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DA INSPIRE LIVE Finalist Interview

The passion of my challenge in lock step with my wife towards the DA.

東京エリア・準グランプリ:

Commune

関口和行

(SEKIGUCHI, Kazuyuki)

/ SHOP MANAGER / 1983.12.23 Born

TOKYO Area

Mr. Kazuyuki Sekiguchi has made more than 5 attempts in his challenge towards the DA. This time he won the Tokyo area semi-grand prix with his enhanced skills acquired through competing in the contest. With a personality that attracts those around him, we sought the passion behind his continuous drive to challenge in the contest.

I. Past efforts

--I heard that you have been involved in the DA many times, but how many times did you actually enter?

Since it was from the time the contest became DA-INSPIRE-, it will be more than 5 times.

--Did you often enter contests from the beginning?

That is right. As it was such an environment from the time I started with the store, I felt it was natural for me to enter the contest. So I think what I recognized through the contest has been effectively utilized, which has built who I am today.

--Sekiguchi-san, within yourself, how do you feel about the purpose of entering the contest and its benefits?

Entering the contest is a challenge for myself. By entering the contest, I am able to realize where I stand with respect to the many others who have entered the contest and what I lack. I always participate in contests to enhance my skills as a hairdresser.

--You received both the designer award and a creator award in 2017, but this was your first time receiving an award, correct?

This is right. I had challenged the DA, which realistically reflects the difference in evaluation, and I finally won it, so I immediately thought that it was good that I did not give up.

--After winning both awards, what led you challenge again in 2018?

I didn't want to think that my last win was a fluke, and I wanted to make sure that I could win once again to verify that what I had been doing was the right thing. After that, I was allowed to see the Grand Prix Final held at the Roppongi billboard last year, and I felt strongly that I wanted to be there next year, so I thought it was great that it came true.

Ⅱ.Efforts leading up to the area competition

--In your efforts towards the DA in 2018, what did you particularly strive for or focus on?

In 2018, I felt that I wanted to compete in the cut design. To that end, I had to share the same view of the world as the models, so I communicated often. After that, I also focused on the quality of the costumes and shoots. After thinking about the overall image, I studied the costumes many times until I fully convinced, and started create hairstyles that fit the theme.

--Do you make the costumes by yourself?

The support staff also helped me to make it. I had a lot of different models wear it and made adjustments many times, and while not very tall, but I made the costumes appear to have depth.

--Is the model from Tokyo?。

From Ibaraki. The distance is quite far from here, but quite supportive.
Also at that time, I was able to convey my thoughts properly, so able to get cooperation. After all, I think that I can not create good work on my thoughts alone without the passionate support of those around me who are willing to head in the same direction. (P)

--A,B,C were with the same model, but can you explain each work?

First of all, with A, I created it based on the theme of "dignity". I was able to feel the model's taste and persona, along with the dignified air, and I created the work considering movements or expressions that could draw out such characteristics to the extent possible.

On the other hand, for B, as something contradictory, I made a creation based on the theme of "Thorns". I imagined a woman with a slight thorn within her beauty emanating a dangerous aroma. It was creation based on the expression of inner strength and danger.

For C, by combining the two, in addition to the virtues originally possessed by the model, I further added spice based on my thoughts about strength and thorns. It is emphasizes by tufts of hair bundles.

--What are the characteristics of your design, Sekiguchi-san, including the ones that you usually make?

After all, what I cherish most is to further extract the spice or strengths from the original flavors that make up each individual person, . Not limited to making use of the original tastes, but adding a little impact in it, is what I believe is my strength.

--Last year, you impressively won the second grand prix in the area. Please tell me your feelings at that time.

Honestly, there was disappointment with not being first, but there was also the joy of achieving one of my goals of wanting to be on that stage. As a representative of a large number of people in the Tokyo area, I thought that I would like to reflect everyone's thoughts into results, with a sense of resolution and responsibility.

Ⅲ.Becoming the area representative

--There will be several months from now until the finals, but what will you do to prepare?

After all, as the salon work is the starting point, I would like to prepare with high awareness every day to improve the quality of each activity. After that, I would like to do my best in thorough pursuit without compromises until I reach the finals. In order to demonstrate my strengths without regret, is all up to me

--Please tell us about your enthusiasm for being the person of the year.

With the many people who support me, I was able to acquire the right to challenge in this way, so I would like to win first place and achieve results for them as well.

--So you mean that you want to give back to the many people who support you. By the way, for example, do you think about the concept of the costumes with salon staff or specialists?

My wife who is formerly a beautician is helping me.

--That is reassuring.

I agree. I can say anything, so I did not want to compromise, so I made them together. But after all, the costumes on the day and the first costumes are completely different. With many thoughts, and much repetition, it took form, so I thought it was important to constantly think things over repetitively.

--Is your wife at the venue?

Yes she is. She supports me by fixing the costumes. My wife's existence is huge. There is a limit to what I can make with myself alone. It is the same with the costumes and makeup, and I have been also blessed with the photographers and others. They have been very important.

---The existence of your wife was unexpected, as we did not often hear about it.

She supported me in the background. I have already prepared an image for the finals. So, I will draw a sketch from there and to purchase the base fabric, and try make it by hand again.

--Do you draw the entire body in the sketch?

Yes, the whole body. As I am not able to draw pictures, I have my wife draw it instead. Normally, as it is quite difficult to convey my image to people, but my wife understands me so much that I can have my image represented quickly, so that is a strength.

--Including the photographers and owners, I think there are many supporters, but your wife is the most influential. You won the semi grand prix certainly in lockstep with her.

Interestingly, the day after the July final is my wife's birthday (laugh). So I want to achieve the best result. I cannot lose. I think that I am really blessed because of the support from many people, including their cheers.

--I think that with a personality that someone is willing to help, there are those that provide with support. Thank you for today.

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