revamped your wardrobe?

He's already starting to be recognized by those around him as a golfer rather than a surfer. His statement, "If I get injured, I won't be able to play golf, so I'm even thinking about switching to a longboard," clearly illustrates his "golf surfing" philosophy. What is it about golf that has him so engrossed in it?


"It requires you to use your brain. The strategy and management aspects are what make it interesting. Also, I expected that with my physique, I'd be able to hit it around 300 yards with ease, but I can't seem to do that. I've sought guidance from an instructor, and I've managed to reach that distance a few times, but I've realized that at the next level, hitting it long distances isn't the point. As I move on to different styles like this, I can't help but feel the depth of the sport."

My network of contacts is also changing. Unlike surfing, where I always go with the same group of friends, golf has expanded my network beyond just friends and acquaintances. Age is irrelevant as I connect with industries I've never had any contact with before. I sometimes get easily beaten by much more experienced golfers. Occupation is also irrelevant. I was once astonished when a taxi driver I happened to be riding with struck up a conversation and told me he shoots in the 60s.

"One of the unique aspects of golf is that you can't tell if someone is good or bad just by looking at them. I've also been invited to play by senior figures in industries I've never spoken to before, and the way we naturally become closer is exactly the same as how office workers become friends with their bosses and clients through golf. I find it interesting that the types of people I associate with have changed."

Renoma Paris's golf line, which he volunteered for.

Mr. Kumagai, who has the face of a golfer through and through, is launching a new golf line this season from Renoma Paris. The brand was founded in Paris in 1963 and is known as a mega-brand that has since developed many licensed brands, but why did Mr. Kumagai focus on Renoma Paris?

"Having lived in Paris before, I had a good impression of Renoma Paris. When I thought about wanting to work on golf apparel, Renoma Paris immediately came to mind. One reason was that, among the many licensed brands, there wasn't a golf line in Japan. My work originally involves themes of brand relaunch and revitalization, and Renoma Paris was a brand I had always wanted to work with as part of that. It feels like the timing just happened to align perfectly this time."


The first collection, to be unveiled this January, will feature over 40 items. While based on their signature street fashion, the lineup also includes pieces that are suitable for golf wear.

"The theme colors are black and brown. This is just my personal image, but I associate the 1960s Renoma Paris with sepia-toned browns and beiges. In addition, I aimed for a modern design that can be worn in the city. A design that you can wear straight to dinner after a round of golf, wear as everyday wear, and even wear to the gym."






While resisting the still-persistent trend of flashy apparel, the brand also pays close attention to modern silhouettes. The polo shirts feature a shallow placket and a single snap button. The mock neck shirts are made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying material so that the designer can wear them even when doing Pilates. The sweatshirt hoodies have a bold logo on the back, adjusted so that the logo stands out when viewed from behind during a backswing. The bench coat, in particular, is eye-catching and useful not only for golf but also for other outdoor sports.

They are also focusing on accessories. In addition to headcovers, they have a wide collection of small items such as bags. The tote bags and headcovers, which are exclusive to the Isetan Shinjuku store, feature a black background with a contrasting brand logo. They also offer bucket hats, caps, socks, and other items that can be used not only for golf but also for everyday wear.


Furthermore, Mr. Kumagai introduced a putter made of German stainless steel. It has a soft and delicate feel and is a high-quality piece of gear favored by many tour professionals. Only 100 of these were specially made to commemorate the first collection. This attention to detail reinforces the level of seriousness, but he hasn't forgotten his roots as a stylist.

"Functionality is important, but visuals are crucial. I simply can't accept typical golf fashion. I aim for designs that are acceptable even at prestigious golf courses, but I'm also pushing the boundaries of what's actually permissible, such as making the shorts a bit shorter. I want to revolutionize the world of golf style by adopting styles that I myself have worn and found acceptable during rounds."

The visuals for the newly launched Instagram account were also shot by Mr. Kumagai. He is creating a world view that appeals to a wide range of people, from older generations to younger ones. Mr. Kumagai's direction of everything resulted in a cohesive collection.
A pop-up shop will be held at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st floor promotion area from Wednesday, January 25th to Tuesday, February 7th. During this period, there will also be days when the shop owner will personally be there to serve customers.

"I think I've found a hobby that's so good it's changed my lifestyle. If I separate my hobby from my work, one of them tends to suffer, so I try to keep them together as much as possible. As a director of a golf brand, I need a certain level of skill. Even when I go to the driving range in the middle of the day, I can justify it by thinking that it's part of my job."

View Renoma Paris products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store.

Text: Yasuyuki Ikeda
Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa