Connecting Nature and the City Through Clothing
We decided that if we end up spending a zero day (any day you’re not moving closer to your goal) in Kochi City, we’re going to visit the neighboring Kami City. Our target, a small outdoor brand run by a husband and wife.
Their signature item, Monpe Pants, is an improved version of traditional Japanese work pants. They are unisex, one-size-fits-all, and can be worn both front and back, making them versatile for any user or occasion. Another popular item is the Gabatto jacket, designed without shoulder seams for stress-free arm movement. Both items frequently sell out immediately, whether online or through their retailers.
“In Kochi, nature is abundant. The mountains, sea, and rivers are all close to the city. The outdoors doesn’t feel like an escape from everyday life, but rather a part of it.”
Kota and Kyoko Takahashi speak in unison in their shop, Juuni, located in Tosayamada-cho, Kami City. The Shikoku Mountains tower on one side, with Japan’s renowned clear streams like the Shimanto and Niyodo Rivers flowing through, and the Pacific Ocean crashing on its coast on the other side. The versatile clothing they create, suitable for both outdoor activities and city wear year-round, is inspired by the proximity of this abundant nature.
“We’ve been to our home mountains, the Tsurugi range, more times than we can count,” says Kota. “No matter how often we go, it’s always great. Out of all the mountains we’ve hiked across the country, the traverse route between Miune and Mount Tsurugi is our favorite.”
As Kota speaks, Kyoko nods in agreement. Their outdoor activities are diverse, ranging from ultralight hiking which makes you one with nature, to skiing, rafting, and stream fishing. Among them, Kyoko is particularly passionate about sea fishing.
“Recently, we’ve caught things like horse mackerel and kasago. I was born on a small island in Ehime Prefecture, but the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean are completely different. The fish, the waves, the way the sunlight comes in… I never knew how much fun the Pacific Ocean could be.”
Walking, Fishing, and Visiting Temples
The Takahashis are kind enough to give us a guided tour around their neck of the woods to experience the outdoor lifestyle up close. We park the car at Tanezakisenmatsu Park and hike along the coast of Urado Bay. The area features a pine forest planted during the feudal era and a campsite where foreign pilgrims are camping.
“I wonder if there are any around here,” says Kyoko, the fishing enthusiast, unable to resist looking for fish.
Just as we think the path is coming to an end, we discover that a ferry could take us to the opposite shore. This ferry, predating the Urado Bridge, has long been a vital link for locals and pilgrims, making it the only seafaring part of the pilgrimage path in the 88-temple journey.
After crossing to the opposite shore, we walk along the Shinkawa River, passing by streets lined with establishments rich with history like the Suigei Brewery at Nagahama, and eventually arrive at the 33rd temple, Sekkei-ji, associated with Chōsokabe Motochika, the once ruling Daimyo of the Chōsakabe clan. But before we reach our destination, we can’t resist casting our fishing rods after spotting some fish.
“This is the charm of Kochi,” notes Kota. “Being able to enjoy nature without any fuss. Just like our friends over at OYOT cyclery/hair, I believe Kochi will become an even more enjoyable place as more people incorporate the outdoors into their daily lives.”
KOCHI Guide
Juuni
2431-30 Tosayamadachō, Kami, Kochi
TEL：0887-52-8910
Suigei Brewery Nagahama
566-1 Nagahama, Kochi
TEL：088-821-8003
Sekkei-ji Temple
857-3 Nagahama, Kochi
TEL：088-837-2233
OYOT cyclery/hair
Located inside Juuni
2431-30 Tosayamadachō, Kami, Kochi
Kota and Kyoko Takahashi
Kota is from Kochi Prefecture, and Kyoko is from Ehime Prefecture. In 2017, they founded the indie brand Juuni. They focus on versatile tools and clothing like Monpe Pants that seamlessly connect travel with everyday life. They run the Juuni no Youhin-ten (supply shop) in Kami City, where their studio is located.