Tokyo magasin lowres2

spring - summer 2016

#dedicated

TOKYO

“

TOKYO

The largest megacity of the world.

Not only located near two separate fault lines with earthquakes every 15 minutes, Tokyo also lies in the centre of an epic typhoon alley, with storms every other week.

- Tokyo is a true survivor!

With its 38 million inhabitants that currently cover 13.000 square kilometres, Tokyo has tripled in size in just a single generation!

This megacity is filled with diverse contrasts, a massive mix of cultures, religions and vivid lifestyles.

We dove into its streams of endless energy to find people with talents, creativity and people who truly exist because of their dedication.

We had the pleasure of meeting 9 dedicated but very different people, who were all kind to let us into their world. We had a taste of their life and dedication. — now we are passing their stories on to you...

Contributors: Kanta Kubo

page 05.

Andrew Barnett

page 12.

Show Nemoto

page 22.

Kateb Habib

page 32.

Amuru Uchiyama

page 38.

Freddie Mac

page 46.

Minori Uei

page 56.

Simon de Boer

page 66.

Atsushi Miyazaki

page 74.

Kanta Kubo

28, artist.

Kanta Kubo is an upcoming multiartist from Tokyo. With a dedicated artistic mind and a vision of his life, he knows where he is going.

He is travelling around the world producing music, art and working with world known brands.

bad shit, you name it. I did it all, I didn’t fucking care. 2 months later I came back to Tokyo and got myself a tiny empty room, I didn´t even have a bed. I did anything I could to get a PC. I needed it to move on, get connected and start making music.

What is your story Kanta?

I was born in Japan, went to London when I was around 2 years old and came back to Japan when I was 13.

My father was a producer and my mother was a stylist. Music has always surrounded me, which is why in the beginning I hated music so much and decided to play football instead.

My dream was to be a professional football player.

I pushed to get money from all kinds of jobs, got my first payout and quit the job again. I started making songs and didn’t fucking care if I ate or slept. I did it all to produce songs, worked my ass off and produced 5 songs in 2 weeks.

I had the very best connections with producers and music directors to get into the right clubs in Tokyo. I did my best and fucking rocked the shit out of those places. I simply acted like a rock When I was 18 I got my first contract star and they treated me like one. Like and went to Argentina. I played there they say, “fake it till you make it”... ha ha. for 2 years and then came back to Tokyo. One day I hit my head while Later on I got a call from Kenji “Jamplaying football. I had like a ‘vision’ mere” Suzuki from Simply Red. He was and from then on I knew exactly what doing a Japan tour and he asked me if I wanted to do with my life. I quit my I wanted to go live on stage. I went contract as a football player. From one with him on stage in front of thousands day to the next, I was out on the street of people. I fucking freestyled and with no money, no plan and no places to rocked the shit out. From that moment go. I managed to find myself a job, I did the word spread in the music industry anything to raise money – good shit, and I got recognition as a musician.

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kanta kubo

“every day is like

a performance

” What do you call your art form?

I’m trying to make a new art form called Genzei art. Genzei art makes it all complete. It connects the human with the art piece.

I produce songs and sell them - but I only sell them once. The person who buys that particular song, they literally own it.

I want people to experience the beauty of owning their own songs and really feeling the connection with the Genzei art piece. I write dedicated songs and redesign products from for example Nike and Adidas, I call these redesigns, art pieces — so they fit together in KANTA STYLE. To feel and get the real KANTA STYLE you wear the shoes, listen to the music and let yourself connect with your art piece, first then it’s completed.

What is it like to be Kanta? when I’m not producing... I simply don’t feel alive... It’s just when I´m not doing that shit... it’s just not right!

What is the artistic life to you?

Every day is like a performance, every minute is a performance, we are basically repeating life sessions in every second and we are painting an artful life for ourselves… basically!

Have you always known that you were different?

We are all different - we are all special, I just know what I’m good at.

Is this your dream come true?

My adventure has just begun. I have seen my future and I know where I’m going!

What was the last thing that made you scared?

Last year I was in New York and went to Los Angeles to make a record. I had a signed contract and everything was great, the record company just didn’t pay. I came back to Tokyo and was ripped off... you know. I was totally out of cash, I was broke as fuck. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t have any cash in my pocket or in my bank account.

