NIGO® & Jun Takahashi: NOWHERE | Hypebeast

Did the big brands affect the scene in Harajuku?

I would say the styles are different but overall, the inclusion of large brands into the Harajuku landscape creates something bright and beautiful and not necessarily as bad as many would perceive.

How come Japanese brands are, for the most part, slow to develop on a global scale?

Japanese brands often focus more on the creative aspect of their work. Business isn’t the main focal point of owning a brand. With the beginnings of most Japanese brands, the design and being creative are the most important things and only when there is a bit of local acceptance does the brand slowly begin to fan out on a larger scale. But overall, without this mentality of business, it does result in slower operations and developments on a global scale.

Do you want to keep your presence more within Japan? Or branch out globally?

We only want to further grow our brand on a wider scale when we’re confident of the brand’s direction and products.

Any upcoming projects?

For NOWHERE itself, we don’t really have anything in the pipeline.

NIGO: Being a freelance creative, I have a lot more opportunities but I’m keeping them under wraps for now.

Jun: My only wish is to continue improving what I do.

Jun and NIGO, thanks for much for your time. Do you have any last words?

Thank you very much for the opportunity and please come to our store!