中学生が作った「アベイシングエイプ® 」のスニーカー
“ベイプスタ”のペーパークラフト600点を展示

葛西第三中学校（東京都江戸川区）はこのほど、秋の学芸発表会で「アベイシングエイプ®（A BATHING APE®、以下ベイプ）」の定番スニーカー“ベイプスタ（BAPE STA™️）”のペーパークラフトを用いた生徒の作品を展示発表した。このペーパークラフトは、「ベイプ」がコロナ禍の外出自粛要請を受けた2020年に、公式ホームページ(BAPE.COM)から無料で提供したもの。プリントアウトして図面を切り取り、組み立てると完成する。同校美術科の西部亮先生のアイデアで授業に採用され、2年ぶりに平時での展示に至った。

Kasai Daisan Junior High School (Edogawa-Ku, Tokyo) recently presented a paper craft exhibit of the BAPE STA™️, a classic sneaker by A BATHING APE®, at its fall arts and crafts exhibition. This paper craft template was provided for free on the (BAPE.COM) official website back in 2020 when "BAPE®" was asked to refrain from going out due to the Corona Disaster. Print out the template, cut it out, and assemble it to complete the project. This was the idea of Mr. Ryo Seibu, a teacher in the school's art department, and was adopted by the class, leading to its first exhibition after two years.

学芸発表会では、全校生徒によるオリジナルの“ベイプスタ”約600点を展示。

「誰かを傷付けなければ何をやってもいい」という西部先生の教えの元、着色だけでなく、人工芝や切手、フェルトなど異素材を貼り付けるなどした多くの個性的な作品が並んだ。展示会場となった教室には、今回のことを耳にした「ベイプ」が、本物の“ベイプスタ”やオリジナルキャラクター“マイロ像”の展示、教室のプレートなどを制作。

いつもの雰囲気と違う教室に「かっこいい！」「すごい」と釘付けになる生徒の姿が見えた。さらに、着ぐるみ姿の“マイロ”が登場すると、「きゃー、かわいいー！」と黄色い声援が挙がった。また、優れた作品には特別賞を与えて、展示を盛り上げた。

The arts and crafts project featured approximately 600 original "BAPE STA™" made by the students.

"Do as you wish as long as it doesn't hurt anyone," told Mr. Seibu' to the students, and many unique works were displayed, including not only coloring but also attaching different materials such as artificial grass, postage stamps, and felt. In the classroom where the exhibition was held, "BAPE®" heard about the event and created a display of real "BAPE STA™," alongside the "Milo statue," as well as a classroom plaque.

The students were glued to the classroom, which was different from the usual atmosphere, expressing, "Cool! " and "Wow!" with amusement. When the "Milo" mascot appeared on stage, the students’ cheers filled up the room. While special awards were also given to outstanding works, making the exhibition even more exciting.

西部先生は「“ベイプスタ”のペーパークラフトのことを知って、過去に見たアメリカのラッパーがMVで色鮮やかな“ベイプスタ”を履いている姿が浮かんだ。1年生の最初の授業で色の勉強をするので、これを塗らせたら面白そうだな、と。欲を言うともっと面白い作品が出てきて欲しかったが、実は、“自由にやる”のは中学生が一番苦手なこと。『何をやってもいいよ』と言うと途端にみんな手が止まる。展示を見てもう一度作れば、もっと面白い作品が出てくる。だからこそ、他の生徒の作品を見てもらい、 “やられた！”“こういうアイデアがあったか”と感じてほしい。これが来年、再来年と続けばいい」と話す。

Mr. Seibu mentioned, " When I learned about the "BAPE STA™" paper craft, I thought of an American rapper I had seen in the past wearing the brightly colored "BAPE STA™" in a music video. I thought it would be fun to have the students paint these in their class, where they study colors. I would have liked to have seen more interesting pieces, but the truth is that "taking liberties" is something that junior high school students are not very good at. When I said, "You can do whatever you want," everyone's hands stopped immediately. If they look at the exhibition and try again, they will come up with more interesting works. That's why it's important to have them look at other students' work. I want them to look at other students' works and think, "I didn't know they had this kind of idea. I hope this will continue next year and the year after that."

加えてこの取り組みを振り返り、「中学生にとっては、高くて買えないスニーカーかもしれないが、かっこいいブランドのものを作ったという経験になり、とても良い教材だった。従来、学校はおしゃれを排除しようという傾向があるが、それが良い方向に転じて日本のファッションが育てばとても良いことだと思う。世の中の面白いものが学校教育にどんどん入ってくることで、生徒にとってのいい刺激や経験に繋がってほしい」と続けた。

In addition, looking back on this initiative, he said, "For junior high school students, these sneakers may be too expensive to buy, but it was a very good teaching tool because it gave them the experience of making something from a cool brand. Traditionally, schools tend to exclude fashion, but I think it would be a very good thing if this were turned around and Japanese fashion was nurtured. I hope that the introduction of more and more interesting things from around the world into school education will lead to good stimulation and experiences for students," he continued.