--Finally, please tell us why you decided to take a break from mastermind.

Even though I had little knowledge of the fashion industry and no connections, mastermind was able to continue because of our customers. That's why, when I found out we were approaching our 10th anniversary, I wondered how I could repay those customers.

Then, what came to mind was to maintain the brand's value and ensure that it remains a brand that customers don't regret buying. No matter how great a brand is, it doesn't stay popular forever, and if you try to maintain that popularity, you'll inevitably end up overdoing it somewhere. In that sense, I couldn't see what mastermind would be like in 10 years. So, I thought it would be best to close the doors while it was still recognized as a good brand. However, I would feel bad for our clients, factories, and fabric stores if we only had one year left. If I could condense the 10 or 20 years that other designers have, and continue without a break, five years would be a nice round number.

"mastermind" has exactly 10 letters. Five years and 10 seasons is just right. So, starting with the first season of our 11th year, we started giving season titles beginning with each letter of the alphabet. We started with "majestic," and all of the names were based on the character "eight," which has the auspicious meaning of "eight," with the hope that our customers would be happy. From that point on, we had already decided on "dreaming," the final season. Five years ago and now, I still feel like it really is a dream. In fact, sometimes I wonder if it's just a really long, grand dream.

--I thought "mastermind" was a great name. Why did you choose it as the brand name?

When I was thinking of a brand name, I transposed my name "Masaaki" into the alphabet and searched for as many words as possible that had the same spelling. When I came across the word "mastermind," I realized it was a word with two extreme meanings. For example, some English newspapers refer to terrorist leaders as "masterminds," while others use it in the highest sense to refer to "someone skilled in one talent." I thought this duality was the most like me. It's not that I particularly thought of myself as being skilled in one talent. Ever since I was little, the seniors around me have always told me, "You'll definitely succeed," and they've taken a liking to me. I really wanted to live up to their words. I'm not a mastermind, but I've always wanted to work hard to become one, to live up to the name.

Also, my father is a hairdresser, and everyone called me "Master" since I was little. I think he really wanted me to take over the business. So, as the eldest son, there's a hidden meaning behind the name: I've inherited the master's mind. All of these factors came together, and that's why I chose "Mastermind." Otherwise, there are other good words that start with "master," like masterpiece.

--Even though you were very popular, you didn't open a direct store.

Actually, we did open one direct store when we first launched. The trauma of not having any customers at all at that time may have been the cause. Another reason is that mastermind uses an "open price" system (we decide the wholesale price, and each retailer decides the retail price in-store), but having our own directly managed stores automatically determines the retail price, so we wanted to avoid that. Above all, we have many prestigious clients, including Isetan, Beams, Hankyu, and Zozotown, who are taking on risks and working on wonderful projects for us. I didn't see the need for me to open a directly managed store, pretending to "showcase the brand's worldview." It may sound like I'm bragging, but with products this expensive, I don't want to have to keep inventory, and I don't want to have to worry about sales 365 days a year (laughs). Ultimately, I think all of our clients are directly managed stores.

--It seems that quite a few young designers and buyers have learned a lot from you, Mr. Homma.

Did I sound arrogant? (laughs) We were able to simultaneously glimpse both the mainstream established by great predecessors like Yohji Yamamoto, Comme des Garçons, and Issey Miyake on the global stage, and the opposing world of Ura-Hara, a Japanese-originated, "If you want to buy, come to Japan." However, I'm neither of those, but somewhere in between. There are more than just these two methodologies for gaining global recognition. You're free to choose whichever you like, but I think it's good to have multiple methodologies. As a mastermind, I feel I've created a third path for my juniors that's neither mainstream nor Ura-Hara.

--I think that's what's led to my current success.

I don't know if I'm successful, but I think I might be the happiest designer in the world. So even if I were to have an accident tomorrow, or suddenly collapse from heart pain, I wouldn't have any regrets about my work. I don't think there is another designer who is this happy. (End)