I’d like to start this post by talking about a favorite genre—or rather, a culture.
The main point is that we are starting to carry a new brand/manufacturer! Thank you for your support.
Inatai
Inatai
Inatai refers to something that is countrified, unrefined, or lame.
Among musicians, inatai is a term used with nuances like "gritty," "bluesy," or even "charmingly amateur." While it started among musicians and music fans in the Kansai region as an expression for a "good" kind of countrified feel, as it spread to young people outside of music circles, it began to be used with the more negative nuances of "dull" or "tacky" (and even synonymously with "lame"). Regarding the etymology of inatai, there is one theory that it comes from "inaka" (countryside) with the adjectival suffix "i" attached, causing a sound shift, and another theory that it is a compound of "inaka" and "yabottayi" (unrefined). Since it wasn't originally a negative word, the former is considered more likely.
http://zokugo-dict.com/02i/inatai.htm
I wonder how many months have passed since I first found myself inexplicably drawn to "inatai" American products.
Tacky T-shirts, sweatshirts, military gear... the list goes on forever.
If you look around the Circles shop, it’s overflowing with inatai fixtures, props, and products.
If you look closely, it's fun to find that inatai bicycle parts still exist today, isn't it?
That might be a form of nostalgia, but it’s about cherishing the remnants that were mass-produced at a certain time, tossed about by the waves of history, and left behind. Recognizing them as "cool." Doesn't that approach something akin to the *mingei* (folk craft) movement?
Changing the subject slightly, the so-called "Dead Stock" genre actually consists of items that were quietly sleeping in warehouses due to overproduction. Commercially speaking, they are "negative legacies," but for those of us who love inatai things, the term has a seductive ring to it.
Things that weren't sold on the market but were unearthed after time has passed. They’ve effectively become "Good Stock," and you could say, "Thank you to our predecessors for leaving us such great things!"
RELAXFIT
I’ve rambled a bit, but we’ve decided to carry a manufacturer who shares this same sensibility.
That brand is RELAXFIT.
RELAXFIT is the private brand (PB) of SUPERMARKET in Yutenji.
Originally, we loved crude, "American-style" items like those from American body manufacturers or military surplus, and we started this brand because we thought the things that are mass-produced and sold cheaply are good.
Thinking of them as industrial products, and referencing the ideas of Naoto Fukasawa—who is active with brands like MUJI—we arrived at the theme:[MUJI made by Americans]
In creating our products, we keep specs to a minimum, and thanks to the fabric shops, pattern makers, and the sewing factories that have listened to our demands for many years, I think we've managed to achieve a quality and price that look pretty decent.
Thanks to you, our slogan of [Better Quality Better Price] is working out.🙏
As we were originally a vintage clothing store, we source current American products based on whether they will become good vintage or "Deadstock (GOODSTOCK)" in 20 years. We make Relaxfit items hoping the same will happen for them.
From the brand description.
We hope to keep operating our SUPERMARKET in a back alley of Yutenji while making things that seem to exist but don't quite, like plain bodies or military items, that we ourselves can afford to buy at a reasonable price, so we look forward to your continued support.😊
Sorry about that bit about GOODSTOCK. I lifted it from your previous chapter. I'm really sorry. But I honestly feel, "I know that feeling!" It’s a total sync.
The quality and pricing that allow for casual, everyday wear strike right at the heart of our lifestyle.
Clothing focused on functionality is great, but we wanted to propose a style where you can casually wear these relaxed clothes and head out into the city on something like a single-speed bike, which is why we've started carrying them.
It wasn't just about carrying their regular line—we hit it off immediately upon meeting, and we’ve even managed to collaborate on a custom project right from the first drop.
First, let's introduce the custom item.
Stitch T-shirt “ FIXED ” Made for Circles
A T-shirt concept that gave me a spark the moment I saw it, and I knew I absolutely had to work with them on it. The real centerpiece of this whole series.
This isn't a print; it's embroidery. Isn't that incredible? It's stitch-work that looks like a single continuous line, crafted by Niji-kun, the manager of Yutenji SUPERMARKET. Leaving the threads unfinished and letting them dangle is also a really cool detail.
