Japan - November 2012

[Chiba J.]

I think a lot of the henleys on the market today are also mid or outer layers, no? The new IH waffle one looks like it could go either way. Straight on the skin or over a light Hanes-like t-shirt. But there are other slightly thicker versions (non waffle) out there that would be less appropriate as a true bottom layer. Anyway, looks like an awesome henley!

[Dirty Denim]

I like the look of the waffle as it looks more rugged than say some of the cleaner looking styles.  In my eyes when I wear a waffle henley I feel like it can carry the look by itself.

[Giles]

@MikeC:

Hopefully it comes in black too.  I've been searching for a black thermal for awhile.

Black, Grey and White…...

[MikeC]

Word, I need black and black.

[rocket]

somehow I think about a double trifecta…. we will see...

[Giles]

All I am going to say on the subject of vests is that you have seen absolutely nothing yet.

[Finn666]

what vest is Jiro wearing on that pic you posted btw.? looks pretty interesting…

[Deebo]

@joesaintjohn:

Ohhhh…plate buckle...come to daddy...

JSJ, I am right there with you man. Missed out on the first style/run, so this is a welcomed addition.

Those henleys are damn awesome too.

[Snowy]

@Giles:

All I am going to say on the subject of vests is that you have seen absolutely nothing yet.

…and here I was going to pick one up next week, parked

[natehate]

the white henley will look amazing paired with a wabash work vest…. now i need both
and that peacoat!!!! i think i need to rob a bank or a convenience store or something
maybe sell my soul? ah who am i kidding i aint got one of those pesky things

[Giles]

@Finn666:

what vest is Jiro wearing on that pic you posted btw.? looks pretty interesting…

Don't know.

[Giles]

In Nagano with Swiss Family Hatt.  Have only just got internet access.  Will be patchy again tomorrow….

[hajduk]

Giles,
does Haraki-san has the plan, the envy to make more extra heavy jersey shirts?
burgundy…brown...navy...?

[Giles]

We did not talk about them I am afraid….

[Giles]

I still look after The Flat Head business for a few retailers around the world.  One of them is VMC, they Roger and Co have never been to Flat Head HQ in Nagano, so we decided to put that right this time.  Internet coverage has been patchy to say the least….

We take the Shinkansen to Nagano and then go straight out for Soba noodle lunch.

This guy was sitting a few tables away, loved hid jacket

After lunch it was off to Stockburg (where much of The Flat Head Leather stuff is made)

Pile of belts

Roger was made one as a present in the summer, here is the belt and the original concept,,

Then he decided he needed another, so we sketched out a design

After looking at how all the leather goods are made, we popped upstairs to look at an impressive collection of Union Specials.  Brigitte was not interested so stayed outside.  Five minutes later we came down the stairs to find her being comprehensively grilled by the police.  A foreigner in Nagano was worthy of stopping the car for questioning, then when she could not speak Japanese and seemed to lost, the police got very concerned….Out of the 6 of us, Brigitte is definitely the least likely to be stopped and questioned by the police, so it made for a few laughs....

We then hit Googies (part if the Flat Head empire) for dinner…

Then back to the hotel…

[Giles]

At the Soba Noodle restaurant, the noodles were made in an area you could view the guys at work….

[Finn666]

lovely update G.!…

[ronaldlsh]

I really miss Japan. ):

[Giles]

Yesterday started with traditional Japanese breakfast…

Then to Flat Head HQ - nice to know I have a corner in Nagano as well as Hachioji…

Then to see some of Kobayashi-sans collections - cars, bikes, pyrex, snap on tools, cameras (basically, you name it, he collects it)…

Off to lunch at another Googies cafe - more of his collections on American advertising signs….

Then my battery died…..

[Friday]

cool updates G-San..