FUJITO x FUJINO Interview Part 1

How It All Began

About 10 years ago, Masa Fujino, founder of Paddlers, drove five hours to meet Go Fujito, the designer behind FUJITO, at a small event in Sasebo.

Back then, Masa had no experience in exporting fashion. But after years of traveling, including a long solo trip through India where he even caught malaria, he had learned to trust his gut. In India, he met a Japanese salesman in a cheap dorm who opened his eyes to a new way of living and thinking. That experience pushed him to take risks and try something new.

Go’s own journey started even earlier. As a kid growing up near a US military base in Sasebo, he was surrounded by American culture. His heroes were skaters and musicians like the Beastie Boys. He loved how they mixed fashion, music, and street energy into something unique.

When Masa and Go met for the first time, Go wasn’t sure about doing international business. But he saw something special in Masa, his honesty and passion. So he said, “Let’s try,” and the two began a partnership that still continues today.

GO FUJITO

Founder of the menswear brand FUJITO

Men’s apparel brand founded in 2002 by Go Fujito, based in Fukuoka. Now in its 20th year, FUJITO continues to propose fresh wardrobe staples. Every piece is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, with all production taking place domestically, primarily in Western Japan. Since 2015, FUJITO has also expanded its presence internationally.