interview with toshi hayama, dr denim japan
TODAY WE'RE HAVING A CHAT WITH TOSHI HAYAMA ATT EIKO, THE JAPANESE DISTRIBUTOR OF DR DENIM.
HELLO TOSHI, HOW ARE YOU TODAY?
Doing real well thank you!
It’s always nice talking to you guys.
WE'RE VERY GLAD TO SEE DR DENIM DOING WELL IN JAPAN. WHY DO YOU THINK THE JAPANESE ARE TAKING SUCH AN INTEREST IN SCANDINAVIAN FASHION IN GENERAL, NOT LEAST GIVEN JAPAN'S STRONG DOMESTIC DENIM INDUSTRY?
We think that the design tastes and fit match the Japanese market very well. The typical Japanese male body structure also is a great match for the Dr Denim cuts. Although there is a very established denim market over here, the Scandinavian fashion style is still relatively new and we believe this unique and clean flavor is a refreshing change from the current norm.
WE CAME TO TOKYO TO VISIT YOU LAST YEAR. WE THOUGHT OUR VIKING HISTORY WOULD HAVE MADE US STRONG AND THAT WE WOULD EASILY DRINK YOUR TEAM UNDER THE TABLE BUT WE WERE CLEARLY WRONG. ANY COMMENTS?
Well, just for the record, we did lose some soldiers that night too. ; )
However, in general, I would have to attribute our strong drinking performance to the samurai god of alcohol who empowered us that night. We burned incense at a temple for a week before you came.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE'RE COMING TO SEE YOU AGAIN VERY SOON. ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT YOU'D RECOMMEND US TO SEE AND DO WHILE WE'RE OVER THERE? KEEP IN MIND THAT WE PREFER THINGS OUT OF THE ORDINARY.
Well, Tokyo changes daily so there’s always plenty to see. The best is to just catch up on today’s current trends. Let’s do our round of select shops and fashion districts to see what’s in stores. It’s always good to compare notes with other countries. Due to the intense competition and ridiculous number of brands, there’s always a new trend popping up...unfortunately, trends are becoming very short lived and change frequently. However, many of those trends still manage to echo overseas so it’s always nice to get a head start.
As for after hours,...I think it’s time to pit the Viking against the Samurai.
WHAT DOES YOUR TEAM THINK ABOUT WORKING WITH US?
They love it! (Well, they would love it better if they could all go to Sweden once and enjoy the beautiful surroundings you have.) But seriously, they like working with you because the communication is great, paperwork is systematic and efficient, response is prompt, marketing efforts are improving greatly, and the willingness to cooperate and solve problems quickly are in place.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR TEAM THAT WE DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW.
Dr Denim is the number one brand for employee purchases. Everyone has Dr Denim in their closet regardless of department.
YOUR FAMILY HAS BEEN WORKING WITH JEANS FOR MANY DECADES, SO OUR BACKGROUND IS PRETTY SIMILAR IN THAT SENSE. HOW DO YOU THINK THE FAMILY BUSINESS ATMOSPHERE HAS AFFECTED YOU?
It’s been both a challenge and an asset. Being part of the family was advantageous because of the lifelong exposure to the industry and the company in general. It allowed me insight into many aspects of the business that I would not have had otherwise. However, it’s challenging because my directors, meaning relatives, expect twice as much work and results from me. However, I do understand the necessity of it and am ready for the challenge. The company has been in business for over 50 yrs and is constantly evolving. My job is to make sure it lasts for another 50 yrs. Easier said than done, but it’s a great challenge.
RUMOUR HAS IT THAT YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND IN AN AREA THAT IS COMPLETELY UNRELATED TO WHAT YOU'RE DOING FOR A LIVING THESE DAYS. SOMETHING THAT IS VERY CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH JAPAN. DRIFTING. TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU'VE BEEN UP AND HOW YOU ENDED UP THERE.
Ahh, rumors...Haha, no, I guess it’s not that hard to find my past on the web. Yes, while growing up around denim as a child, I was lucky enough to establish my own business realm for about 10 yrs in the Automotive Racing, and Japanese Aftermarket Performance Tuning industry. I also helped launch the Japanese sport of drifting to the world. With the help of great friends, I helped to create an automotive subculture, manage a championship pro-drifting team, served as MC for the D1 Grand Prix Professional Drifting Series, produced various videos and was the Technical Consultant for Universal Pictures The Fast and the Furious 3 and 4...but in the end...
I just liked fast cars...and jeans.... doesn’t every guy? = )