Hiroshi Fujiwara - the Japanese “Godfather of Streetwear” - has ventured into something new. Under FRGMT’s name, the multi-hyphenate produced his first short film about sneakers, entitled the oFFERING (SPIRIDON). Directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker, Hirokazu Kore-eda alongside emerging director, Milena Kaneako, the video draws cues from Kore-eda’s multi-award-winning psychological mystery thriller, Monster. From the way it was shot, scripted and edited, both filmmakers craft a soft, nostalgic and youthful mood centering on a pair of Air Zoom Spiridon, while Fujiwara’s bouncy electronic score and deeply rooted sense of culture tie the narrative together.
Speaking on the short film, Hiroshi Fujiwara says, “When we think of sneakers, we think of sports and streetwear. Of course, that is the orthodox way to go about it, but I think it would be good to take a different approach and have them blend in with everyday life. I would be happy if you could get even a little of that feeling from this film.”
He recalls the early beginnings of the projects, noting that it all began with a video idea he had in mind. “This wonderful short film wouldn’t have been born if I didn’t consult my film producer friend, Yamada Kenji at the start,” says Fujiwara. “This was the first I stepped foot onto an actual film set. I got to observe the whole process from the side and even though it was quite brief, the experience was truly interesting and fun,” he recounts, noting that there was none of the hustle and bustle he originally imagined, but instead, it was a pleasant and immersive environment that’s reminiscent being seated in the theaters for a movie screening. “There were moments on set when it felt like time had stopped. and you can really all sorts of nuanced emotions everywhere. It felt like a dream,” he adds.
For director Hirokazu Kore-eda, his feelings and thoughts on this project come from a place of nostalgia. “I still remember the excitement from the day I swapped my old sports shoes for a pair of lace-up sneakers. That was definitely the day that made me feel I was one step closer to becoming an adult,” he says as he emphasizes how proud he is of the final outcome, touting it as “a wonderful film that reminds us of those precious shoes that everyone has.”
As for Milena Kaneko, she notes, “I’m usually quite timid and shy, but during this project, I told myself to really express my feelings honestly — whether it’s excitement or the strong sense of attraction I have with the theme.” “I had a lot of film filming with the support of many. If this shot film could have the power to touch someone’s heart, I’ll be overjoyed,” she added.
For the premiere, Fujiwara partnered with Hypebeast Japan to pre-release the short film via its official channels. Check out the video in the gallery above.
