I had an image of the pen pocket found on the left arm of flight jackets
like MA-1s are something that gets rarely used,
but the other day at a textile exhibition
I saw the usual writing utensil slid into this place.

On the work shirts from WTAPS like the VATOS and UNION
the fit on the pocket is just right
so instead of using a pen case
I see writing utensils slid into wherever.

On the topic of writing materials,
in the notepad I found a few
PHILOSOPHY pegcils.

Yukiyoshi Shimada / Production

Running errands out and about, many things are carried
such as schedule books, cigarettes, wallets, etc.
Recently high tech products like cel phones and
digital cameras are carried by many people.

During moments like this while having a break from fitting
I took a picture of the nearby belongings
of the designer.

Digital cameras, fountain pens, and note pads
make their appearance on
blogs and magazines, but
you really do not notice consumable supplies like this
so I took a picture this time.

Eyes getting tired, preventing dryness, allergies,
or maybe all of the above, but
it seems that items like this are carried also.

Yukiyoshi Shimada / Production

This is the first blog for this year.
But it is already February.
If you leave it, time will just pass on by.
I would like to get things rolling now.

Recently at the atelier days have been pretty busy with several projects taking place alongside preparation for the next exhibition which has already started since last year.
With each having errands to attend, time where everyone is not present is increasing.

Not really because of this,
but when everyone is here, it seems like there is a lot of “chatting” going on.
What may be considered useless and aimless talk,
is abundant during work.

If productivity does not decrease
but instead increases
then that can be proudly called part of “work”.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production

It’s been a while.

2009 is coming to an end.
There were many memorable things that happened this year that left a mark in my heart.
There were many things which were busily emotional and sentimental.

But, throughout all this the atelier is always calm.
Always coolly looking at the different and various forms of us no matter what the time or occasion is. Work, of course, but also when we eat, drink, play, laugh, cry, get angry, and get depressed; this year also, this place is where I was the longest out of the year.
For us, it is no exaggeration to call this place a holy place that is more than just a workspace.

Things made at a place like such have “spirit” in it.
I feel that “spirit” can also mean “depth”.

Things with depth.

Anyone can make the superficial appearance.
And you can also wholly push what you front.

But, creating with depth can only be achieved with “spirit”.
This is what I am particular of.
This is what I strive for.

After all since these are the times and you are to be yourself.
If everyone can accept that. This is what I will pursue.

From this memorable atelier I present you a photo of the staff. (Production - Inoue, Shimada, Patterner - Iwasaki, PR - Etsugu, Designer - Nishiyama. Chief of PR Mitsui is missing due to a health condition)

Thanks for all the support this year.
Thank you for your ongoing support of WTAPS.

Tetsu Nishiyama WTAPS

Tetsu Nishiyama / Designer

The exhibition ended last week free of trouble and hassle.
It was a good opportunity for us to meet and speak directly
to people from local and overseas shops and those in the industry
besides from having people see what we will be doing.
This time was another important week for the brand.

And from this week, I am switching my mindset to the next exhibition.
There are many other projects going on at the same time,
so it is better to start things sooner.

Leaving a mark on the calendar 6 months ahead,
we have started moving towards EX21.

Naoyuki Inoue / Production