– When you were a kid, did you take notice of Valentine’s Day or anything?(1)
[I hated Valentine’s Day. In elementary school. That day depressed me. I didn’t like the idea of going to school and expecting to be given something. I took that day off. Maybe I was too self-conscious. And of course, any guy who got chocolate would be made fun of by the ones who didn’t. So I hid whatever I got.]

– Sounds like you were one of the tough kids. So, did you ever run around flipping up skirts?
[I’ve never flipped a single skirt. And I never pick up girls either.]

– Is it because your aesthetic sense won’t permit it?
[No, it’s just that I’ve never met a girl who makes me want to hit on her. It’s not that I think it’s wrong or anything. But really, if I happen to run into someone I want to get to know better, I think it’s enough just to talk.]

– Sometimes you only get one chance, though. But even if you don’t normally flirt, I’m sure you must at least notice girls.
[Yeaaah, of course I do. Even though I don’t totally understand myself. I like cute people, you know? More than just what’s done with the face, I think full body balance is important. Body shape too; knowing when to lose weight is part of that balance. I think thinner is better.]

– Are there certain mannerisms or facial expressions you find cute in a girl?
[A sulky look, maybe……]

– Doesn’t that face usually come when a spoiled girl doesn’t get what she wants?
[No (laughs).]

– tetsu-san, when you think someone is cute, do you tell them “You’re cute” at all?
[I tell them.]

– Is that so? That’s good. And then, once you find a girl you like, her fashion sense becomes an important point, right?
[It does matter. When I look at someone, I hate seeing obvious brand names on them, and I don’t like to see them carry easily recognisable bags or purses. From the moment I spot the brands, I turn a bit cold. Well, I don’t hate brands, personally. I just refuse to buy anything too obvious.]

– Then it’s better not to wear that sort of thing, but still not look like you’re poor. If you can do that, you can relax.
[That’s right. The concept is cheap (laughs). If you really think something is nice, then go ahead and wear it.]

– (laughs) So, what kind of fashion do you like to see?
[Nothing in particular. If it suits that person, then it’s good. There’s no need to buy imported brands, and it’s ok even if it’s not expensive. I like both pants and skirts. It’s kind of hard to put into words… Clearly, there’s fashion I like, and fashion I hate. Not konsaba (2), not gal (3) … Ah, I got it! I think it’s best if she looks good in cute overalls.]

– That’s pretty specific.
[Before, at Prada in Aoyama, I watched a girl doing a talent show, and she was wearing incredibly cute overalls. I like clothes, so I can usually tell more or less where things were bought, but that time I was thinking “Where did you get that? Tell me!” The design, the shape, the colour, the fabric, they were all very cute. And it suited her. I don’t know anything else about that girl, and it’s been more than half a year since then, but she’s burned into my mind. If she hadn’t been dressed like that at the time, I don’t think I’d have been so captivated.]

– She left quite an impression on you, indeed. How about for personality? Which type do you like : someone talkative, or someone quiet?
[I’d rather have a talkative girl. Since I don’t talk much myself. I like people who have a lot to say. I’ll talk if someone talks to me. That way we could have fun together.]

– If you spot a girl you get a good feeling from, do you take the initiative and approach her?
[Hmmm, that really goes case by case, doesn’t it? Well, I guess it naturally happens pretty often. I don’t persistently pursue a person or anything like that, though.]

– Ah, I understand. So, have you ever had your life bogged down by a huge heartbreak, or any experiences like that?
[I don’t let it get me down, but I’ve experienced many heartbreaks. After all, I’m already 34 (laughs).]

-Interviewer : Harada Sachi
Translated by Natalie Arnold.

1. Valentine’s Day is celebrated a bit differently in Japan, compared to Western countries. Only girls give presents, usually chocolate, to guys they like. A month later, on March 14th, the guys have a chance to reciprocate on what is termed White Day. Go back.

2. Konsaba is derived from the English word ‘conservative’ and refers to modest, body-concealing clothing. Go back.

3. The ‘gal’ style, also called ko-gal, refers to girls who go out of their way to look cuter and younger than they are. They often wear school uniforms in public, even past the age where they use them, modified to be extra cute. Heavy makeup is also common, as is following the latest hair trends. Go back.