Takahiro Kinoshita Discusses the Rejuvenation of an Iconic Japanese Fashion Magazine

Japan’s POPEYE magazine has been in the business for an impressive 40 years. Having first started as a relatively sports-focused publication, the brand has since secured itself as a staple among contemporary culture and fashion titles. The path to success has not always been smooth for the volume though, especially not over the last decade. However, after bringing current Editor-in-Chief Takahiro Kinoshita on board in 2012, POPEYE underwent a refocus, a redesign and eventually a renaissance of sorts. With the magazine reemerging as a prominent power within men’s fashion monthlies from Japan, Kinoshita has definitely proved himself as a force to be reckoned with. Inventory magazine recently sat down with the editor to discuss his relationship with the publication, as well as what piques his interest the most when it comes to the current fashion landscape. You can read an excerpt from the interview below, and can head over to Inventory to read the full article.

You played a big role in the recent rejuvenation of Popeye, having taken over as Editor-in-Chief. Can you share your thoughts on steering such an historical publication in a new direction?
My interest in the publication started from reading Popeye in my youth. I cannot express how much of an impact it had on me. I am now working hard to repay that influence and bring back the best in magazines. Those are the reasons why I’m editing Popeye today.

The magazine has a decidedly youthful feel, but it’s relevant for all age groups. Is this an important balance for you to achieve?
Inventory might have the same ideas about this. We have no intention of deciding how old our readers should be. There is no boundary between men and women either. It’s natural for a younger generation to have interests in an older generation and vice versa. Thus, I would like to create something worthy for people in their fifties as well as something that can be understood by teenagers. One clear fact is that youth is the best time of your life, and that may be an important focus for Popeye.

What excites about the future of Popeye and fashion in general?
Fashion trends are repetitive. This is what I’ve seen personally over the years. The ’70s, ’80s and ’90s styles that I’ve lived through don’t appeal to me so much, but what I saw in the Spike Jonze film Her interested me. Those references to the 1920s seemed new and fresh. In general, I think pre ’60s fashion styling and details can be interesting. As far as Popeye goes, it is going to be the 40th anniversary next year and I hope to create something memorable for this special occasion.