--Are there any similar tools besides garter belts and stockings?
For example, some people who wear kimono find tabi socks sensual. Tabi are very restrictive and tight, but some people who are particular about them put a lot of thought into making them as tight as possible, even ordering them for themselves. Surely everyone has something they're particular about? What we perceive as sensual varies from person to person. So, to discover what "sensual" means to you, it's important to first look within yourself.
--Perhaps being sensual about tabi socks is unique to the Japanese.
I think we Japanese have forgotten the world of Japanese sensuality that certainly existed up until the Edo period. At that time, Japan had a very erotic culture, and there was a time when it was acceptable to visit someone you liked at night. However, with the Meiji Restoration, all of this was rejected. The reason for this is that Japanese clothing was replaced by Western clothing.

Kimono are actually incredible garments, because you can put your hands in them from anywhere. This is true even through the openings at the sides of the kimono, and if you flip them up, you'll see that (at the time) they weren't even wearing shorts. I think it offered a world of sensuality unimaginable in today's world.

We have this ethnic DNA, but I find it strange that we ignore it all and talk about sexiness as something like black underwear or garter belts. I wonder, "Is that really all there is to sensuality?" I think it's very important to keep this historical background in mind while finding your own way to express femininity and sensuality.

--Ryu, you create your own original lingerie. Do you also take Japanese history and culture into consideration when designing and developing your products?

I want my bras to recreate the most beautiful and natural posture for Japanese women. The fulcrum of the Japanese body is the tanden (below the belly button) for men and the under-the-chest for women. Long ago, when Japanese women wore kimonos, they would use the obi to support the fulcrum and then unbutton the collar, which would help them sit upright. That's why the front of our bras is designed to stay still and provide a fulcrum, while the underbelt at the back stretches sufficiently and stays low. This recreates the balance of forces that naturally raises the body, just like when the collar is unbuttoned.

--Does this mean that the best posture for Japanese people is different from that for Westerners?

Westerners support their bodies with corsets, so they stand with their entire upper body in a cylindrical shape. In contrast, we Japanese sit up with our heads raised. When I wear a kimono, I really feel that this is what Japanese people are like. I think the idea of unbuttoning the collar is amazing, because it allows you to focus your attention on your back.

Also, once you've firmly established the fulcrum and unbuttoned the collar, the key is to create a "limp" part. The obi holds your body up firmly, while leaving some space somewhere. That's right. Contrast is an important element in sensuality. "Shadowed areas and light areas," "tight areas and loose areas"... it is this contrast that is erotic. This is exactly what exists in the world of Japanese clothing, and it really makes me think that we are a very sensual people. I would like modern people to remember this as well. For example, when wearing a yukata at a festival, I think that just being conscious of this will make you look much more attractive.

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