--It's been 13 years since you launched your brand. What is the most important thought you keep in mind when creating your work?
First, I think about whether I really want to make it myself and I want to be "honest." I believe you shouldn't make things you don't want to make. I think everyone makes what they want to make, but I always consider how to make it a successful business model from that perspective. I would be happy if I could make the things I want to make and have customers wear them.
--Mr. Nakamura, you're known as a designer who visits production areas. What are your thoughts on the extremely difficult situation that Japan's production areas have faced in recent years?
I visit production areas because I believe that by talking directly with people, rather than just using pictures, a personal character can be added and the products will no longer be flat (uniform). I also believe it's important for us to connect artisans who continue to create unique products by skillfully incorporating traditional local techniques and sensibilities with the market as our products.
In addition to products, we have held workshops and demonstrations in Kyoto, Nagoya, Sendai, and other cities. I think fashion becomes more enjoyable when you can see the manufacturing process and learn how items are made. We're also planning to have artisans come to our Isetan project. However, I feel that a business that's efficient, cheap, and looks authentic is just superficial.

-- Visvim strives for long-lasting products, but what are your thoughts on the relationship between timelessness and consumption?

I'm still groping around and not sure of the answer, but I think if we leave behind only fast, cheap products, we'll end up with nothing but the same old things. For example, I collect a variety of vintage items, but there are hardly any women's items from before the Edo period. That's because the materials were poor quality and not well-made. That's why I want to offer products made with well-crafted materials, such as Goodyear boots and selvedge denim jackets, that are comfortable for both men and women. (It has been decided that the women's brand "WMV" designed by Hiroki Nakamura will be launched from Autumn/Winter 2013.)
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It is precisely because the world is becoming more uniform that designers like me can do something. I think that is to skillfully combine traditional items with current technology and my own inner sensibilities to create things that can be proposed in the present (2013), and to consider "how to connect them to the future."
It's been 13 years since the brand was launched, and we are still gradually updating some of the styles from 13 years ago. It would be great to be able to create products and do business in a way that allows this to continue. Rather than anti-aging as I get older, I want to be someone who carves wrinkles beautifully.
--How would you feel if Visvim products became popular and sparked a trend?
I usually never read fashion news, and I try to keep my intake of media information to a minimum. I don't think it's my job to change the way I make things to suit the trends, and I try to create things that resonate with me in my own way of life and how I feel. So, if something I make becomes a hit product or a trend, I'll be happy.