For a limited time from June 1st to June 23rd, we held a pop-up event for HIKARI underwear, an underwear maker that uses only organic ingredients.
We asked Mr. Fumiho Sugishita, the representative of the company, to tell us a wide range of stories, such as how he started making completely organic underwear that had never existed before, and what he was particular about in his items.
[Introduction of HIKARI underwear]
――Thank you for your time today. First of all, could you tell us in detail how you came to jointly hold this pop-up event?
Mr. Sugishita (hereafter referred to as “Sugi”): I learned about hibino through Instagram.
We were also interested in making organic and sustainable items, so we visited with other HIKARI underwear members. I have visited several select shops that carry ethical items, but I had the impression that there were many items that I had never seen before at hibino.
It was also impressive that the staff knew the details of each item and served customers lively.
Later, based on that conversation, I received a proposal to open a pop-up store that sells products for a limited time.
Also, I personally had a good impression when I visited the store for the first time, and that's how the pop-up came about.
――You visited hibino before the pop-up! Could you tell us more about your company and Mr. Sugishita's background?
Sugi: It started when I thought about underwear as a consumer. About five years ago, when the word “organic” was not as well known as before, and words like “sustainable” were not in vogue, most underwear was sold with wires that were firmly attached and designs that emphasized design.
However, what I wanted at that time was something that was cute to me rather than showing it to someone else, and something that was kind to me rather than something like “sprinkle”.
When I was talking about it with the members of the designers, various ideas came out and the option of "Let's make it ourselves" came up.
――I heard that Mr. Sugishita himself had no experience in apparel-related work .
Sugi: Yes. Therefore, when it came to making it, it was a series of studies. From the point of view of making, I felt that I wanted to be particular about the materials and designs of the underwear that I sell.
I often see things like, "Although the fabric uses natural materials, the dyes use chemicals," "It's ideal that it doesn't feel tight, but the design is for the elderly," and "Only the part that touches the skin is made of natural materials."
Also, as I continued to research, I came to understand the gray zone of the clothing industry, and I thought, "I want to start production in a state that I am satisfied with," and "I want something that clearly shows the transparency of fibers and dyes."
From there, I wanted to learn more and make what I wanted, and started visiting factories, which is the beginning of HIKARI underwear.
――Even if you think you want an item, it's wonderful that you came up with the idea of ``if you don't have it, let's make it.''
[About HIKARI underwear items]
――Next, could you tell us about your commitment to the product?
Sugi: We are particular about not only using 100% organic cotton, but also using natural dyes such as vegetable dyes and indigo dyes.
In addition, parts such as hooks are made as organic as possible. Many of the hooks and other parts are basically made of synthetic fibers, and we were considering making them custom-made during development.
However, we were told that changing the fabric would cause the machine to malfunction, so we try to choose the one we are particular about.
Also, since the products we have made are of good quality, we also use natural detergents with the cooperation of the factory for the finishing touches.
――It is an item that is so particular about organic.
Sugi: Yes. However, the current issue is how far we can pursue that commitment. The more you stick to it, the better you can make it.
On the other hand, the cost will be higher in terms of money and time, so the financial burden to be provided to the customer will increase.
However, since we made underwear with the desire to stick to organic products, it would be meaningless if we compromised repeatedly.
I believe that the strength of HIKARI underwear is that we have been able to visit many factories since our founding, and we are able to realize our commitments through in-depth conversations with factory workers.
――I also saw the products of HIKARI underwear, and even if you are an amateur, I could feel their commitment to you. Have you had any fun or rewarding experiences?
Sugi: I once received an inquiry from a customer who asked me detailed questions about materials and detergents.
When I asked about the background in detail, it seems that the person had chemical hypersensitivity. In some cases, it seems that it is a severe hypersensitivity that causes a reaction when the package is opened, but when the customer purchases it, it can be worn! I've been happy with this!
When I hear such happy voices from customers, I think that it is a great honor for me as a creator to say, "I'm glad I stuck to it without compromise."
[Ethical of HIKARI underwear]
――I heard that you also have ethical sustainability as a theme. May I ask about that as well?
