Purple Magazine
— Purple #43 S/S 2025
The Tokyo Diary Issue
kazumi asamura hayashi
portrait by Chikashi Suzuki. Kazumi wears a white shirt by Noir Kei Ninomiya
interview
Co-creator of the cult magazine Libertin DUNE and editorial director of i-D Japan, Kazumi is a pivotal figure on Tokyo’s fashion scene and a longtime contributor to Purple.
PURPLE — How have the magazine culture and independent press evolved in Japan?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — I don’t think Japan is the only place where many people have been able to publish magazines, but I feel the diversity of interests and tastes has driven the freedom to produce independent magazines. Annual art book fairs have become so popular that it’s difficult to get admission tickets, reflecting the growing engagement with the independent press culture.
PURPLE — You’ve run clearly independent magazines like DUNE and Libertin DUNE, while others like Composite were around. Are independent magazines still being published in Japan today?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — I was partly involved with DUNE, but I founded Libertin DUNE with Charlie [Fumihiro Hayashi, aka Charlie Brown]. Although there aren’t many of them, independent magazines are still being published in Japan. Regularly producing a magazine requires immense stamina and dedication on many levels. Publications like Purple, which have maintained their commitment to independent publishing, deserve immense respect.
PURPLE — How is Japan in dialogue with fashion in East Asia, particularly South Korea and China? Are they seen as following the same trends?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — Each country maintains its own distinct fashion identity while also influencing the others. While there may be broader trends across Asia, each brand’s unique aesthetic and approach make their styles entirely distinct from one another.
PURPLE — Does Japan still have an underground scene? Is it visible today, or has it declined?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — I believe the underground culture has evolved into more diverse forms, with various underground scenes still thriving. For instance, the graffiti scene seems more vibrant than ever.
PURPLE — What do you like about Japan? And what do you dislike?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — As clichéd as it may sound, Japan’s charm lies in its safety, delicious food, rich nature, and ever-present culture of onsen [hot spring baths]. What I find less appealing is the strong sense of conformity. While this trait is tied to Japan’s aestheticism and emphasis on harmony, it can sometimes stifle individuality and the expression of opinions.
PURPLE — As a woman working in the creative scene, do you feel women still struggle more than men to be successful in Japan?
KAZUMI ASAMURA HAYASHI — I’m fortunate to work in an industry where many women thrive as artists and leaders. They are independent thinkers, unafraid of change, and highly proactive. However, I believe their success stems from overcoming challenges along the way. Across Japan, particularly in politics and society, women’s participation remains limited. Too often, women are seen as competent supporters, and the opportunities for them to fully showcase their talents are still restricted.
