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Why Did Running Wear Brand 'TANNUKI' Collaborate with Bunka Fashion College?
In the past, many people would encounter tanuki (raccoon dogs) while walking in the countryside or deep in the mountains. Even if they haven't seen one directly, many have seen their short legs and round bodies on TV.
There's a brand that brings to mind these creatures. It's the running wear brand 'TANNUKI', operated by RYOYOSHA, LLC. One may wonder if tanuki are fast runners, but of course, there must be a meaning behind the name. This 'TANNUKI' has developed products in collaboration with students from Bunka Fashion College.
In this issue, we've interviewed Ken Kato, who couldn't help but be curious about the brand name 'TANNUKI' and founded it. We asked him about the origins of 'TANNUKI', its commitment to product development, as well as the background of its collaboration with Bunka Fashion College. He had a clear vision of wanting to increase the number of runners and valuing local running communities.
PROFILE
Ken Kato
In 2001, he obtained a master's degree in business administration at a business school in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Afterwards, he worked in sales, marketing, and product development for several foreign apparel/sports/outdoor brands.
In 2020, he started 'TANNUKI', which plans, manufactures, and sells running wear and running gear. In addition to its own online store, the products are sold in 17 domestic and 5 overseas specialty running stores.
Instagram
PROFILE
BunkaRunningClub
A running club belonging to the student association of Bunka Fashion College.
Fashion students develop and create running wear while running with people inside and outside the campus.
In 2023, they released collaborative wear with the running wear/accessory brand .
They plan to participate in the Spring TANNUKI Fest in May 2024.
Instagram
The Running Wear 'TANNUKI' Strives for
Could you tell us about the background behind the launch of 'TANNUKI'?
As for me, I've developed various products thus far. Among them, I think my experience working on product development and as a buyer at Mountain Hardwear, an outdoor sports wear brand in the U.S., has a great impact.This article is for members only.
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