Taking ARIKO to Japan
Presenting ARIKO in Tokyo was what brought us to Japan. It was our first time showing the collection in an international market—a big milestone for an independent brand! Since we were going all that way, my partner Morgan and I decided to go early and explore the coast and where we could surf.
We rented a car in Okayama, after taking the bullet train from Tokyo, and drove the coast of Shikoku looking for waves. We stayed at Pension Shishikui in Tokushima, fondly called the “log house.” Each cabin is built from huge Japanese tree logs. Between the cabins, the very fresh food, and the hospitality of the people we met, it was a place we were happy to come back to after a day of exploring.
The local point we got to frequent.
And we found waves! It was typhoon season, and we got some good ones at the Niyodo river mouth, the Kaifu river mouth, and the local break near the pension. The water reminded me of Hawaii: clear, blue, and warm. We drove all the way to the southernmost point of the island, spending our days looking at the coastline and figuring out where to paddle out next.
Walking back up after a fun surf on the new board Morgan made me.
Surfing gives us a reason to explore places we might otherwise never get to. This part of the trip was a reminder of how much I love that. We came for ARIKO, but having time to get in the water and experience a different part of Japan made the trip feel much fuller.
Breathtaking Shikoku!
Then it was on to Tokyo!
From October 16–19, the focus shifted to presenting the collection. Our first international market also came with another first for me: allowing other people to sell the line. I’m used to being the person talking about ARIKO, explaining the pieces, and answering questions. Letting someone else take that role meant stepping back a little, which is something I’m still learning to do as the brand grows.
Tokyo sunrise from the hotel window.
The language barrier was challenging. There’s so much I want to communicate about what I make and I couldn’t always do that directly. It was wonderful to see positive reactions to the collection. Taking something I’ve spent so much time developing and seeing it received warmly in our first market outside the US meant a lot.
The line in the showroom, complete with our surfboards Morgan made for full presentation.
That warmth extended beyond the business. Just as we had experienced in Shikoku, we received kind welcomes wherever we went in Tokyo. We ate wonderful food, shopped for new things and vintage, and spent plenty of time looking.
Street styling in Tokyo.
With my background as a buyer, studying stores is always part of the fun. We visited Tomorrowland, Journal Standard, United Arrows, Pilgrim Surf Supply, Beams and more. Seeing what they were carrying, how they put it together, and what people were wearing around the city was creatively inspiring. I came home with a lot to think about.
This trip marked a new step for ARIKO and gave Morgan and me the chance to explore a place we’d love to return to. I’m grateful for the waves, the hospitality, and everyone who took the time to get to know the collection.
Hopefully, the first of many trips to Japan. The journey continues!
