SETO INLAND LINK, which has the concept of "Diverse individuality spun by denim."
We spoke with Kenichi Uneo, the representative director of Iyatori18 Co., Ltd., the organizer.
Communicating the Value of Denim
Can you tell us about the background of SETO INLAND LINK?
Uneo
Local young people tend to leave for other prefectures due to job opportunities.
In a world where there are various options for work, if one is not interested, they won't stay in this area.
On the other hand, even if young people come seeking jobs because they admire Kojima's denim, they may feel a gap between reality and their ideals.
As a result, it is currently difficult to connect them to employment.
It is important to communicate the diverse appeal of the denim industry as realistically as possible.
We planned SETO INLAND LINK with the desire to deliver the goodness of denim to those who still do not know about it.
It is necessary to let people know the value of denim to connect to the future.
Through this event, we want to approach from various angles and convey the value to young people who have not been interested in denim until now.
We also want to convey that there are various possibilities through denim.
Connecting Through Denim as a Tool
What is the charm of denim for you, Uneo?
Uneo
I think it is the point where one can express their individuality.
This is because each lifestyle is reflected in the expression of denim, and even the processing of the denim worn can show different tastes.
Regarding OEM products, we create them according to customer requests, but the process of making them requires the artistic skills of craftsmen.
Since most of the work is done by hand, the condition of the day and time affects the outcome.
It is important to raise one's motivation and work on it every day, and that becomes a source of fulfillment.
Employees arrange their own workspaces as they like and work.
We create pants through division of labor, but at first glance, each process may seem like a simple task.
However, within this work, there is a lot of skill, and the outcome changes depending on the feel of the hands.
When two different people process the right and left legs of the pants simultaneously, they must coordinate with each other.
Supporting the Industry While Changing
How do you want SETO INLAND LINK to walk with the denim industry?
Uneo
I believe that industries, like people, grow and change.
If I compare it to soil and plants, I think the first SETO INLAND LINK is at the stage of tilling the soil to increase the value of denim.
We must continue to cultivate it so that various people who feel the potential in this soil will plant seeds, making it a chosen soil.
I want to firmly PR the soil in the first event, plant seeds in the second, and connect to the third where flowers bloom.
As we meet people and grow, the content will surely change in the second and third events.
I want to cherish the story leading up to the blooming of flowers.
While it is important to protect, it is equally necessary for the industry to change.
It cannot remain the same forever; change is necessary.
On my own, there are limits to my ideas, so it would be great if someone could pick up my thoughts or change them through encounters.
What is necessary to continue something is not something visible, but what awaits in the future.
Industries, people, and events all have encounters waiting ahead, and it is important to have options, companions, and places to choose the future and change.
Conclusion
Kenichi Uneo, who became involved in the denim industry through a part-time job in denim processing.
At his company, Iyatori18 Co., Ltd., a diverse workforce ranging from teenagers to skilled craftsmen in their 60s mainly consists of people in their 30s.
I thought it was unusual for there to be so many people in their 30s in an industry where the workforce is aging.
Perhaps it is because Uneo conveys that "creating products is not a simple task, but a creative job."
SETO INLAND LINK will involve the community and people, creating new connections.
Furthermore, it may increase the number of people who understand the charm and added value of denim.
This project was born to weave an industry recognized by the world into the future.
I can't take my eyes off how chemical reactions will occur and connect to the next steps.
SETO INLAND LINK Data
| Name | SETO INLAND LINK |
|---|---|
| Date | October 7 (Saturday) to 9 (Monday, public holiday), 2023 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (until 7:00 PM on the 9th) * The exhibition at Ryokan Kurashiki will be open until 7:00 PM on all days |
| Location | Kojima Torajiro Memorial Gallery, Ryokan Kurashiki, Kurashiki City Kurashiki Monogatari-kan |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Admission: Free |
| Website | SETO INLAND LINK |
