The Japanese are famous the world over for a harmonious relationship with nature. Whether it’s the absolute stillness found in cultivating gardens through Zen, the slow and respectful nurturing of a bonsai tree, or architecture that blends into mountainsides, Japan has become a symbol of what reciprocal relationships to nature can look like.
For Snow Peak’s SS22 lookbook, they’ve got in contact with Mr. Yuichiro Wakamatsu, a mandarin farmer who lives symbolically with nature’s biorhythm.
Wakamatsu grew up on a farm in Uwajimia but left to study in Tokyo. He fell in love with skateboarding and urban environments, but returned to his hometown to farm mandarins after graduating. He brought his love for skateboarding back with him, built a miniramp on his farm, and invited his city friends over to skate. He encouraged curious locals and fostered an unconventional skateboarding environment.
“I wanted to create a place where these friends could stay in Uwajimia and enjoy nature, harvest mandarin oranges, and enjoy skating while communicating with local people”, declares Wakamatsu.
Snow Peak styled their SS22 range on Wakamatsu’s wholesome farm, showcasing the community, harmony and respect that Snow Peak hold as core brand values, perfectly exemplified by Wakamatsu’s project.
Items from the SS22 range include a new range of technical lightweight packable rainwear and Quick Dry coordinating garments made from 100% recycled polyester.
New for 2022, the Insect Shield line features mesh inserts to provide protection from pests whilst offering lightweight coverage, specifically useful for warm summer nights in the countryside.
The Light Mountain Cloth garments are a relaxed fit for everyday wear, including a parka and coach jacket, where natural colourways are contrasted with a pop of mandarin orange.
Back for this season is the takibi line, the summer offering features versatile light ripstop shirts, pullovers and overalls perfect for wearing by the campfire on a summers evening. Small details such as D rings on the front of jackets to hang a Hozuki Lantern to light the way in the dark, are the qualities that showcase Snow Peak’s attention to detail and dedication to producing garments that allow the wearer to feel comfortable whilst experiencing the outdoor world.
The entire collection goes live today, January 17th, at Snow Peak’s site.
View the entire lookbook below, where candid photography captures the magic of Wakamatsu’s community skate-farm.