Sugi: When the brand was founded, it was not because I wanted to make good products that were environmentally friendly, but because I wanted to be particular about what I wanted.
However, when I was actually thinking about materials and visiting factories, I learned about the environmental impact of a typical apparel production line.
For example, "organic cotton" is generally defined as "grown in fields that have not used pesticides for three years or more."
I don't think it's a bad thing to use pesticides in production, but on the other hand, I learned that heavy use of pesticides has a negative impact on the health of farmers, as it is commonly said that cotton farmers live in their 30s.
I would like to support organic cotton farmers who also make materials because I develop products because I want to take care of my body.
――So you're choosing something that's kind to the environment because you're choosing something that's kind to your body.
Sugi: Yes. The same goes for dyes. In general, it is often avoided from a health point of view to directly touch the skin with chemical dyes on the production line, but organic dyes are said to have no adverse health effects even if they are touched by hand .
Rather, it is said that "indigo dyeing" becomes fertilizer when it is poured into the field.
Rather than creating products that are ethical and sustainable, we think about what is good for us, our customers, and the three parties involved in production, and choose highly transparent products.
――It seems that not only can you make good products because you are very particular, but you are also ethical and sustainable.
Are there any other “sustainable” aspects that you learned through your products?
Sugi: Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I learned from visiting various factories that 1,000-yen T-shirts and 10,000-yen T-shirts are sewn by hand using sewing machines.
In the case of dyeing, even if the same raw materials are used, the method of dyeing differs from craftsman to craftsman. I learned about this when I went to visit Amami Oshima in Kagoshima, where HIKARI underwear is also dyed.
Mud dyeing is a natural dyeing technique that is practiced. It is said that the principle of the dyeing is still unknown in detail.
However, when I actually saw it, I realized that it was a way of dyeing because I knew the vitality of wild plants and the power of nature .
Because we coexisted with nature, we knew from our own skin that things from the same island would work best together.
In addition to learning about dyeing, learning about local people's ingenuity and traditions was very stimulating for me to think about "sustainability."
I think that the appeal of the HIKARI underwear brand is that by communicating with local people and being inspired by them, we can think of creating even better products.
――It’s wonderful to be able to receive new stimuli and think from encounters.
[For those who want to pick it up]
――What kind of person would you like to receive items from HIKARI underwear?
Sugi: Currently, our products are picked up by people who care about organic items and lifestyles , and those who like plant dyeing . Of course, I would be happy if someone like that could pick it up.
Also, I would like people who are attracted to the design and being wireless to pick it up. It would make me even happier if customers thought it was "cute" and bought it, and as a result, became an opportunity to think about organics, the earth, and their bodies.
――I get the impression that organic and naturally dyed items are difficult to care for, but how should I care for them?
Sugi: We recommend hand washing.
However, like other underwear, you can put it in a net and put it in the washing machine. Because I do too.
Because I want you to take care of yourself, I want you to use it without stress.
Some customers say, "I feel like I'm taking care of myself when I wash my hands."
――The idea of taking care of yourself because you take care of yourself is wonderful.
Sugi: If you use it for a long time, the color will change because it is a natural dye. HIKARI underwear is made in a slightly darker color in anticipation of color fading.
[About future HIKARI underwear]
――Finally, could you tell us about the future prospects of HIKARI underwear?
Sugi: I recently had a child, so my body is no longer “my own.”
Originally, I am particular about the body and the environment, so I would like to continue to create products that are safe for babies and the maternity period.
However, at that time, functionality becomes more important, so I would like people to wear underwear that matches their life stage.
--thank you very much. I hope that we will be able to plan together again in the future.
Sugi: I think we know each other's good things precisely because we are a manufacturer and a shop.
I would be happy if I could do workshops and collaborations that match other brands.
--please! Thank you for your cooperation in this pop-up and interview.
[Overview of HIKARI underwear]
Address: Wynn Aoyama 942, 2-2-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062
Representative: Fumiho Sugishita
Email: hikari.underwear@gmail.com
HP: https://hikariunderwear.shop-pro.jp/
Business description:
・Production and sales of clothing