Jun Jo is a surf legend. Born in Japan, he lives and works in Hawaii. There his interests blossomed in the co-founding of In4mation in 2002. Through surf, skate and travel, Jun’s concept of the world developed. He, like many, connects through these activities to a notion of shared culture that helps define this generation.

While Jun is the primary subject of this interview, the state of Hawaii, no doubt, retains a huge presence. It’s there that In4mation has grown, from a local shop managed by a close knit group to a recognized global brand. In this, their story relates to some of my primary interests - the spread of style and how it becomes articulated in distinct environments.

In4mation, by virtue of the success of their collaborative product and the near novelty of location, has always appeared successful in offering their core constituents something special. On the same token, it’s offered those outside their twist on Hawaiian life. How they do both, and do it so well, was (probably) the main reason I wished to speak with Jun.

Our conversation took place over the course of an hour. The flow was natural and despite shifting focus a few times, there is at core connective theme of linking Hawaii to the lager enterprise of street wear. In a place so replete with converging cultures, Jun is (to me), uniquely suited to answer questions both pointed and general about interaction, information flow and, as you might expect, the stores and brand he helps oversee.