-What made you start playing golf?
I was greatly influenced by the people in the American street fashion industry that I have known for many years. When I went to the US after the COVID-19 pandemic ended, I heard that everyone was playing golf during the pandemic, so I was encouraged to do the same and started playing golf at that time.
-What's fun about golf?
I've only been playing for about a year and a half, but the most important thing about this sport is facing yourself. Rather than competing with someone, it's more like stoically improving your score, fighting against your past, and it's not a sport where you do well once and then do well again the next time. I find that it's deep, and it's a sport I'm looking forward to continuing to play for a long time.
-What are the points to consider when choosing golf items?
Speaking of style, it's not the typical golf style, but rather a street style that is also valid as golf wear. I choose my items while keeping that balance in mind.
-What is your favorite golf item?
This head cover is from westerngales, a company specially made for The DIVOT STORE by my friend, the stylist Sasagawa. The color is vibrant and the green stands out, but this head cover is made from upcycled ship sails, and I really like the texture of the material.
-What golf course do you often go to?
I often go to Tokyo Sobu Country Club and PGM Maria Golf Links.
-Which golf course would you like to visit?
I'd say St. Andrews in Scotland. It's a holy place, so I really want to go there. I'd like to go there someday.
-Who is your favorite golfer?
I knew about Tiger Woods' success story as the first person of color to win the Masters before I even started playing golf, and I realized how amazing he is even more after I started playing golf. I even went to the Navy Golf Course in Seal Beach, where he played as a child, in the United States. Then there's Hideki Matsuyama, the first Asian to win the Masters, a world-class golfer, and the pride of Asia.
-Who do you look to for inspiration when it comes to golf fashion?
I like Michelle Kaneko of CAPTAIS HELM GOLF because of the relaxed silhouette but not too loose, giving it just the right balance of style.
-Who would you like to go on a course with?
At my current level, I don't have any desire to do that yet (laughs). Right now, I'm just competing with myself, and of course, I'm having fun (laughs).
-What are some recommended movies, books, and manga related to golf?
"Tiger Woods: Light and Shadow". It's a realistic documentary that focuses on his glory and failures, and it's well worth watching. Even if you're not interested in golf, I think it's worth a watch, so please do.