I thought that money was coming in, so we were spending it and I’m telling you we used every penny. We lost our house. We had to live with my family. I sold all of my instruments, all my clothes and my PC. I literally sold everything I could for cash.

I just had enough money to get food on the table for my family. — it all felt like I was back to that fucking “square one” again.

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kanta kubo

How do you stay focused on you dedication?

I just believe in myself and keep on doing what I do best.

I don’t forget to love and the most important thing is that I can’t do this by myself. My whole situation depends on other people and those that surround me.

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kanta kubo

”

“when I’m not producing... I simply don’t feel alive...

It’s just when I’m not doing that shit... it’s just not right!

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kanta kubo

anDrew barnett

26, film director.

Drew Barnett, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Having a shy personality was a big challenge for Drew, when his dream was to become an actor and film producer. We met Drew at the historical icon, Poster Bridge, in Tokyo, where he was working on his current film Poor Theater.

How has filmmaking changed your perspective on life?

I think that filmmaking is one of the most challenging things you can do as an artist.

It has introduced me to a wide spectrum of individuals and has taught me how to deal with

different personalities. I think that filmmaking is collaborative and involves working with all types of personalities. It has taught me how to really delve deep into different people’s personalities and how to bring out the best in people while performing.

I think that filmmaking changes your perspective when working around the world at different locations. For instance, it has changed the way I look at this historical bridge. I see far more potential than I would have seen before. I´m looking at the light, the small details and the whole environment

that surrounds it - every little detail matters.

It also changed the way I judge people - now I see everything in a fictional sense.

What is the reason that you are working in Tokyo?

I’m currently working on a feature film and have about 4 months of production left.

It started out in San Francisco, continues here in Tokyo and later we will finish the film in Asia. Besides this present film Im working on several scripts for the future. I’m lucky to live in a world where film and movies are placed on a pedestal.

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Andrew Barnett

What do you enjoy most about film directing?

Creating a script alone or with another creator gives me a freedom of expression that is unique.

It gives me a chance to write about things close to my heart. Brainstorming and writing are the best processes to be involved in. Just having the whole world in front of me, no limitations, free creativity and a free mind. Unfortunately once I start production, limitations will hit me. I start big, condense it down and remember always to be creative until the end.

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Andrew Barnett

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Andrew Barnett

“

My first production was a low budget

gorilla style film”

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Andrew Barnett

What does it give you to be involved in a production like this?

I feel a level of satisfaction watching the footage. I’m seeing the stories manifest right in front of my eyes. At first it is just a script that has been played out in my mind. When I see it on the big screen for the first time as a finished product, it gives me such a thrilling feeling. I’m really able to roll with that momentum.

Film has opened up my personality.

As a young kid I was very shy and had no interest in communicating with other people. I always had an artisti mind, doing paintings, illustrations, thinking about art and watching films.

I never thought that I would ever be able to do what I do today because of my personality. By participating in productions, acting and taking a few

risks, it has allowed me to become a more open person.

”

How do you find your characters?

I usually create characters during the process of production. I would say it is nearly 100% street casting. I actually find most of my crew as the project takes form and filming begins. Through my network, I was lucky to meet Marc here in Tokyo. He was doing video photography. We share the same passions, same sense of humour and I was excited to add him to the project.

Marc understands my vision. He is now working with me full time and will come to Myanmar with me to finish production. My idea is that I can travel anywhere, find characters and create movies along the way.

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Andrew Barnett

Show Nemoto

22, street surfer.

“

Show was born in Tokyo and is a real Tokyo street surfer. Living on the coast outside of Tokyo, Show often travels to the city for many reasons such as bartending, clubs, girls, friends and skateboarding. We met Show skateboarding in Shibuya, an area with a lot of skaters and high energy.

Please introduce yourself so our readers may get to know you better.

I´m a skateboarder from the coast outside of Tokyo.

Actually I prefer not to talk so much about myself.

Sometimes people get the wrong impression about me. My life is pretty simple: it’s mostly about being able to skate as much as possible. One thing, among others, skateboarding has taught me is to stop thinking so much about what´s next and instead focus on this minute!

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show nemoto

You look like you are enjoying life?

