Feeling and Imagination

The city of Asahikawa in Hokkaido, where I live, is an impressive place where even the sky with its wide expanse and the flow of clouds color the city. Surrounded by mountains, the city experiences hot summers and cold winters, with ample snowfall, as is typical of the northern region. Connecting these seasons, spring bursts forth with new greenery, while autumn beautifully turns the leaves red before gradually turning white in early winter. Because of these distinct changes, Asahikawa feels like a place where the seasons are vividly felt. Perhaps the clear distinction of the seasons is felt through their rapid and ever-changing transitions. The distance between the city and nature in Asahikawa provides me with positive inspiration in my daily life.
 
There is a mountain range that stands out prominently from Asahikawa, extending from Mount Furano on the right to Mount Aibetsu on the left. It is the Daisetsuzan Tokachi mountain range, which is part of the largest national park in Japan, located in the central part of Hokkaido. I have hiked through these mountains twice in autumn and half in winter, all by myself. When I close my eyes, the actual mountains I traversed come to mind, along with the wind, the scent, and the serene yet ever-present nature I felt there. These thoughts bring to mind the silhouette of the Daisetsuzan Tokachi mountain range, which is also the logo of FIELD EARTH. For me, it represents not just an impression seen from a distance, but the actual environment, various emotions, and the encompassing nature that I experienced and observed. They overflow from the logo.
Snow play has been a natural part of my life since childhood and was nothing special. Skiing was one aspect of my lifestyle, so I naturally enjoyed it. However, when I discovered snowboarding in junior high school, I became involved in halfpipe competitions and eventually turned professional. At the same time, I became interested in mountains and started exploring mountaineering. The more I interacted with nature, the more diverse the feelings I experienced became, influencing my values and way of life and comparing them to human society. I think I began to delve into the mountains around the age of 23. Now, 17 years have passed since I founded the brand. From childhood to the various experiences I have had, they have been perceived as the sensitivity of an individual, whether as a person, a nature enthusiast, a rider, or a designer.
 
What do people feel and imagine in various situations? Of course, these experiences influence my craftsmanship, my approach to the brand, my thoughts on nature, and my feelings about human society. They are constantly guiding me from within. I believe that every experience serves as a process for feeling, thinking, and imagining. Furthermore, I believe that it is through better imagination that people can move forward.
 
The road stretching straight from Asahikawa Medical University to the airport is my favorite running route. At this time of year, wildflowers start to bloom on the roadside, and plants are bursting with life. Even fallen petals gracefully adorn the ground. The morning sun shines brightly on the water surface of the rice paddies, creating a dazzling reflection. On such days, the wind feels especially gentle as it flows. The straight road offers a constant view of the Daisetsuzan Tokachi mountain range. The contrast of the snow-covered mountains is vivid, making them appear closer than ever. Nature continues to unfold in everyday life, just as it always has.
In human society, we are living in a time of rapid and uncertain changes due to the virus issue, which brings about anxiety with an unclear future. Amidst this, it has become difficult to find a sense of stability in daily life and to find a refuge for our hearts, including concerns about our everyday lives and the future. In such moments, we reflect and feel various sensations, whether within ourselves, with our families, or within society. I believe that people live to find happiness. It is during times when we experience and contemplate many things that our power of imagination comes into play. In this particular period, it is crucial to imagine a better future based on the feelings we experience.
 
I believe that FEELING AND IMAGINATION exist to envision a better future.

Katsunori Motomura