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The Yomiuri Shimbun “Wear whatever you want to wear. When it comes to fashion, I believe we’re all equal,” Kenichi Takito said during an interview in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo.
By Ayaka Kaji / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
December 2, 2021
Kenichi Takito loves clothes.
Takito’s fondness for fashion is unrivaled, and in a recently published book, the actor shares his thoughts on color schemes, coordinating outfits and all things apparel via many photos of himself wearing stylish attire.
The book, titled “Fuku to Kenichi: Takito Kenichi no ‘shifuku’ kikonashi 218” (Clothes and Kenichi: Kenichi Takito’s 218 stylish “personal” outfits), was published in the autumn by Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co.
“Clothes are similar to acting,” Takito said in an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, in which I asked him for the secrets to enjoying fashion.
Takito, who was born in 1976 in Aichi Prefecture, has a strong presence via playing a variety of roles in TV dramas and movies. He joined Mumeijuku, a renowned training studio for actors, in 1998 and started his acting career in earnest. He is also a father of four children.
The following is excerpted from his remarks in the interview.
* * *
The Yomiuri Shimbun: Could you tell me about your fashion ensemble today?
Kenichi Takito: Today, I’m wearing a jacket I thought would perfectly fit the occasion of a newspaper interview. Underneath, I’m wearing a shirt with a bow and suspenders. I suppose the bright white shoes put an accent on the entire outfit.
The Yomiuri Shimbun “I just bought this pair of white shoes. I’ve really wanted to wear them,” Takito said. Takito wore the shoes to put an accent on the entire outfit.
When I appear on a TV variety show, I don’t ask a stylist to coordinate my outfit. The dressing room is filled with clothes in my size, and I decide what to wear. Take, for example, a sports jersey. Many would pair it with sneakers, but I’ll wear leather shoes. I’ll also match one patterned item with another. I think it’s interesting if it’s difficult to determine whether I look cool or dull.
Q: What is the appeal of fashion to you?
A: The fun thing about fashion is that there’s no right answer. The same goes for acting.
And it’s not a question of money. Wearing clothes from expensive brands doesn’t necessarily make you look stylish. The most important thing is to choose the right size.
Photo by Chie Yamada/Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co. Photo taken by Chie Yamada from the book “Fuku to Kenichi: Takito Kenichi no ‘shifuku’ kikonashi 218” published by Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co.
You can dress in an infinite number of ways. Regardless of whether you’re young or old, male or female, you can freely play with clothes as much as you want. Wear whatever you want to wear. When it comes to fashion, I believe we’re all equal.
Q: When did you start to like fashion? What made you become passionate about fashion?
A: I’ve loved clothes since I was a kid. I was also greatly influenced by movies. I wanted to dress like the characters in the films I watched, so I’d go to secondhand stores to look for similar stuff.
Photo by Chie Yamada/Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co. Photo taken by Chie Yamada from the book “Fuku to Kenichi: Takito Kenichi no ‘shifuku’ kikonashi 218” published by Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co.
I still often buy clothes. I go to stores I trust and talk with the staff when choosing outfits. It’s a relaxing experience. Relieves stress, too.
Even at home, I dress up. I like to wear clothes that brighten up the place. I have no loungewear. Instead, I sometimes wear a suit at home even though I don’t need to. When you’re feeling blue, I recommend changing clothes. Doing so is refreshing and gives you energy.
Q: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced opportunities to dress up and go out. In such times, what do you think is the significance of dressing up?
Photo by Chie Yamada/Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co. Photo taken by Chie Yamada from the book “Fuku to Kenichi: Takito Kenichi no ‘shifuku’ kikonashi 218” published by Shufu to Seikatsu Sha Co.
A: The pandemic has made life difficult for everyone. I say: We should rouse ourselves and make our lives more interesting. To that end, fashion can play a huge role. You can’t expect someone else to make your life more interesting. You become happy or unhappy based on your mindset. It’s your life, so don’t waste it. Enjoy it.
