Meet Miki Kakebayashi
Miki Kakebayashi
1. What made you start RINGO magazine and what exactly inspired you to start your own magazine?
I have always been madly in love with fashion magazines. In fact, I still am. There were two moments when I knew I wanted to start my own magazine. The first was when I started reading magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar at age ten. I had just moved to the UK with my family because of my father’s job. I couldn't speak English, so it was a tough time for me. However, once I started flipping through the pages and looking at all the beautiful editorial photos, I forgot about everything that was making me sad. I was also able to learn English! I also enjoyed comparing Japanese and British fashion magazines. The layout design and topics were completely different, which made me curious about the reason for such a difference.
Second, while working at a consulting firm, I started making collages in my free time. I posted my artwork on Instagram and was fortunate to be asked to contribute to a few fine art magazines. This inspired me to make my idea a reality. I thought, "Why not create my own magazine?" and make my childhood dream come true.
Starting my first magazine wasn’t easy. So, I took an intensive graphic design class at Parsons in NYC during the summer. That's what led me to launch Ringo Magazine with my team.
2. When did you start RINGO and tell us about how you came up with the idea, the name, and the whole business?
Our editor, Hiccup, came up with the name "RINGO." It might be obvious, but it means "apple" in Japanese. We chose this name because our team met in NYC, also known as the Big Apple. Also, apples are fresh, juicy, and fruitful, which matches the theme of our magazine, which targets fashion and art school students. Apples are also symbolized in many stories, companies, and myths, so we thought it would be easier to set a theme. Additionally, an apple's surface is reminiscent of a marble pattern. This symbolizes the global harmonization we aim for, connecting the world with fresh fashion and art talent.
When I started working on my magazine, I noticed that "zine" culture was popular in Japan and NYC. I was saddened to hear that the magazine industry was declining, at least in Japan, but I noticed that many people still love and are passionate about magazines. So, I decided to give it a try. While studying graphic design in NYC, I noticed that Japanese magazines are popular even among non-Japanese speakers. This brought me back to the days when I used to compare magazines.
Since our magazine is in the early stages and started small, I thought it would be difficult for us to receive advertising fees. I’m therefore hoping to shift our business model to creative consulting and connect cities through fashion and art.
3. What are 3 Tokyo/Japanese fashion brands you think need to be getting more attention in the fashion world right now?
NKNIT
Established in 2021.This brand is known for its high-quality knitwear at affordable prices. They don't have a flagship store yet, so their products are only sold online. What makes them unique is that they are built to order biannually, and only canceled products are sold after the reservation period, so you better get them before they are sold out. Their signature product is the NKNIT big heart design knit, which can be worn by both men and women. I also enjoy their visuals, too. This brand showed me the potential of knitwear.
Instagram: @nknit_official
CFCL
Established in 2020.This is also a knitwear brand. I must have been obsessed with knits recently.lol But the designer used to work for Issey Miyake. Their 3D knitting technology gives them a unique silhouette. Their signature piece is the pottery skirt. Despite their volume, these skirts can be washed in the washing machine, and ironing is unnecessary. Dressy and practical are not always combined, but these dresses are both. I think they're a must-buy when visiting Japan.
Instagram: @cfcl_official
PRANK PROJECT
PRANK PROJECT made its way in 2023 as an offshoot of Maison Special, a Japanese brand that collaborated with Zara that same year. Maison Special is unique in its bold and chic designs, but PRANK PROJECT is known for its more sophisticated designs and colors. If you are looking for officewear with femininity and casualness that you can’t find anywhere else, you can find your piece here. I feel like the mix of feminine and casual is a popular trend in Japan recently.
Instagram: @prankproject_official
4. What is something you want to tell other asians/asian american creators that are just starting out in the industry right now?
I think you’ll notice your nationality once you leave your home country. When I first moved to the UK as a child, I thought about what makes me Japanese. I don't wear kimonos often, nor do I eat sushi often — maybe once every few months — and I don't drink matcha daily. Does our passport make us who we are? Yes in a way, but not entirely. Then I thought maybe our aesthetics are part of what makes us who we are. Like our favorite colors, patterns, and graphic designs. Fashion and art are created with overflowing who you are and true you, unless you're using AI, so every daily moment shapes your aesthetic. What captivates you could also come from your cultural background.
Even if you were born and raised outside your country, these things are woven into your DNA through family and cultural events. Therefore, your cultural background could be one of your strengths and make who you are and hopefully lead you to embrace our culture, art, and craft and also to enjoy your culture you are now living in.
5. Why did you decide you wanted to produce the magazine in both Japanese and English from the start? Did you always know you wanted to take RINGO global?
Yes, the previous magazine that I created is called "Multiple Magazine," and it was bilingual from the beginning. Multiple Magazine focuses on describing and capturing the past, present, and future of Japanese culture. However, RINGO does not focus on Japanese and US culture. Our purpose is to find and connect people with similar aesthetics. Language is the easiest tool for connecting people, and fashion and art connect people instinctively. I wanted to make RINGO global, not only to be known, but also to create a community that shares our philosophy and brings together beauty and talent.
6. Where do you hope to see RINGO 5 years from now? What is the ultimate goal for your business/magazine?
Our physical magazine is currently only available in NY and Japan.However, we will be in Milan in September to attend an independent magazine event called "MAG to MAG." You can purchase our digital version from anywhere. In five years, I would love to see the RINGO community expand globally and own a creative studio where every editorial member can shoot. Like the Met Gala, the golden ticket would be for those with a love and passion for art and fashion. Maybe we could be the first magazine to conduct an event in the metaverse. Our ultimate goal is to create a community that embraces our creativity and aesthetic to take each of us to the next level.
7. When building a team to run RINGO with you, what qualities do you look for within the people you hire and bring onto the team?
Since we are in the early stages, I’m looking for people who can enjoy the hustle and bustle and chaotic moments. And the only three qualities I look for are empathy toward our vision, passionate towards your own dream and a positive attitude.
8. As you continue to produce RINGO, what do you hope the readers learn and gain from your magazine?
”You are not alone.” I know that being in a creative industry is tough. You have to compete with yourself, but with this RINGO you might be able to find someone who can understand your hard times around the world. I hope you can find a lifetime friend or business partner and be able to visit other cities outside of your country you are living in. The founder and designer of ANNA DIAMOND, the Japanese Luxury and sustainable jewelry brand, visited NY for the first time in her life in April and now her brand is available at Colbo NYC.
9. Have you always had an interest in fashion/ creating a magazine? Or how did you realize this was your passion and dream?
I have liked fashion ever since I was little, but my family wanted me to become a lawyer. I hid my passion until I graduated from law school and stopped pursuing my dream of becoming a lawyer. I also remember being the one who made my own stories and small booklets as a child. When I started my career as a consultant, I would stalk an EC site for shopping clothes and pile up copies of fashion magazines. Now, I am finally confident enough to say that I love fashion. However, I still don't wear makeup or fashionable clothes since I’m stuck with magazine editing.
10. Creating a business with your passion feels amazing but I know from my experience can be quite tiring as well, like any job. How do you manage the stress and pressure after/during each issue? How do you reward/treat yourself after each issue?
Eat, sleep, and shop. Period. Since I have a consulting business and deal with my magazine with global members, I’m still struggling to manage my time. My mental health was the last thing on my list of things to treat, but I’ve realized that keeping my motivation stable is key for good productivity. So, I’m trying to establish a routine. I try to go to the sauna every week, and I also try to sleep between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which is called a golden time. I also try to remember the quote, "Life is not a sprint, but a marathon." Even if you feel behind, you might see different results in the long term.
