−What was the initial inspiration behind Jetcap?
I’m a massive bicycle fan and so while I always wanted to make Jetcap, it came to fruition in September 2011 during the Tour de Nippon held in Aomori. A colleague at PAPERSKY who used to be a bike messenger and was skilled at using a sewing machine, decided to try to make it to coincide with the tour in Aomori. It was a completely different design then than it is now, with an apple-inspired red body since the theme was Aomori, an apple and caterpillar embroidered on the back, and the PAPERSKY logo printed on the side. It was a big hit! From there, we just adapted the colors and embroidery for each tour to reflect the local area, just like the tenugui series that we still make today.
−Now you have one official design, rather than for each region, right?
We kept the Tour de Nippon name that inspired the creation of Jetcap, but merchandised it as an official item so that it could be enjoyed by people other than tour participants. With the help of the cycle cap brand “velospica”, we have made it in two colors, blue (the theme color of PAPERSKY,) and black (easy to match with any clothes), and also enhanced the functionality of the cap.
−How did you end up collaborating with a cycle cap brand like “velo spica?”
I felt that if we were going to go down the commercial route then it should involve a professional at making cycle caps and so when I met the guys from “velo spica” at an event and told them about my idea they came on board immediately.
The Jetcap I aspired to create would ideally be made of soft materials that could be used in daily life, unlike the mainstream sporty products made of high-tech materials. I started by looking for a fabric, and finally decided on a durable and breathable Japanese canvas. Among other things, we didn’t compromise on the thinnest canvas possible in order to make it light and pleasant to the touch, with all the sewing being done by hand. This is a technique unique to Japan. I described my vision, and through trial and error, they incorporated it into their pieces as they went along.
−What were some aspects that you were uncompromising about in making it a travel-friendly tool?
Firstly, it had to be compact, portable and not get in the way. The brim doesn’t have an inner so you can just fold it up and stick it in your pockets or rucksack.
−What kind of activities is it best for?
It is very useful for everyday stuff as well as various activities. Runners may find that a large hat gets in the way when running, and hikers may find that it gets caught in trees on mountain trails, but this won’t happen with the minimalist Jetcap. Cyclists can wear their helmets over the Jetcap to prevent it from slipping off and to stop perspiration. If the helmet is removed during a break, it becomes a stylish hat that’s perfect for city strolling. The size can be easily adjusted with the elastic at the back to fit anyone’s head, and when it is windy, the hat can be tightened to prevent it from being blown away. This may seem simple at first glance, but it is a useful feature unique to “velo spica.” It is also easy to wash and dry if it gets dirty during a trip.
−What elements did you focus on in the design process?
While the blue and black hats appear to be the same size at first glance, they actually have slightly different brim lengths, making them a shape that suits everyone, both men and women. There is also the one-point PAPERSKY logo on the outside and the Hinomaru PAPERSKY logo on the tag inside the hat, which means “Made in Japan.” Not many people notice it, though, ha ha.
−Lucas, what’s your verdict on having actually used it?
I like tools that can be used for a long time, and the more I use this Jetcap, the more the color changes and it seems to just get better with age. The more you use it, the more the color changes and it fits you like a pair of jeans. The one I’m using gets increasingly softer and I’m getting more and more attached to its silhouette. Outdoor activities tend to make everyone dress the same way; but with the Jetcap, some people wear it in the sun, or wash it with water after sweating, meaning that their unique style gets reflected, I wear it both at home and when on the road, so it has become an indispensable part of my life.
