When most Japanese people hear the word "Hawaii," they probably think of things like "beaches," "resorts," and "shopping." Indeed, ever since a trip to Hawaii became synonymous with overseas travel for Japanese people, many have been seeking these things.
Indeed, the city has a strong resort tourist atmosphere, with beautiful beaches, elegant hotels, and large shopping malls filled with Japanese tourists.
However, for us, Hawaii is known as the "Island of Music."
Hawaii, where unique ethnic groups existed
Today, tourism is the center of the island's economy, but before the Japanese settled there, Hawaii was an island inhabited by the native Hawaiians. Immigrants from around the world, mainly from Asia, gathered there, and people and cultures from various countries intermingled, forming the Hawaii of today. Intermarriage has progressed, and Hawaii is made up of many different races, including third-generation Filipinos and fourth-generation Japanese.
This culture, formed by the mixture of indigenous peoples with a long history and immigrants, seems to have a unique character that is different from that of the American mainland or the Polynesian islands.
Hawaii, the island of music
We have the image of Hawaii as music.
This is partly because we deal in Hawaiian records, but also because we find it fascinating that the unique cultural formation of Hawaii has had a major influence on the culture of music.
When you think of Hawaiian music, the first thing that comes to mind is probably "Hula." It is a beloved traditional Hawaiian dance (commonly known as hula). You probably imagine the laid-back ukulele sound and mellow vocals and melodies that are often used as hula music.
Unknown Hawaiian Music
Hawaiian music encompasses a wide range of genres, including not only traditional hula, but also AOR, rock, disco, etc. While distribution of records began to expand around the 1970s, much of this music was limited to the small community of Hawaii, and it cannot be said that it has spread globally.
Because of this, there are many titles of "good music" and "good albums" that never saw the light of day. There is a truly diverse range of music in Hawaii, and there is a lot of high-quality music that is not well known. That is why, even though it is a niche genre, it captivates many music lovers, including us.
POOL SIDE's vision of Hawaii
When POOL SIDE thought about what Hawaii means to them, the answer that came to mind was an impression of an island overflowing with music. The "OC Ordinary Hula Girl Tee" is an item that was designed with respect for Hawaiian music.
Hawaii was born as a volcanic island. Diamond Head is synonymous with Oahu. Hula Girls performing traditional hula dances hold records, the same ones we enjoy every day. POOL SIDE connects Hawaii and Tokyo through clothing and records.
OC Ordinary Hula Girl Tee ¥6,600
Ordinary Island Cap ¥4,400