They usually sell it with their own shop logo, but this time, for our Circles custom order, we’ve simply placed the “ FIXED ” logo on it.
The body is 100% cotton. The kind with an American feel that breaks in nicely on your skin.
You don't need to overthink it—things like this are just fine.
【SPEC】
Material：Cotton100%
SIZE：M / L / XL
COLOR：WHITE
PRICE：¥5,500 (w/tax)
Made in Japan
Model Size：175cm wearing size L
And now, an introduction to the regular line.
JUNKPACK US Quilting Sakosh
This is a personal favorite. A sacoche I use as my commuter bag. (The spelling of the product name is interesting, isn't it?)
The material is US military quilted liner.
It’s a sacoche made by deconstructing that liner. Since it started as a liner, there’s padding, so it provides a bit of cushioning. It’s just right for stashing your wallet, smartphone, and a few small things.
The choice of zipper and pull tab shows they "really get it," and I love that kind of detail.
The “ JANK PACK ” tag is also cute, with a nice sense of parody. (You get it, right?)
The price is reasonable, making it perfect for little outings.
I don't like carrying a backpack too much, but if I load up my panniers or handlebar bag, I have trouble finding a place for my valuables. (Oh, that's just me?)
For those people, this size is especially recommended. Put your valuables in this, and load everything else on the bike.
It’s really just perfect.
【SPEC】
Material：Polyester 100% ( US Military Vintage Remake)
SIZE：One Size
COLOR：Olive Drab
PRICE：¥5,800 (w/tax)
Made in Japan
Beach Slacks Blue Denim
This is a test run, so we only brought in three items per color.
Wide denim pants. (Not jeans.)
You adjust the waist by fastening the Velcro on both sides. A design similar to simple Thai fisherman pants.
I was surprised by this waist mechanism—I never would have thought of it. Truly a "One Size Fits All" pant. This one pair handles everything from a 28-inch (approx. 71cm) to a 38-inch (approx. 96cm) waist.
The pleated, relaxed tapered silhouette is lovely.
When riding a bike, make sure to fold up the right hem or use a pant band.
It feels great to ride a bike in loose-fitting pants with the wind blowing.
You don't need to overthink it; this kind of thing (or rather, this exact kind of thing) is good.
【SPEC】
Material：Cotton100%
SIZE：One Size
COLOR：Stone Wash
PRICE：¥16,500 (w/tax)
Made in Japan
Model ：Yannaku 170cm 60kg, Asai-Chang 177cm 100kg
One Shoulder Day Pack
Next is a bag.
It's a standard, cheap nylon daypack, but the unique thing is that it's a one-shoulder style.
You can throw it on easily, and if you want to take something out, just swing it around to the front. It looks a bit unusual, but it's surprisingly convenient.
Shoulder bags are great for taking things in and out while waiting for a traffic light. This doesn't look overly "serious" like a messenger bag, so it's perfect for daily use.
We are currently offering one of each color.
Being perfectionist is fine, but I think something this relaxed is nice every now and then.
【SPEC】
Material：Cotton100%
SIZE：One Size
COLOR：Orange, Pink, Green
PRICE：¥9,680 (w/tax)
Made in Japan
Benjamin Wallet
I’m getting older, and I’m at the age where I’ve been dying for a leather money clip-style wallet. How about a wallet like this for yourself?
It’s made of Italian tanning leather with a wonderful texture, and it’s the kind of wallet that will develop a great patina as you keep using it.
It holds coins and cards, and there's nothing left to be desired in terms of size or function.
Why not carry a wallet like this and head out into the city in style?
Personally, I want to keep the Camel one in the back pocket of my jersey during rides to help it develop a nice patina.
【SPEC】
Material：Italian tanning Leather
SIZE：11cm × 8.5cm
COLOR： Black , Burgundy , Camel
PRICE：¥12,100 (w/tax)
Made in Japan
Since this is our first run, we have limited quantities of each in stock.
It’s a bit cheap, but it’s great and the price is right. This is what we want. Let’s use stuff like this.
We look forward to carrying these inatai, great-feeling products for a long time, so please check out RELAXFIT.🙏
