• Japanese doll
    "This porcelain figure is a Japanese fukusuke doll. He wears a formal kimono from the Edo era and his head is shaved in a traditional chonmage hairstyle. This was a gift for my 60th birthday, hence the red jacket and Beams logos painted on both kimono sleeves"
    HANDMADE RABBIT
    "The rabbit was handmade by Mr Matsumura, a designer and close friend, as a gift for my 60th birthday. The rabbit is my Japanese zodiac sign. It was dressed in my image, with a Beams magazine in one pocket"
    vintage Vogue issues
    "These vintage Vogue copies are from the 1930s to the 1970s. It was this period that produced the prototypes of almost everything we see today in fashion, photography, typography, furniture and architecture"
    red Be@rbrick
    "This red Be@rbrick was a gift from Mr Akashi, president of Medicom Toy Corporation. It was especially handmade for my 60th birthday. I believe the Kubrick figures are a phenomena and art form that communicates modern Japanese subcultures to the rest of the world"
    Plate
    "This is an art piece found at an antique shop in Italy. The designer is unknown, but it is estimated to be from the 1950s"
Photography by Mr Cedric Diradourian | Words by Mr Mansel Fletcher

From his fifth-floor office above Tokyo's Harajuku district, Mr Yo Shitara, 60, presides over the Beams fashion empire. This season MR PORTER is, for the first time, stocking Beams Plus, the brand's range of weekend wear. Beams Plus was launched in 1999, inspired by classic American casual clothes, the style of President John F Kennedy and the life of Mr Ernest Hemingway, in particular. To mark this occasion Mr Shitara welcomed us to his office.

What did you want to convey with the room's design?
I wanted it to express our corporate tagline, "Happy Life Solution Company".
And how would you describe it?
Basic and exciting, rough and chic. I enjoy the happy and relaxing atmosphere the minute I walk into the room.
How does the design of your office reflect the wide variation of Beams labels?
Among the chairs in my office you can find Italian mid-century, Scandinavian, and even oriental designs sharing the same space. Beams is also a mixture of various cultures from around the world.
How has your taste developed over the years?
I used to have a strong yearning for overseas culture, especially American culture, which influenced my style and inspiration and even my way of thinking. However, over the years, my Japanese DNA emerged, which made me re-discover the preciousness of our beautiful traditional culture and the importance of preserving Japanese products and craftsmanship.
If your office was on fire and you could only rescue one thing, what would it be?
A photograph of me with Shigeo Nagashima, a former baseball player and manager who I highly admire, and his framed autograph.

the details

  • UFC GLOVES

    "The gloves were a gift from, and autographed by, Mr Dana White, president and owner of the UFC [Ultimate Fighting Championship]. Beams has produced collaboration items with the UFC"

  • Black and white picture

    "This art, by Kosuke Ichikawa, was made by burning paper with incense sticks. Twenty-four thousand were lit to create this piece, depicting a photographic memory of the woods"

  • Red sequin cap

    "This was also a gift for my 60th birthday from my long-revered friend Mr Tarumi, president of Hollywood Ranch Market"

  • Dog sculptures

    "The pit bull is made of Nike Air Max sneaker parts. Designer Vinti Andrews' work is officially approved by Nike. The smaller puppy made of Levi's parts was custom-made on my request"

The collection of pictures and figurines is a strong mix of Western and Japanese influences - how does this relate to the range of Beams labels?
My collection transcends genre, nationality or historical background. Although it seems chaotic it's a mirror of the times.
Given your position in a fashion company, is it hard to balance the need to be creative and businesslike?
No, I don't find it difficult. In order to be flexible the most important thing is to have the ability to control your thoughts. For me, Qigong and meditation are associated with the mind controlling process.

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