Alisa and Keiho Menkhaus were raised with both Japanese and German roots, and in each country, always perceived as foreigners.
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They are often asked “Do you feel more German or Japanese?” To answer this, They've spent a long time trying to come up with a truthful answer to what has most shaped their character and personality.
Their answer is "We are what we create."
We are SUSUMU AI.
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ALISA MENKHAUS
Creative Director/Designer, SUSUMU AI​
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KEIHO MENKHAUS
Managing Director, SUSUMU AI
SUSUMU AI has a strong family background. Its direct translation means “continuous love” which is very important to their company as we believe in a love that stretches beyond time and place.
It also has a deeper meaning to Alisa and Keiho, as SUSUMU (進) is their Japanese grandfather's first name. It is a tribute to their grandfather, whose constant motivation and love, even beyond his passing away, breathes life into the brand. The other syllable AI (愛) is the first character of Alisa's name written in Japanese, which means "love." The logo is their grandfather's family crest.
SUSUMU AI is a perfect expression of continuous family love.
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It is the devotion to detail, the preservation of Japanese craft, the love for their grandfather, and the vision of these siblings that create SUSUMU AI.