Yeah... I feel lucky not to have so much routine in my life, it’s mainly because I do many different things.

I can be working all night as a bartender, having a good time with my friends skating, or hanging out at bars knowing that I don’t have to wake up super early the next morning because I have a 9 to 5 job.

So my lifestyle all depends on my freedom, the kind of work that I have and of course how much skating is on my schedule.

I simply enjoy skating, with my friends, during the day either in Shibuya or Harajuku. I guess I just try to enjoy life as much as possible…

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show nemoto

What is your favorite skating style?

I actually think it’s a mix of all the tricks I know. First of all, I easily get bored if I do the same trick over and over again. So I like to keep learning new stuff, techniques and new styles. I don’t feel like I ever master a certain trick, I like to experiment a lot. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. What I know is, that I learn from it and it’s fun… My favorite skate “thing” is when I capture the surreal emotions of skateboarding, it’s a thing only skaters know about, so unfortunately I can’t explain it to you …

”

What is the skate culture like in Tokyo?

The best areas for skating in Tokyo are in Shibuya and Harajuku. The energy in those areas is intense and the local people let us do whatever we want.

Normally we skate as a group, but I also like to skate by myself. We skate in many different places: under bridges, highways, as well as small secret spots.

We choose places around the city that challenge us and where the people give us space, to do our thing.

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show nemoto

surfing tokyo

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show nemoto

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show nemoto

Kateb Habib

30, videographer.

Kateb is a true citizen of the world: born in France, having lived in Italy, China, England and now based in Tokyo.

From an early age pictures and movies fascinated him. We caught up with Kateb at his roof terrace in Shibuya, to talk about what it’s like to tango, with the Japanese people and their culture.

Why do you travel so much?

Some people like to smoke cigars and some like to ride horses. I simply like to travel the world!

How is it to be a foreigner in Tokyo?

It’s interesting, but it goes through phases for me. Like I was telling you earlier, when I moved here, I enjoyed all aspects of the Japanese culture... you know. Their culture wasn’t a shock for me, more of a pleasant experience to start with.

However, each day I realise more and more, that I’ll never be a part of the city! It’s not that I don’t want to be a part of the city, but the Japanese people, will always see me as

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a Frenchman — overall my voice is simply not important here!

Why don’t you feel you are a part of the city?

Cause I’m always seen as a foreigner.

There’s nothing I can do to change that.

I’m not a part of the Japanese culture in any way — my voice as a foreigner is not important here... it’s like I’m not important.

I can make a lot of money, make a lot of friends, but I’ll always be looked at as a foreigner and that’s a problem for me.

Because Japan is an island, they don’t have any history of immigration — they have an island mentality. The Japanese people are not interested in other people’s culture — they have such an advanced culture here, so they don’t feel that they have to include other cultures.

Tokyo is so massive, 38 million people that have to live side by side and get along.

There is so much information, so many people. Sure it’s green here and there..!

But look around you... there is concrete everywhere. It gets so heavy on me at times!

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kateb habib

”

“some people like to smoke cigars and some like to ride horses.

- I simply like to travel the world!

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kateb habib

“

the longer I stay in Tokyo I´m realising that I’ll never be a part of the city”

Why do you love travelling?

To see other cultures, see how other people live and just meet people. I was a completely different person before I travelled to all these different places. All the people I’ve met have had an impact on the person I’m today. With all this travelling. I actually don’t see myself as a French guy anymore. You could say that all the years of travelling have been my life’s education. One of the things I have learned from travelling in Japan is to be patient, you need to be so patient in this country, otherwise you’ll lose your mind.

What is the most extreme thing you have experienced here?

There are so many extreme things here in Japan, but one thing stands out. Something that’s really strange to me, are these so-called ‘hostess clubs’. Sometimes after work the director or a customer takes me to these ‘hostess clubs’. We go to a bar, talk to girls... they light my cigarettes, serve my drinks, we have a conversation and they please me — whatever I

want they will do it. Guys go there and they spend so much money on these girls. It’s crazy and it’s not even prostitution! They use these clubs because they don’t have the confidence to meet someone in a bar. Therefore they go to these places where the contract is already signed.

A place where the girls will charm you, talk to you please you and in return you pay a lot of money.

