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The Proof – Minoru “Brian” Hirano

Minoru "Brian" Hirano first generation Japanese -Canadian is known to family and friends as Min, Minphis Panther or Mini-bar. Min loves Vancouver and resides downtown.

Minoru "Brian" Hirano first generation Japanese -Canadian is known to family and friends as Min, Minphis Panther or Mini-bar.

Min loves Vancouver and resides downtown. When not scheming plots to take over the fashion industry his greasy rat tail can be found shredding on the ski hills or rooting for the Canucks at the local watering hole.

He is currently head designer of his family owned and operated business. Min is proud to support local companies and industry with Granted as well as in his day to day life.

- Mrs. Meyer

Minoru Hirano Proof

The Proof

01 My crammed desk right now. I have a few totem poles and a few daruma's from Japan. The daruma's are a symbol of accomplishment, an eye is painted if you feel you have a certain goal in life that needs to be met and the other is painted when you accomplish that goal.

02 This was taken by our dive master in Bali out in Manta's point. The enormous size and the graceful way these beautiful creatures move in the water are still very clear in my mind. Diving was such a life changing experience a big thank you to my friend's Brian and Putu for opening me up to this world.

03 John Christmas, a professional comic artist was nice enough to feature me as a character in one of his comics. I felt honored to be a part of his amazing art. More of his work can be found here http://www.johnchristmas.net/

04 One day after clearing out my parents garage I had to go the the landfill out in Richmond. Out in the open I saw a full herd of grown deer. I expected seagulls, maybe some coyotes but not full grown deer.

05 I just turned into an Uncle recently, my Niece is the love of my life right now. Having here in town from up North was truly a early Christmas gift, she brought so much joy to the family. I can't wait to see her again!

06 At first glance this looks like any random DJ drawing. I actually purchased it from a homeless man in Gas town trying to make a living. The art is done by 2 shades of jiffy marker with some splattering of ink. This was done on a used cupboard doo. It's a true piece of urban East Van art.

07 I love me a burger any day but deep down inside I'm an Arby's guy, always have, always will be. To bad I just turned into a vegetarian after being a meatatarian for many years.

08 Just a few of some knit swatches I have up on my wall, these help me get an idea of what the garment will look like without actually knitting up the whole piece.

The Questions

What do you do and where?

I design hand knit clothing and other cool hand made things.

What neighborhood do you live in?

I live in Downtown.

What are you working on?

A few projects right now with some other international labels. My goal is to show the rest of the world how cool Canadian made traditional clothing can be.

Where can we find your work?

My work can be found in retail shops across Canada and the U.S. We also have several stores in Japan carrying our items and hope to spread out to the European market soon. www.grantedclothing.com

"Support your local sweat(er) shop!"