AR: I’m a bit curious to know how you define yourself – a fashion designer, costume designer, celebrity?
TK: Me (laughing)? I’m not a celebrity. I would describe myself as a dress designer, because I only make dresses…even though I think what you said is all correct. I make dresses for people in entertainment, I create costumes for advertisements and so on. I actually made my first tailored suit for this collection, for Nakayame Satsuki, an openly transgender actor.
AR: When I look at your work, I also think about you as an artist. You developed a very specific form of art, more than a dress. You take it beyond fashion, for example, in the collaboration you made with the Kyoto-based sweets company.
TK: I do everything that sounds fun. Including food. My aesthetic and technique of making the ruffle, which has become my signature design, can be applied and consumed easily. And it’s very recognizable. Saying that, I feel like I need to be careful with collaborations. I don’t wish to create an overly commercial image.
AR: You mentioned that you’re going to have a transgender actor modelling in the show. Here in Japan, where sexuality is such a private issue, I’m not sure if this falls into the category of ‘fun’ you just mentioned. For me, it feels like you’re intentionally making a statement.
TK: Satsuki inspires me a lot and that is the main reason why I casted him for this show. And yes, there is a message and a statement here for the people who will watch the show, very much about the fact that he is openly transgender. There are some transgender actors in Japan, but they are mostly considered to be comedians who people think are funny to watch. I think there should be an alternative view on transgender life, something other than comedy. I respect Satsuki and want him to be part of what I’m doing, and share the stage with all the other celebrities I cast.