The inaugural edition of Mr. Babe
File this under unexpectedly awesome: there’s a new Japanese magazine out in the wild that focuses on style for big guys, called Mr. Babe. Longtime reader Gregorio (@atomicboyx on Twitter) told us about it yesterday, and since he’s based in Tokyo and has read the magazine, we asked him for some details.
The magazine seems to be geared toward “pocchari,” in this case, chubby guys in their late 20’s, 30’s, and up who are interested in fashion and lifestyle. According to Gregorio, this first issue, labeled #00, is heavy on accessories, while also featuring a number of web based companies that import or resell clothes in extended sizes. You’ll also find offerings from Japanese big and tall shops peppered into the pictorials. The only brick and mortar shop represented in this first issue is Sakazen, which they seem to be partnering with in some way.
Gregorio goes on to tell us that Mr. Babe features interviews with some Japanese celebrities, such as the writer/director of the live action Bakuman movie, based off a popular manga. In the street style section, you’ll find shots of big men out and about, showing off their style, as well as a variation of this, focused on plus size male celebrities, like Jack Black, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, and Fat Joe.
Does Mr. Babe show promise? Gregorio tells us that he likes the attempt, and hopes that they include more brick and mortar shops in future issues, as opposed to focusing on online-only shopping. He also says that Japanese brands haven’t quite caught up to the idea that not all Japanese people are small people anymore, so things like Mr. Babe are a step in the right direction.
Learn more about Mr. Babe at their website, Mr-babe.com.
