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