A Conversation with Mihara Yasuhiro

Mihara Yasuhiro started his career as footwear designer before launching his eponymous brand in 1997. A rebellious spirit and a passionate surfer, he draws on the writings of economic and social theorist Jacques Attali to arrive at his views about the future.

How do you define the future?

Tomorrow.

Can you be a designer without thinking about the future?

I think everyone, even non-designers, thinks about the future.

What does the future’s aesthetic look like, to you?

Nothing in particular.

How did 2020 change your outlook for the future?

There is nothing to say whether 2020 has made a significant difference in my mind. However, various things happen in life.

Why is the future such an important element of fashion?

Is the future an important factor for fashion? Does it seek to mention “sustainable”, which fashion industry people treat like a favorite trend word?

How do you imagine fashion changing in ten years?

Before thinking about 10 years from now, we must change the systems such as industry itself and distribution, so that recent “sustainable” ideas do not end as the fashion trend word.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Personally, I want to live a life where I can surf more in five years. So far I can only do it once a week.

What is one thing we can start doing now that could positively impact our future?

Learn and create.

What concerns you about the future?

If the fashion industry is devoted to information dissemination-ism, it will eventually fall into a state of being untrusted by people.

What excites you about the future?

I want to live a life with less stimulation. I want to spend my days quietly and peacefully.

Your wish for the future?

There is no wish even if there is a purpose. Do you have it? If so, take action.

What about fashion will remain constant: what is permanent across past, present, and future?

Is it a question about the negative impact of the overweight, pig-like fashion industry on the environment and society? It is impossible to push everything into the word “fashion”.