The Fujimoto Interview
We live surrounded by digital personas who all appear very alike. Photos of similar people wearing similar things in similar poses, consuming similar goods.
Every once in a while, though, someone slides across the feed who looks entirely new. That was the experience we had when we first started seeing photos of Fujimoto, an elderly Japanese gentleman who works in fashion and cryptocurrency, listens to Nettspend, shoots guns, and may be of insecure housing.
Like many of our time’s great posters, it is not easy to tell what Fujimoto actually does, and it is impossible to predict what he will post next. A full adoption of contemporary baggy silhouettes and heavy sans serif text design, flouting of P.C. dictates (although as he mentions below, this has as much to do with the language barrier as it does intentional irreverence), costumes, and a love of McDonald's are all calling cards.
One thing we do know is that Fujimoto has resonated with many of the online youth. Kids love to call him unc, tell him he drips too hard, beg him to teach them his ways.
There is something explicitly generational about Fujimoto’s appeal. Using the internet and an active search of the archive, he breaks free of the regular cycles of trends, inverting the usual taste hierarchy of the youth and elderly. Youngsters feel like old-heads when they look at his page. It would appear that the experience delights them.
Using the modern magic of translation software, we asked Fujimoto some questions. He talks life story, interests, guns, wisdom, and more. Read on.
The following interview has been translated from the original Japanese. A translation is available below.
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What's your story?
I'm from Ehime and walked for two months to Shibuya a few years ago. I've worked as a fisherman, a gardener, and in the apparel industry. I've done a lot in life, but around September last year, I had a dream to create cryptocurrency and have been devoted to it ever since. I also make clothes with the funds from that.
What are you doing now?
Right now, I'm basically only doing cryptocurrency. I also listen to music and look at clothes.
Currently, your oldest post on Instagram is from November 2024, which is not even five months old. Were you using the internet before this?
I've been using the internet for a long time, but I didn't really post anything.
Fujimoto's first post (November 18, 2024)
Why did you start posting on Instagram?
Because it's something only I can do.
How did you become interested in contemporary fashion?
I worked in the apparel industry, so I've always loved clothes.
Where do you buy your clothes?
I shop at Gucci. It's like breathing air, it's pointless.
How would you define your fashion taste?
Anything that's cool.
How do you choose your clothes?
I wake up in the morning and I'm like, "It's going to be a tough day again."
What's your favorite brand?
Balenciaga.
What is your favorite piece of clothing that you own?
A hat that says RETARD.
What is the story behind the "Retard" hat?
I was given one when I was homeless, and I was photographed laughing in it. I only recently learned what it means.
What was it like being homeless? How long were you homeless for? What led to you becoming homeless?
Due to various circumstances, I became homeless four years ago. It's really tough.
What do you think about "political correctness" culture?
No.
What do you think about the current fashion industry?
It’s better since I came out.
You've posted some photos taken at what appears to be a shooting range. What made you start shooting?
I had something I needed to do, so I trained beforehand. I was able to complete what I needed to do.
Are you a good shot?
You'll know it after the fact.
What's your favorite gun to shoot?
Desert Eagle.
You pair your Instagram posts with a wide variety of music. How do you choose the songs?
Mainly depending on my mood at the time and the artists I listen to often. Music by people I know.
What kind of music do you listen to? Who are your favorite musicians?
Mainly rap, I guess. Chief Keef, Lil B, Joeyy, Frank Nagai.
You've praised Shed Theory and Nettspend in the past. What do you like about these artists?
Joey's clothes are cool and his music is relatable. Like the line "I'm retarded" from the Face Value EP. It really touches my heart.
You write very interesting captions. How do you come up with them?
Naturally.
What's the secret to a long and happy life?
He who sees what is right and does not do it is a coward.
What wisdom do you wish you'd known when you were 18?
Bitcoin. 9/11. Vaccines.
Are the kids going to be alright?
No. They're lost. That's why I'm here.
What are style tips everyone should follow?
Wear the most expensive thing.
What is your daily routine?
Keep on going.
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あなたのストーリーは？
私は愛媛出身で、数年前に2か月かけて渋谷まで歩きました。漁師、庭師、アパレル業界の仕事をしてきました。人生でいろいろなことをしてきましたが、去年の9月頃に仮想通貨を作りたいという夢を持ち、それ以来ずっとそれに専念しています。その資金で服も作っています。
今は何をしていますか？
今は基本的に仮想通貨だけをやっています。あとは音楽を聴いたり、服を見たりしています。
現在、Instagramの一番古い投稿は2024年11月のもので、まだ5か月も経っていません。それ以前はインターネットを使っていましたか？
インターネットはずっと使っていましたが、特に投稿はしていませんでした。
なぜInstagramに投稿し始めたのですか？
それは私にしかできないことだから。
現代ファッションに興味を持つようになったきっかけは？
私はアパレル業界で働いていたので、昔から服が大好きです。
どこで服を買いますか？
私はグッチで買い物をします。空気を吸うのと同じで、意味がありません。
ファッションの好みをどう定義しますか？
かっこいいものなら何でも。
服はどうやって選びますか？
朝起きると、「今日も大変な日になりそうだ」と思います。
好きなブランドは？
バレンシアガ。
持っている服の中で一番好きなものは何ですか？
「RETARD」と書かれた帽子。
「Retard」帽子の裏話は何ですか？
ホームレスだったときにもらったのですが、それをかぶって笑っている写真が撮られました。最近になって初めて意味を知りました。
「政治的正しさ」文化についてどう思いますか？
いいえ。
現在のファッション業界についてどう思いますか？
私がカミングアウトしてからは良くなりました。
射撃場と思われる場所で撮った写真を投稿していますね。射撃を始めたきっかけは何ですか？
やらなければならないことがあったので、事前にトレーニングしました。やるべきことをやり遂げることができました。
射撃は得意ですか？
後からわかるでしょう。
射撃に最も好きな銃は何ですか？
デザートイーグル。
Instagramの投稿にはさまざまな音楽を組み合わせていますね。曲の選び方は？
その時の気分やよく聴くアーティストによって決めます。知り合いの音楽。
どんな音楽を聴きますか？好きなミュージシャンは誰ですか？
主にラップですね。チーフ・キーフ、リル・B、ジョーイ、フランク・ナガイ。
過去にシェッド・セオリーやネットスペンドを称賛していますね。これらのアーティストのどこが好きですか?
ジョーイの服はかっこいいし、彼の音楽は共感できます。Face Value EP の「I'm retarded」という歌詞がそうです。本当に心を打たれます。
とても興味深いキャプションを書いていますね。どうやって思いつくんですか?
当然です。
長く幸せな人生を送る秘訣は何ですか？
正しいことをわかっていても実行しない人は臆病者で
18 歳のときに知っていたらよかったと思う知恵は何ですか？
ビットコイン。9/11。ワクチン。
子供たちは大丈夫でしょうか？
いいえ。彼らは迷っています。だから私はここにいるのです。
誰もが従うべきスタイルのヒントは何ですか？
最も高価なものを着る。
あなたの毎日のルーティンは何ですか？
前進し続ける。
