What does your brand name, PHENOMENON mean?
Osumi：To put it simply, I borrowed it from the title of the song "Rap Phenomenon" by one of my favorite rappers, The Notorious B.I.G. The framed portrait of The Notorious B.I.G. that is hanging in the entrance of the office is the original print that was posted in "The Source"（Source Magazine). I received it from the photographer that took the photo. It is now like my lucky charm.
What differences are there between PHENOMENON and your existing brand, SWAGGER?
Osumi：I started SWAGGER twelve years ago. Originally, I launched the brand with my friend that I played music with, and we design street wear as we have done since the beginning. Six or seven years after launching SWAGGER, I decided to launch PHENOMENON because I wanted to create clothes that were personal and that I genuinely liked.
What do you consider "Tokyo-like"?
Osumi：Hmm…that's a difficult question. I feel that the atmosphere in clubs where I listen to music is very Tokyo-like. It's something that isn't visible, so it's hard to define the style though.
Which creators and artists have you got your eye on?
Osumi：I idolize Rei Kawakubo of COMME des GARCONS, and Jonio（Jun Takahashi）of Undercover. I've always loved these Japanese designers, and am heavily influenced by them. In terms of music, there are many good DJs in Tokyo. For instance, DJ MAAR who handled our music for our latest show. The atmosphere of clubs in Tokyo is unique from all other places in the world. The kids that hang out there are really stylish and interesting. I often hang out at Le Baron in Minami Aoyama
How do you spend your days off?
Osumi：I don't have days off.（Laughs）It's like I take 365 days off a year. It always feels like I'm on holiday, and it also feels like I'm working… I'm always engrossed in thought, so I feel like my hobby and life are one. I don't go home often, and spend most of my time in the office. I like places where there are people, and where it's airy. Otherwise, I become depressed. The cycle of presenting our collection twice a year is not enough time for me. Although I can't say for sure that being at the office makes me more productive.（Laughs）I like being in places where my mind is always working.
What are your future plans?
Osumi：I'm releasing a limited Christmas line consisting of about 20 pieces in collaboration with the bag brand, MCM. We plan to continue designing clothes with MCM in the future, and we expect to create outrageous designs, so please look forward to that.
Is there anything that you want to try in the future?
Osumi：I want to live in NY. I hope to be based in NY one day and design clothes and work on my brand. Of course, I also want to do a show abroad. But I'm not yet certain about my plans, since it's also fun to do shows in Tokyo. I would also eventually like to try my hand at women's clothes. PHENOMENON is essentially a unisex brand, so right now there are some women who wear the men's S-size as women's clothes, but one day I would like to create a separate line for women.
