ー These neck warmers were created in collaboration with BUFF, a neckwear brand from Barcelona, Spain. How did this come about?
I decided to develop these just as the pandemic was taking off in Japan. I sometimes found it a hassle to wear a mask when traveling or in daily life, and the BUFF neck warmer I originally had for outdoor use came in handy as a mask. I could wear it around my neck and quickly cover my mouth when I needed to.
I wanted to create an item for PAPERSKY that would retain the same functionality, but that people would want to use on a daily basis, so I approached BUFF and we decided to work together on the project. But I guess that the encounter with the illustrator Iwashi-san, was also a big factor.
ー How did you meet illustrator and thru-hiker Ryosuke Kawato (a.k.a. Iwashi-san)?
I first met Iwashi-san at an event at Lake Motosu eight years ago. He is Japanese and has hiked a number of long trails in the U.S. while I, as an American, have hiked a number of trails in Japan. I remember we quickly became friends due to these uncanny similarities we had with each other. He showed me some illustrations he had done while on trails in the U.S., and I thought that someday I’d like to have him draw trail scenery in Japan as well.
When I was devising a long and sleek neck warmer, Iwasahi-san immediately came to mind as the person to draw it! I had a hunch that we could collaborate and my wish came true.
ー What Japanese landscape did Iwashi-san draw on neck warmer?
When we met, Iwashi-san didn’t know much about Japanese trails yet, but when he saw the “Hike & Bike JAPAN” guide book we were making for budding pilgrims, he actually went out to the trails in Japan and put pen to paper on an illustration for me.
I really like the scenery depicted, which is only found on Japanese trails – such as the Japanese satoyama where forests and mountains come together, the lake of Motosuko where we first met, and the historic torii gate.
ー Lucas, in what situations do you usually use your neck warmer?
Aside from on the trail, I use it all the time for activities such as biking, fishing, or even in the city.It protects me from strong sunlight and wind, and it’s absorbent and breathable enough to keep me comfortable even when I’m sweating. It’s lightweight and compact, so it’s always in my bag or pocket without being bulky. In the colder months, it’s warm around my neck, and even when I use it to cover my mouth, it’s easy to breathe so doubles up perfectly as a mask.
ー Having hiked a variety of trails Lucas, do you have any tips that make a walking trip more enjoyable?
There are many functional and convenient goods out there, but if they are designed with a sense of fun and convey a uniquely Japanese story, we become attached to them and find it easier to incorporate them into our own lives. I would like to expand the scope of walking tours in this way.
The world has many famous trails, and it may be a hurdle to suddenly venture out and walk them. But I want people to know that there are actually many charming trails in Japan waiting to be discovered. PAPERSKY showcases a wide variety of routes that also focus on the history and culture of various regions of Japan, so I recommend starting with those as a reference. Put on this neck warmer and discover the road less traveled!
