In 1977 on the Kings Road, Terry Jones commissioned Steve Johnston to photograph London punks against a wall and called it a Straight-Up. The format quickly became an i-D staple and a bible of global personal style. To celebrate i-D’s relaunch, we took to the streets of five cultural capitals – including Tokyo, where Ton Zhang captured 9 stylish residents on the move.
Get to know them below and also check out the rest of our Worldwi-De Straight-Ups in London, Accra, Paris and New York.
Ibuki Sakai, 27
What are you wearing from head to toe? Vintage mesh top, customised jeans that I’ve repaired many times, and my favourite Dr. Martens that I’ve had for a decade. What do you love about where you live? It’s surrounded by greenery, quiet, and there’s a delicious ramen shop nearby. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? My friend Manon from NY. She likes Tokyo, it could be good for both of us!
Ouka, 22
What song do you have on repeat right now? “Face” by Faye Wong. The secret to happiness is… Do you, stop worrying about others. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Myself, in five years time.
Ki Ukei, 26
What do you love about Tokyo? I love it’s always a silent place but still feels warm. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? London or New York. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? A girl who works at a nightclub in Kabukicho or Roppongi.
Tight, 21
What do you love about Tokyo? Nature and temples. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Erykah Badu. The secret to happiness is… To have a purpose every day. What does change mean to you? Change is something we make for ourselves.
Jini, 20
What do you love about Tokyo? Everything! Where do you want to be in five years’ time? Worms are scary, but I want to live in nature. If you could swap places with one person for a day who would it be? Me in five years time. I wonder if I will have succeeded and be living in nature…
Ecec, 21
What do you love about Tokyo? Chaos. Where do you want to be in five years’ time? The moon. What does change mean to you? Being alive.
Kohei, 22
What do you love about where you live? Having lots of friends around. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Nakama” by BRAVURA. The secret to happiness is… Sleeping a lot. What does change mean to you? Growth.
Kazane and Sofia
What do you love about Tokyo? K: There are so many interesting people and so many styles and so much inspiration. S: Not only is everything convenient, but many of the brands and styles I like are locally based. The secret to happiness is… K: When I’m watching a Japanese comedy show on YouTube that I’ve already watched many times. S: There is no secret. If there is, I would like to know.
Masaya, 23
What are you wearing from head to toe? My top is from Sex, shoes Dr. Martens and everything else is vintage. What song do you have on repeat right now? “Music For Chameleons” by Gary Numan. If you could swap places with one person for a day, who would it be? I’d like to be a cat.
Photography: Ton Zhang
Casting: Ki Ukei
