The ifs Future Research Institute, led by director Kawashima Yoko, considers the "things" and "experiences" that bring richness and happiness to our lives, combines the "future" envisioned by companies with the "future close to home," and conducts research and disseminates information on a variety of themes. With an eye toward the future, the institute undertakes a wide range of activities, including analysis to create the future of brands, creating spaces for interaction with future visions, and workshop activities.

The ifs Future Research Institute is celebrating its third year since launching. At a third-anniversary event held on May 26th, director Kawashima Yoko spoke with like-minded professionals about the three research themes she is currently working on, titled "Comfort of the Future."



■Spreading "modern geta" that you can run in to the world

At the "Future Comfort x Fashion" project, product designer Hikaru Matsumura spoke on the theme "What are modern geta?" After joining Miyake Design Office in 1993, he was in charge of the Paris Fashion Week team and "PLEATS PLEASE ISSEY MIYAKE", and after going independent in 2005, he has worked on brands such as "BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE". When Kawashima thought about "future comfort x fashion," Matsumura, who he has known for many years, was the first person to come to mind. The project began after around a year of team discussions, considering the future of Japanese design.



But why geta? "The world has become more accessible, information has become more standardized, and it's difficult to express originality in fashion. While Japan rapidly became Westernized during the Meiji Restoration, I wondered what Japanese fashion would have been like without this. I thought, then, that geta would be the footwear of choice. But I'm sure there are incredibly high-tech geta out there," Matsumura says, explaining what first drew him to geta. Matsumura also visited the Matsunaga Kimono Museum in Fukuyama City to research the history of footwear, and thoroughly studied it. This strengthened his desire to create geta that fit into modern life. "Rather than creating within the framework of tradition, I create with the idea of incorporating them into modern life. I want to create geta that go beyond the traditional style and share it with the future and the world," Kawashima says. Square in shape, with no left or right, they fit anyone's feet and are even suitable for running! Such stylish geta may make their global debut in a few years. ■ Fashion is like love: Digital technology can help fuel your heart's excitement
The intriguing topic of "Digital x Fashion" was joined by IT journalist Nobuyuki Hayashi and Tatsuya Kitagawa, head of IT strategy at Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings. The three researchers are researching the value that can be created by combining fashion with digital technology and the kinds of businesses that can emerge from it. Hayashi began by discussing collaborations such as Apple Watch x Hermès and Google x Levi's, as well as the current trend of major "digital x fashion" events being held monthly both in Japan and overseas. Taking this into consideration, Isetan Mitsukoshi's Kitagawa stated, "I believe fashion should be the starting point, not digital." He expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "We want to challenge digitalization so that customers can have a fun experience without worrying about the handling of their personal data or the hassle of registering their IDs." Kawashima concluded, "Fashion is like love. Combining that feeling with digital technology should produce something interesting," to which both nodded in agreement. This research is scheduled to be developed as content at Isetan Mitsukoshi in the future. We look forward to the launch of this love content.

■ A "School of the Future" set in Tokyo and Sado Island to loosen up businesspeople's minds

Amidst the increasing concentration of Tokyo, "Regions x Comfort of the Future" aims to focus on the richness of life in regional areas and create a cycle between the central and regional areas. Karakawa Yasuhiro, an external researcher at the Future Research Institute, gave a presentation on "School of the Future," a project set in two locations: Tokyo and Sado Island, Niigata, which depicts the future with the next generation of corporate leaders. Karakawa explained the value of Sado Island not only as a place where you can experience the wonderful culture and energy of the land, but also as a place where you can experience firsthand Japan's social issues, such as a declining birthrate and aging population. "Leaving the Tokyo conference room and spending time on Sado, across the ocean, businesspeople gain new insights. We're looking to create a space where people from different industries can collaborate and create new value through business," said Karakawa. Kawashima, a Niigata native, concluded by saying, "We want to aim for a project that connects the central and local regions, companies and society, and is not just a passing fad, but one that is sustainable." The "NIIGATA Eppin" series, which Kawashima planned and developed in collaboration with Niigata Mitsukoshi Isetan, was also on sale at the venue. The unique Niigata specialties, including food, cosmetics, and miscellaneous goods, delighted party attendees. What results will next year's research presentations lead to? And will a new future be born? Anticipation is building for the shape of the "future" that the ifs Future Research Institute is working on.