Member introduction vol.5 Akihide Hirano
-How long have you been living in Itoshiro?
Since September 2011.
-How long have you been involved with Ishiteshiro Clothing Store?
I became a director when the company was founded in April 2017, but I only started working full-time in the company in April 2021.
-What kind of work do you do?
I am in charge of the overall management of the store. Specifically, I meet with the store owner, Kaori-san, and work on marketing strategies. I also give talks at events about the Itoshiro area and about clothing stores.
-That's a wide range...
I also do babysitting, weeding, and modeling for photo shoots... Publishing an e-mail newsletter is also important, so for now I'm in charge of that... I'm a jack of all trades.
-What products do you recommend?
It's definitely "tatsuke". I have a strong lower body, so I always get holes in my pants. But tatsuke are easy to move in and durable, so I can only wear tatsuke. I always wear tatsuke when I give a lecture, when I work on the farm, or when I relax.
The one I especially recommend is the denim pants. They're denim but not tight, so they're easy to move in and comfortable. I wear them all year round.
-Please say a few words to our customers.
We enjoy living in Itoshiro. Please come and visit us. We highly recommend it in any season.
However, we are not open in the winter, but if you contact us we can accommodate you. We are planning to open a lodging facility from next year!
-Thank you. Akihide-san is the director, but he also does all the little things. He mows the grass in the summer and removes the snow in the winter. He's the father of the Itoshiro Clothing Store!
They also think about business management, check the figures, and provide all kinds of support for daily operations. I can trust them and leave anything to them, so I can proceed with planning, design, dyeing work, and so on with peace of mind, so they are truly a great presence.