User Interview Vol.1 Ayaya Takashima & Kurumi Shirakawa

An interview project with people who love KAPOK KNOT products. In this first installment, we spoke to two entrepreneurs who are both active in Kyoto.

The two are involved in activities related to veganism and incorporate it into their daily lives. Representative Fukai tells us how he feels about KAPOK KNOT's products.

・Ayaya Takashima

Born in 1983. Moved to Australia at the age of 20, and after returning to Japan, worked at a macrobiotic cafe. After that, he studied cooking at domestic and international cooking schools. Currently, he is mainly active on his own YouTube channel "Peaceful Cuisine". To date, more than 200 vegan recipe videos have been introduced on YouTube, and the carefully shot and edited videos are viewed all over the world as video works that go beyond the framework of recipe videos.

HP: https://ryoyatakashima.com/

YouTube channel “Peaceful Cuisine”: https://www.youtube.com/user/ryoya1983

・Shirakawa walnut

Born in 1986, under the influence of his mother, he began animal and nature conservation activities when he was in elementary school. In April 2008, became a director of Animal Dream Co., Ltd. Involved in promoting awareness of imported organic herbal tea to corporations and individuals. December 2019: Vegan Ice Project launched. August 2020: Launched vegan ice cream brand “PLANTALL”. Currently, she is developing her business while raising her 4-year-old daughter.

instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vegan.kurumi.shirakawa/

“PLANTALL” HP: https://plantallinc.com/

vegan life and fashion

Fukai) First, I would like to talk about the theme of vegan living and winter clothing. Is there anything you noticed or are concerned about when starting a vegan lifestyle?

Shirakawa: I originally chose veganism because I love animals, so when it comes to fashion, I choose items that do not use animal materials such as leather, fur, or wool as much as possible. However, animal products tend to be softer and warmer, and if you try to avoid that, you end up using a lot of chemical materials ... Considering that ``transdermal toxins'' are absorbed through the skin, it becomes difficult to know which one to choose. There are organic cotton products available, but they are quite expensive, and leather products are used in so many different ways that it can be difficult to distinguish between them .

Takashima ) Ever since I started living a vegan lifestyle, I've tried to be selective about the things I wear, just like my diet, but I'm not that strict about it myself. At first, I didn't buy anything animal-based at all, but recently I've come across some products that don't collect the feathers of living ducks, even if they only have down, and I've decided that's OK with me. It has become. In my mind, I have a very vague line of what I should buy, and I feel like I decide each time.

Fukai) I see. I think it would be impossible to continue making decisions on your own like Mr. Takashima, unless your values ​​are updated each time. Was there a time when you decided to change your thinking flexibly?

Takashima ) Hmm. If you decide in advance that animal products are a no-no, you'll end up with a contradiction somewhere, so I think it's better to decide each time which one you really need to choose. . If there are two products, but the brands are different, and the methods, ways of thinking, and philosophies are different, it is important to understand what the company thinks about management, how the products are made, etc. I researched them all and finally made my choice.

Try on KAPOK KNOT

Fukai) Now, I would like to ask you about KAPOK KNOT products. What do you think of the Air Light Jacket?

Takashima ) It's light and warm . It's cold today, but it feels almost the same as down . I'm actually wearing it every day now. Also, I think the water repellent function is amazing.

Fukai) In what situations did you feel the effect of water repellency?

Takashima) There was a day in Kyoto the other day when it snowed in the morning. I wore this jacket when I passed through a place where there was a lot of water from melting snow, and it provided as much protection as a raincoat!

Fukai) That's right. In fact, in terms of water resistance, they are 20 times more resistant than umbrellas. Water resistant to approximately 10,000 mm.

Shirakawa) Wow...In my case, it's plant-based, so I feel very comfortable wearing it. I can feel it on my skin, and I think it's really good in my heart.
I also appreciate that it's thin so it doesn't add bulk when stored in a closet . I have a lot of different winter coats, but this one is as thin as a summer coat, so it's a big help.
Also, I really like the design. It's rare to find jackets like this that can be cinched at the waist, but KAPOK KNOT's can be cinched, so I'm really happy that I can create a feminine line . Whether I go to the beauty salon or meet friends, everyone says, "I want it!"

Fukai) I'm really happy about that! I'm sure Kurumi is also raising a child, but are there any scenes in which you were actually saved by wearing it?

Shirakawa) When I go out to play in the park, it's difficult to hold my baby if I'm wearing thick down jackets. That's why I like that it's thinner like this and can be tailored to children's play .

Living honestly is sustainable

Fukai: One of the things I want to accomplish through KAPOK KNOT is to "reduce the cost of participating in sustainability to zero." I don't think it's very sustainable to put up with things in order to realize a sustainable future. I hope that by choosing KAPOK KNOT, people will realize how easy it is to participate in sustainability.

May I ask what kind of future the two of you are dreaming of as you communicate and advance your business?

Takashima) One of the things I wish for is, ``I want each and every human being living on this earth to live without telling a lie to themselves.'' I think that if you have a firm idea of ​​your own and have the strength to carry it out, you won't have to compromise on something or buy a really cheap down jacket . If everyone in various fields realized this, we would probably live in a world where everyone is doing things that are sustainable.

Shirakawa) I'm running a vegan ice cream business because I want to create an environment where animal-friendly choices are commonplace, and where more products are made in a way that doesn't pollute the environment. I'm not saying, ``Let's become vegan,'' but like Mr. Takashima, ideally, if you choose delicious foods and live your life in your own way, you will naturally make those choices .

Fukai) It seems like the two of you share the same idea that it is important to ``live a life that is true to yourself.'' It was a great story that made me think about the future of KAPOK KNOT. I'm really thankful to you.

For vegans, clothing selection has been limited until now. KAPOK KNOT's products may be one of those options. This interview gave me a sense of the future.

We will continue to plan interviews with KAPOK KNOT loyal users. Next time we look forward to!