So this is another level of craziness for me. When I go there with my clients I can’t enjoy it, it’s strange and so unnatural for me. That also reflects on the people. Here it’s normal to have a wife, but also to have a mistress.

Say what?

These rich guys pay for their mistresses’ lives, their apartments, give them pocket money and simply fulfil their needs. Their mistress is like their hobby and because they don’t have sex with them, it’s also accepted in the family... I think that’s really fucked up. That’s one reason among others why I’m leaving the world’s biggest city!

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kateb habib

Amuru Uchiyama

21, traveler.

“

Amuru is 21 years old, born and raised in Tokyo. He is half Egyptian and half Japanese. Because of his background he believes this has given him the best of two worlds. He loves life and life loves him. Amuru is an adventurer and he knows that he has unlimited possibilities to explore the world.

What does it give you to travel to Europe?

Travelling has opened my eyes. I get to see other cultures and get to know people from around the world. It gives me a meaning in life. I know there is so much to explore, much to learn and so many people to meet. I enjoy going on adventures, connecting with people, learning new things, having fun and just living freely.

Are the Europeans and Japanese so different?

When I was young, everyone would say ‘you’re not like us’, ‘you’re different’, because I’m half Egyptian and half Japanese. Japanese people will often form groups and will not tend to be social with you, if you’re different. This has made me a strong and independent person. When I’m travelling in Europe, everyone seems to be independent and strong. In Japan being independent is a special thing. Everyone in Europe has a different style and attitude. In Japan most people look like each other, except for the Harajuku girls. I think the European people have much more self-confidence than the Japanese people! From travelling in Europe, I have learned to trust in myself, my instincts, my style and my personality.

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amuru uchiyama

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amuru uchiyama

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amuru uchiyama

“

You told us that you are moving to Europe so which city is your first choice?

Berlin is a very cool place with a lot of respect for artists. So Berlin is definitely my first choice and from there I will see where life takes me. I always meet new people like you, who lead me in new directions to new places and new adventures.

If you could take something from the Europeans and give it to the Japanese or vice versa what would it be?

I wouldn’t change a thing, because we all have our own colour. We need both the Japanese and the Europeans. All people and cultures can learn from each other. We need to open our hearts and minds.

The more I travel the world the more I realise that all of our differences are truly a gift. I have learned so much from the Europeans and perhaps you have learned something from the Japanese culture, you can bring back to Denmark.

FALCH BIKER JACKET - KAIN S/S T-SHIRT COL. WHITE - REY BLACK NIGHT JEANS RS 0775

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amuru uchiyama

Freddie mac

28, photographer.

Freddie Mac, born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Dedicated to Photography, with a true passion for architecture and small secret spots in Tokyo. Freddie is trying to make a living out of photography and feels he has many advantages as a foreign photographer in Tokyo.

He’s been in Tokyo for around 2 years and sees every day as a new chance to fulfil his passion for photography – taking pictures and pushing his dedication to new levels.

He feels his real strong point is a deep photographic understanding... The fact that sometimes shit is good – as in perfect isn’t always best.

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How do you work with your photography here in Tokyo?

The typical scenery in Shibuya would probably be the intersection. You know... thousands of people crossing that small intersection. You have a lot of brands here that want to work with you and they usually don’t want to work with Japanese photographers. So I have an advantage, being here as a foreigner. There are so many spots that are boring for tourists but amazing for me as a photographer. I have many favourite areas around Tokyo and in the ‘centre’ - I see potentials everywhere!

For me some spots, areas and buildings have more identity and history than thousands of tourist places.

freddie mac

“

it’s always about how other people feel...

I get something and they get something”

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freddie mac

MARC L/S T-SHIRT COL. WHITE

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freddie mac

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freddie mac

What does it give you to be a photographer?

For me it’s kind of like self-expression.

It actually allows me to express myself, while not being defined by what other people think and say I should be. It simply shows what my real interests are. I instruct models, take pictures of people and try to capture their true, strongest and most edgy personality. It’s like I get something and they get something.

How do you feel after a photo shoot?

When I see the finished images I feel like I’m worth something. It’s a reward for me when I see other people taking an interest in my work.

What else is on your photographic mind?

