Q&A: Manabu Okada

A couple of weeks ago I had a special guest come and visit me for a few days here in Los Angeles all the way from Saitama, Japan. His name is Manabu Okada, and he is the founder of Southern Field Industries, a small Japanese company that specializes in canvas and leather goods.  During his time here we were able to connect and bond. We both exchanged so much information about each others culture that I feel more connected with Japan, and he left feeling more connected with America.

While Manabu was here I was able to conduct a Q&A with him, take a look at what he had to say here.

The SFI Waxed Tote (in mustard) is to the left and the Waxed Rucksack (in antique red) is to the right.

Q&A: Manabu Okada

Q&A: Manabu Okada

Interview by: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.

Name:
Manabu Okada

Company:
SOUTHERN FIELD INDUSTRIES

Position:
Founder

What is the story behind the company/brand?:
I have worked with my father at his company for 15 years. We manufactured saddlery for Japan Racing Horse Association. In the end of 2007, my father’s company was closed suddenly in some reasons. So I established “SOUTHERN FIELD INDUSTRIES” as the maker of saddlery in Japan. Our brand name “SOUTHERN FIELD INDUSTRIES” comes from the location where my father’s company was.

Where do you go for inspiration?:
I have no idea where the imspiration comes from. Sometimes they’re everywhere, but sometimes I couldn’t find out them, never.

What inspires you?:
All the things it’s well designed and well constructed.

Is there anything special about the product? (materials, the process, etc.):
100% natural cotton canvas, Vegetable tanned cow leather and solid brass hardwares in each SFI’s product.

What are the design principles in every piece? (What can I find in every piece?):
All of my products are simple and minimal in design, but I still try to make things attractive to the eye by using nice colors. Nothing too showy though.

What are 3 words you would use to describe your company?:
Small-Operation / Well-Made / Hard-Working

Personal Style Questions

Blackberry or iPhone?: iphone

Necktie or Bow-tie?: No tie

Chuck Taylor’s or Jack Purcell’s?: Chuck Taylor’s

Socks or No Socks?: Socks

Denim or Chino’s?: Both

What denim/chino brand are you wearing now?:
Today is Levi’s

Do you carry some type of bag (tote, messenger, etc.)? If so, what can we always find in it?:
Our “Waxed Tote” Mustard color one. Some notebooks, pens, measuretapes, luckey charms ….. in there.

What’s one thing you think every man should own? :
Sniny Leather Shoes? I don’t have it.

What are your 5 essential pieces?:
Eyegalass (Tamio Ido) / Vintage Filson’s Mackinows Wool Jacket / Smith & Wesson’s Double Blades Knife / SFI’s Waxed Tote / Sewing Machines

For more information on Manabu, click the link below:
southernfieldindustries.com

Update ❘ The Essential Cap (snapback edition)

They are complete and should be available 12.1.11 (the date is still subject to change though).

Essentials Picks ❘ MS & Co. Shoe Bag

The MS & Co. shoe bags has been featured on TEM a couple of times but not quite this particular bag.  Phil (of MS & Co.) sent this 1 of 1 camo shoe bag my way a few weeks ago and I must say I really love it; the embossed leather logo is such a nice touch to the bag.  I can’t wait for my next trip so I can pack away my favorite shoes in style.

Thanks again Phil.

Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition: Milkmade Fall 11 (pt. 2)

Here’s the second installment of “Essential Picks ❘ Retail Edition“ with MILKMADE.  This is only a small fraction of all the great stuff they have in now; from Our Legacy to Momotaro Jeans- they are carrying the good this season.  Check out some of the standout pieces (at least to me) below.  *Disclaimer* This is not a review- simply just a visual display of the pieces that stood out, and how they could be worn.  Enjoy.

- Shirt by Our Legacy (Generation Shirt)

(more…)