"MOONRAKERS" is a clothing brand owned by actor Arata Iura / The ideal form envisioned by actor Arata Iura and "MOONRAKERS"

We collaborated with Arata Iura on creating the ideal outdoor T-shirt. Arata Iura is an actor who has appeared in numerous films and dramas, but he has also been seriously involved in clothing design for many years and currently serves as the director of the outdoor brand "ELNEST CREATIVE ACTIVITY."

Why are we, "MOONRAKERS," collaborating with Arata Iura's "ELNEST"?

Today, we would like to share our thoughts with you.

ELNEST, Mr. Iura:

When I first heard about MOONRAKERS through an acquaintance, I thought, 'What on earth is this all about?'
This is because, as is common knowledge in the fashion business, advanced functional materials like "MOON-TECH®" typically require large production lots, making them accessible only to major companies and difficult for independent brands like ELNEST to acquire.

I've loved clothes since I was young and have been involved in clothing design for decades. When I first started acting, I was so engrossed in clothes and fashion that I used to introduce myself at work as "Iura, the clothes shop owner by trade."

As someone who has been deeply involved in the fashion business, to be honest, until I met Mr. Nishida and heard his story, I thought, "It's impossible to get cutting-edge materials in small lots."

MOONRAKERS, Mr. Nishida:

MOONRAKERS stocks the latest advanced materials at our own risk. Furthermore, we don't monopolize them; we supply them in small quantities to small businesses.

This initiative aims to "liberate advanced materials" for those who are seriously committed to "clothing creation" and to make the fashion business more enjoyable. It also seeks to create opportunities for a wide range of people to experience the wonders of advanced materials, which were previously only accessible to large businesses due to production lot issues, by incorporating them into clothing with diverse values.

This time, ELNEST appreciated this "unconventional aspect of the traditional fashion business" and requested a collaboration. It made us very happy that Mr. Iura found this value precious, was surprised, and delighted, as it felt like our intentions were understood.

Mr. Iura:

There are many ways to enjoy fashion, but for me, appreciating the uniqueness of materials is a huge part of it. In that sense, encountering this material was a shock.

It dries quickly even when wet, and dirt washes off easily. It doesn't smell even after wearing it for several days. Sweat hardly shows, so even gray is fine. It stretches. It offers the highest level of UV protection. It's not see-through even in white. It's tough and highly durable even with heavy use.

Even among materials that boast high functionality, this is the first time I've encountered a material with so many features that defy conventional wisdom. I thought, "Isn't this the best for us who spend a lot of time outdoors?"

Moreover, despite its unique functions, I was surprised by the fabric's texture when I saw and touched it in person. This kind of 'look' cannot be found in other synthetic fibers. I felt that this fabric could achieve the beauty of a T-shirt and the enjoyment and fun of fashion that I refuse to compromise on.

Even when wearing this T-shirt now, because the material is light and soft on the skin, I don't feel like I'm 'wearing' anything. What's even more interesting is when the wind blows. The sensation of the wind passing through my body is pleasant, and the movement of the material itself seems to make the shape of the wind visible. This is an advantage of a relaxed fit. The裏地 also feels smooth like nubuck, which is very comfortable.

To reiterate, advanced functional materials that are already widespread are one thing, but truly cutting-edge materials are almost always inaccessible to us.
What's amazing is that it doesn't look overtly functional; it can be worn as a 'normal T-shirt.' That's why I really want many people to discover this and share in this感動.

Nishida:

Wow... Honestly, Mr. Iura might be the first person to talk about "MOON-TECH®" even better than we do (laughs). I'm truly delighted.

It warms my heart that our pursuit of the highest functionality, and not just that, but also our meticulous attention to the fabric's texture and feel, was so highly praised. The detailed sizing, sewing specifications, and accessory quality, meticulously crafted by Mr. Iura, who has been involved in clothing design for many years, are simply cool. We've also been involved in clothing design for a long time, but working together taught us many new things.

To be honest, lately, we've been receiving many collaboration requests from famous people and prominent brands, but sometimes they didn't align with MOONRAKERS' ideals, and as discussions progressed, I often felt something was off.
Listening to Mr. Iura's words, I felt that it was the difference in the desire to change the existing fashion business and the "passion" for clothing creation.

The passion he puts into his acting work is also immense, which is evident in his performances. Yet, he is so passionate about clothing design and the fashion business that he calls himself "a clothes shop owner by trade." In a way, I think that's excessive, but it also aligns with MOONRAKERS' stance of "devoting as much passion to making things as we do to making them known."
After discussing this again, I realized that, unlike other projects, this was a major driving force that pushed this collaboration forward.

[Photos provided by Fujimaki Department Store]

ELNEST MOON TEE

A simple design featuring a small rubber brand logo. Reflecting Mr. Iura's preference, "When wearing a tight T-shirt in an outdoor setting, I sometimes feel stressed, so a slightly oversized fit is comfortable and reassuring for me," the T-shirt has a somewhat voluminous, oversized silhouette.

Colors: White, Gray, Black