#Japan #Tokyo #Nobuki Hizume #KEITA MARUYAMA #KAI Hat Competition

Insights from the KAI Hat & Head-Piece Competition 2025

On November 6, 2023, KAI Corporation held the KAI Hat & Head-Piece Competition 2025 award ceremony at Shibuya Sakura Stage. This event featured a talk show with fashion designer Keita Maruyama, fashion journalist Chizuru Muka, and hat and headpiece designer Nobuki Hizume, who also served as a judge of the competition.

Celebrating Creativity in Fashion

The talk started with Chizuru Muka highlighting the outstanding quality of the winning pieces from the competition. Keita Maruyama added that every piece represented a unique universe where creativity could flourish within the confines of a hat. He expressed that he felt all senses were involved in the hat-making process, leaving him thoroughly inspired. Nobuki Hizume reflected on the growth of the competition, stating that the inclusion of various elements in this year’s designs was remarkable. He emphasized that participating in such competitions allows designers to reflect on their creativity objectively and offers a platform for emerging talent.

The discussion also touched on the Paris training tour awarded to the winners. Muka remarked on how enviable this opportunity is and asked the guests about their experiences in Paris. Hizume passionately described Paris as a city of dreams, where encountering new environments catalyzes unique creative responses. Maruyama shared a memorable experience from his first trip to Paris, mentioning how he was captivated by the city’s beauty even in an age devoid of mobile phones, an excitement that still resonates with him today.

The Idea of Crossing Borders in Creativity

The conversation shifted towards the central theme of this year's event: "crossing borders." Muka prompted the audience to contemplate their interpretations of this concept. Hizume described crossing borders as 'fateful,' recounting how his aspiration to design clothing led him to create headpieces for Broadway musicals. This pivotal moment prompted him to shift his focus from clothing to hats, ultimately leading him to relocate from Japan to France, transcending not just creative but geographical borders.

Maruyama added that the essence of fashion itself is boundless and emphasized that designers should aim to address and solve problems through their work. He articulated his approach as one of seeking to joyfully cross boundaries within design, even as he maintains the core principles of his brand. He noted that as one accumulates experience, new inspirations arise, leading to personal and professional renewal and growth in collaboration.

Nobuki Hizume's Collaboration with KAI Corporation

Hizume also spoke about his co-developed sewing scissors with KAI, called "O." He noted that in the fashion industry, where various materials are utilized, having a versatile six-piece set was crucial for tackling different tasks. He highlighted the unique shape of the scissors, emphasizing the importance of balance and stability during their development process. Maruyama shared his perspective on scissors as an extension of the hand, reflecting the designer's thought process, confessing a strong emotional connection to his personal pair of scissors.

In a demonstration, both Muka and Maruyama tried out the scissors, commenting on how well they fit, likening the experience to that of the character Edward Scissorhands due to the scissors' precision and comfort.

Bridging Creativity and Business

Next, the conversation explored the intersection of creativity and business. Hizume addressed the challenges facing the hat industry, describing it as struggling and highly influenced by trends. He stressed the necessity of undertaking unique ventures that set one apart from competitors, offering a pathway to avoid price wars. Maruyama noted his tendency to take a passive approach yet highlighted that design is, fundamentally, a problem-solving endeavor. He emphasized the importance of aligning with consumer demands while maintaining creative integrity irrespective of production scale.

Muka reflected on the essence of Maruyama's viewpoint, realizing that whether it's bespoke or mass-produced, the emotions tied to creation are similarly significant, appreciating the craft itself as a rewarding journey.

Messages for Tomorrow’s Creators

Towards the conclusion of the talk, Hizume encouraged potential participants for next year's competition, saying that every opportunity could lead to meaningful outcomes, urging them to apply without hesitation. Maruyama added that contests are not just about winning or losing but are essential tools for personal growth. Emphasizing the need for the emergence of new talents in Japan’s fashion scene, he expressed his desire for attendees to continuously broaden their creative horizons.

Speaker Profiles

Nobuki Hizume

Nobuki Hizume graduated top of his class from Bunka Fashion College's Apparel Design program in 2004 and later trained in Italy. Since returning to Japan, he has become a prominent figure in the hat design sphere, having collaborated with various artists and leading fashion houses around the world. In 2019, he received the prestigious title of 'Meilleur Ouvrier de France' (M.O.F.) and founded his hat brand HIZUME.

Keita Maruyama

Keita Maruyama launched his fashion career with a debut at the 1994-1995 Tokyo Collection and has since established himself internationally. With a focus on contemporary design, he has engaged in various creative projects, including uniform design for Japan Airlines and the establishment of his concept store.

Chizuru Muka

Chizuru Muka, a seasoned fashion journalist, has worked with leading publications and is known for her efforts in promoting sustainability in the fashion industry. Currently, she is the Sustainability Director at WWD Japan, as well as a founder of CRANE&LOTUS, advocating for responsible practices in fashion.

Through talks like these, the fashion industry’s vibrant future brimming with creativity and cross-border collaborations continues to entice and inspire.