Whatever the subject is, I try to focus on new things, edges and styles. There are no rules in photography. If you have drive, ambition, ideas and don’t mind hard work, you can really make anything happen.

Where do you picture yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I see myself owning and working as the creative director of an agency or fashion media company, of some sort, in addition to continuing my career as a commercial fashion photographer. I hope to be an influence in the fashion industry, someone that breaks barriers and challenges the established concepts of what fashion, colour and beauty mean.

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freddie mac

Minori Uei

26, store manager.

Harajuku is the neighbourhood that gave us Lolita girls and has been the epicentre of Tokyo teen fashion for decades.

Many stylish young people hang out in the narrow backstreets dotted with miscellaneous goods shops, cafés and fashion stores.

each other, so they have basically become my second family. I feel different when I’m in the centre of Tokyo but here I feel like home. Sometimes we sit outside the shops and watch people passing by. Many of them have so much character and attitude especially the look of Harajuku girls .

Here we meet “Minori” who is the store manager of a cool fashion shop.

I think over time Harajuku has become a regular tourist stop for school excursions and foreign tourists, however, Harajuku is still my all time favourite spot in Tokyo.

It’s a place where foreigers, artists, people with attitudeand dedications meet and hang out.

How is it to work in Tokyo’s fashion hotspot?

I couldn’t live without it. I love the whole energy, the shops and the people. We spend so much time together working next to

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minori uei

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minori uei

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minori uei

“

Harajuku is still my all time favourite spot in Tokyo”

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minori uei

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minori uei

Simon de Boer

26, illustrator.

Simon was born in the rough countryside of Canada, moved to Australia when he was 10 and has now spent a year and a half in Tokyo. His world of art started back in high school, when he became sick and missed a lot of school. Simon started using drawing and art as something to do when he was in the hospital. He really had inspiring teachers who believed in him, saw his potential and actually let him develop his own visual universe. After graduation he went to art school for 4 years and since then he hasn’t really stopped producing art.

How do you promote your art?

I have some exhibitions. The art scene here

in Japan is different from the one in Australia.

I have to be more creative with how I show my work. Times have changed a lot and I believe the future lies in working with artists in other fields, for example, with musicians, filmmakers and photographers.

I also draw album sleeves for musicians as well as any of their visual image needs.

I ‘dig’ the whole process: meeting the band, connecting with one another, feeling the flow and getting on the same level of understanding.

I listen to their music and they see my world of art. All in all it’s an interesting transformation and working process. I simply love that feeling when you are on an artistic roll.

Tell me about client work compared to personal work?

Well, one pays the bills and the other one fills my soul. I’m lucky enough to work with what I love, so it doesn’t feel like work. Generally I have a lot of freedom when I draw but when I draw without having to please anyone it just feels different. I’m not creating all the time, but when I do I can work hard for a month, then just breathe for another month and fill myself with new experiences and get motivated again.

Can you make a living, selling your art?

Yeah... I can almost live off it, it doesn’t fully support me, but I’m getting there.

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simon de boer

Your drawings look very meditative?

They are for sure... it’s all based on intuition; it’s a feeling I have inside and how I choose to see the world. I add information and take some information away. I definitely feel my art is meditative and I actually think it saved my life when I was sick with cancer.

I talk to them about life in general, draw their portraits and they tell me their stories. I want to capture that moment in time and open people’s eyes about Tokyo. It’s not only the districts with the flashing lights, the tiny girls, the sushi and the politeness... there is so much more to this amazing ‘megacity’.

You told me about your book, what is it about?

It’s about the underground culture from my generation based here in Tokyo, the artists, creative people, non-conventional people and all the subcultures.

Tokyo has so many layers to it, I’m trying to describe the things that no one talks about.

There are so many back streets, subcultures and special areas that no one knows about.

I think the rest of the world should know about it. I feel like I owe it to this place.

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simon de boer

“

when you first realise that life is not forever, then you truly cherish it”

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Where else do you get your inspiration?

I guess I’m a voice from my generation, seeing other people’s work. Depending on what I’m doing, it can be very specific or very random... from something I see and experience to a conversation with someone, or from an old illustrated book found at a flea market. I love art and I’m keen to know what all the latest things are, but I truly believe in doing my own thing...

Sometimes I go into a bar, at 4 o’clock in the morning and just draw what’s going on.

