Ring Jacket is a house whose members serve as the color guards for a company of eclectic tastes.   The company and Instagram feed depict classic styles, modern inspirations, and looks that defy categorization.

The sixty-one year old company endearingly tags their staff as “Ring People,” a title each wears with pride.  At Ring Jacket Aoyama, I had the chance to meet and speak to Mr. Keiju Tsuda. I followed the frayed edges of a tear that epauled the shoulder of his veteran Barbour Bedale to a café near the flagship.

On our way for a reviving cup, he admitted that although his English was the best of the team, it was nowhere near good enough to hold a conversation with me.

“When I lived in Scotland, I had to drink to be able to speak English to the locals in the pub.”

“How was that?” I inquired.

“Well, I drank a lot!”

Over a much more sober tap, Keiju shared stories of his beginnings as a fashionista, a favorite suit, lessons from a local mentor, and a long-established love for surfing.

Please meet Keiju Tsuda, a Ring Person.

Chris Tuazon: Keiju, how long have you been with Ring Jacket?

Keiju Tsuda: I have been working with them for two years now.

CT: And how long have you been working with suits?

KT: About, ten years. I graduated from university in 1997, and my first job was with agnès b.  I worked for there for five years, and then went to UK to study English for 8 months.   When I came back, I worked for Prada for two years. I then worked for a Japanese tailor here for seven years.

CT: I have noticed a range of styles here in Japan, with a noticeably international flavor from look to look. What do you think is the Japanese style of suits?

KT: Typically, people here prefer the British style. The more knowledgeable in fashion like Italian.

CT: And I guess you prefer Italian as well?

KT: Yes, it’s very nice!