New Value Born from an 'Open Folder': Platform Brand 'Open Folders' Officially Launches Operations

“Open Folders” is a platform-based brand established by Hisato Takenouchi, the director behind multiple successful brands including “nana-nana.” Operating simultaneously across the globe, the platform aims to “reconstruct” diverse elements—including products, food, culture, content, street style, and communities—through curation in partnership with experts from various genres. Built around the perspective of Takenouchi, who has managed numerous projects with domestic and international brands and retailers, the creative collective consists of specialists well-versed in PR, editorial, communication, and the founding members of representative Tokyo street brands. The group functions as a creative collective that redefines existing structures through curation. Open Folders views products not merely as objects, but as communication tools that translate culture, ideology, and systems. It aims to open up and visualize untapped possibilities in lifestyle, cities, design, and markets. The brand’s core pillars are “wordplay,” “reconstruction,” and “community,” with a mission to generate new value from an “open folder.” ■ Signature Items: “AZASU,” “BEROBERO,” “Madamada Nomitai” As a brand introduction, the first line of products utilizes wordplay. These are “Souvenir” caps (7,700 JPY, tax included) inspired by communication, where the consumer is buying the “meaning” behind the text. - AZASU: A slang version of the Japanese thank-you, “Arigatou.” - BEROBERO: An onomatopoeia describing a state of heavy intoxication. - Madamada Nomitai: A humble expression of the desire to be treated to more drinks. ■ Collaboration: “Open Folders × RADIO EVA × Ikumi Kakihara” As its first collaboration, the brand will release a triple-threat project featuring “RADIO EVA,” the official apparel brand for the anime “Evangelion,” and artist Ikumi Kakihara, who works with paint and sashiko embroidery (11,000 JPY, tax included). Launching May 29 at 12:00. - RESTIR - RADIO EVA Official Shop ■ Past Events: “OPFD UTAGE” In January 2026, the brand invited local musicians to “Chambre Noire” in Paris, France, to create original wine, souvenir caps, and sweatshirts. In April, the brand held its first opening event in Japan at the wine bar “Wine Bar JUNI” in Meguro. From May 1 to May 3, pop-up events were held at “Baggage Cafe Market” in Jingumae and “Port tomigaya” in Tomigaya, featuring collaboration caps with both locations. The brand plans to continue curating events that reconstruct communities regularly. ■ June 2026: “Paris Showroom 2027SS,” “OPFD POPUP STORE,” “OPFD UTAGE in Paris” Open Folders is expanding its scope by creating spaces where brands, retailers, creators, and communities intersect. During Paris Fashion Week, a showroom is scheduled to showcase the latest collections, including new releases, to international buyers, press, and creators. Further details will follow. About Open Folders Launched in earnest in 2026, Open Folders is a platform brand that reconstructs products, food, and culture through curation. Rather than producing disposable products, the brand aims to present shared meanings for the modern era, visualizing unspoken possibilities across design, markets, and urban life. HP: https://openfolders.space/ Instagram: @openfolders