I usually say I capture people’s ‘soul’ in my art. Everything I see is real, it is there, right in front of me. I tend to pay attention to deeply engaging things, whether it’s a style, a book or a human being. If it strikes a chord and intrigues me, then I know I’m onto something

that has ‘soul’. That’s why I always carry my little sketchbook, I’m always ready to capture new things, deep thoughts, impulsive visual stimulation, or other creative input from my life.

Do you feel lucky?

Yeah... I feel lucky being able to find something I’m really dedicated to and having the time here to do so…yeah it’s amazing for sure... I feel lucky the people are out there waiting with their art, their world and their stories. Everything is there, waiting for me to capture it. I just need to draw and immerse myself into their world and let things happen. To be honest to who I’ve become as an artist and continue to be more clean, poetic and simple. It’s all about pushing on like I’ve always done.

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simon de boer

“

sometimes you feel you are

paddling upstream with a fork…

and sometimes you just feel lucky…

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simon de boer

Atsushi Miyazaki

33, shodo artist.

Atsushi was born and raised in Japan.

He is dedicated to Shodo, which is a traditional Japanese art of writing.

Since he was 8 he has dedicated a large amount of time to pursuing his inner passion. He is now one of the lucky ones - because it is now his full time job and at the same time it has become a way of life for him.

He is constantly driven and inspired to improve and create Shodo art pieces that is truly ‘one of a kind’.

How many years have you been practicing Shodo?

I started at the age of 8 and have been practicing Shodo for over 25 years.

How many years does it take to become a Shodo master?

It takes a minimum of 10 years to perfect

the art of Shodo. Shodo uses various elements such as Kanji (Chinese characters), Kana (traditional Japanese script) and Chows-Tai (a mix of Kanji and Kana). Shodo artists tend to study for their entire lifetime.

What is the origin of the Shodo tradition?

Shodo is originally from China. Chinese characters were originally used to keep records of divination. Various ceremonies and Emperors used them for governing large Chinese lands. Originally written letters were highly regarded but they gradually became practical. During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong loved to collect ‘old-masters’ writing scripts with no reference to their contents. The people from this era also found value in the form of writing scripts, not in it’s contents. It was from this time that writing scripts became an art, Shodo.

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Atsushi Miyazaki

What focus does Shodo give you?

I have dedicated a large amount of time to pursuing my passion and it has become a way of life for me.

I’m constantly driven and inspired to improve and create something that is truly ‘one of a kind’.

What makes Shodo so unique?

Each stroke is exclusively inherent and only happens once. A stroke includes one’s movement, breath, rhythm and life.

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Atsushi Miyazaki

What makes Shodo a unique art form?

Shodo is a minimalist art composed of only black and white. Shodo contains similar characteristics to abstract art. Shodo is an art that emphasises a visual aspect of a written script. It is an art that unites literature with painting.

Does everyone have a personal Shodo style?

Every artist strives to find their own style as an extension of the Shodo Tradition.

However, acquiring inspiration is paramount for improving your skills. For example, you can look at traditional artworks dating

back 3000 years and use them as inspirational pieces rather than creating something completely original or from scratch.

Do you have a mentor?

At the age of 20, I was fortunate enough to meet a high profile Shodo Artist. He strongly influenced my decision to pursue my passion, as well as my Shodo style.

Is there something spiritual connected to Shodo?

In my case, no, there isn’t. But as I told you, artworks of Shodo represent the author’s personality and their way in life.

“

A shodo stroke includes one’s movement, breath, rhythm and life.

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Atsushi Miyazaki

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Atsushi Miyazaki

Thank you:

Kanta Kubo Andrew Barnett Show Nemoto Kateb Habib Amuru Uchiyama Freddie Mac Minori Uei Simon de Boer Atsushi Miyazaki For stepping out of your lives, opening up your hearts and telling us your stories.

See all the pictures and the collection: www.gabba-denim.com Social media: facebook.com/gabbadenim instagram.com/gabbadenim gabbadenim.tumblr.com

速GABBA 2016 Production: Designfarm.dk Model & location photos: Asger Mortensen Product photoes: Designfarm.dk

(dedicated - shodo style)

w w w . g a b b a - d e n i m . c o m