We spoke to Himarak Glove, a popular Japanese glove brand with a strong following among snowboarders, about their new models and hot topics for the 2023-2024 season. (SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition / February 14-15 @ Pacifico Yokohama)
HIMARAK spreads the appeal of leather gloves
HIMARAK is a Japanese brand that has been in business for 11 years. The sewing factory for their products is in Kagawa Prefecture, and the leather is tanned in Nara Prefecture. I heard that Kagawa Prefecture is home to many glove manufacturers, and that it boasts the largest share in the country not only for sports gloves such as golf and motorcycling, but also for firefighter gloves
HIMARAK gloves are basically made from cowhide, but some models also use deerskin. Deerskin is used in the kote gloves of kendo, and it is said that the "hand grip" is very important. Inspired by this, HIMARAK uses deerskin for models that require more maneuverability
Leather gloves are well known for their excellent heat retention, durability, waterproofness, and wind resistance, but the reason they are so popular with users is the "feel of leather."
By the way, the glove in the photo above is a model from when the HIMARAK brand was first launched. The one on the left is new, and the one on the right is in a used condition. At first, the leather is a little stiff, but with more use and application of oil, it becomes completely comfortable like this. The more you use it, the more the color and shape change, and it becomes more comfortable to wear. The leather becomes more flexible, and you grow to love it like a partner. It's fun to feel this sense of loving and nurturing it, and this is the beauty and flavor of leather
For this reason, Himarak gloves have a huge number of passionate fans. This is also one of their characteristics. Recently, the appeal of their quality and style has spread from snowboarders to skiers. The number of riders who love them is increasing. Freerider Nakagawa Mirai and her mentor, Sasaki Noriyuki of ICELANTIC, are also fans of the gloves. They are said to give feedback on the feel and functionality of the gloves
New colors for our staff's top pick, SCAPA!
These versatile three-finger gloves are made from deerskin, offering excellent heat retention and ease of use. The supple, soft texture of deerskin makes them incredibly comfortable to use. They are suitable for extreme cold temperatures ranging from -2°C to -18°C. They also offer excellent grip and are highly resistant to wear
ABSINTHE has an excellent zipper that allows you to easily put your fingers out
These large, eye-catching mittens look incredibly warm, making them perfect for riding in the harsh winter or on deep powder snow. However, ABSINTHE isn't just warm. Its unique feature is the long zipper on the index finger side, which allows all four fingers to be exposed
They are extremely useful in the harsh winter when you don't want to take off your gloves but still need to do some delicate work with your fingers. They are especially popular among professionals who need to use their hands on snow, such as photographers, filmmakers, guides, and patrolmen, who find them extremely convenient and appreciated
The set also includes a five-finger inner glove called "JAGER." It's made with so much cowhide leather, yet is reasonably priced at 21,450 yen
"RUM" is the best-selling model with the best wearing comfort
The classic and best-selling model in stores is "RUM." This is the final version of Trigger, which has both outstitched and institched sections to reduce pressure on the fingers and ensure the best possible fit
It comes in two types: cowhide and deerskin. It is designed to withstand temperatures from 0°C to -15°C as standard. It comes in six different colors (orange, black, lite brown, brown crack, suede navy, yellow brown), so you can enjoy coordinating it with your clothing
Comprehensive maintenance support
Finally, according to Suzuki-san, who spoke to us at the exhibition booth..
"Because it's made in Japan, we offer comprehensive maintenance support. If you tell us something is torn or frayed, we can repair it. We hope you'll grow your product into your own shape and color, just like leather shoes or wallets."
▼Explanatory video (by Suzuki)
Official website:http://himarak.co.jp/
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