[Staff Interview: KID] The Appeal of the Oil Calf "ROM" – Reflections After 9 Months of Wear

The "ROM" model holds a special place in my heart—it is the same style as the very first STRUM leather jacket I ever owned. When it was released as part of the Oil Calf Dark Series, I decided without a moment's hesitation that this was the one for me.

I wear it without fail when I need to get into the right mindset—whether I’m working the sales floor as STRUM staff, performing, rehearsing, or jamming. But it’s so comfortable that I also find myself reaching for it on my days off, even just for a drive. The oil-calf leather feels so light and easy to wear that I end up taking it with me everywhere.
It’s a staple of the STRUMMER style, but during the colder months, I got through the winter by wearing the woven "ROY" over my leather jacket, much like a suit jacket. I wear it all year round.

It's just so easy to wear!
Experiencing it firsthand makes me realize once again just how comfortable oil calf leather is to wear.
Since it’s chrome-tanned, it’s great that I can wear it without worrying about a little rain.
It has become my personal standard for leather jackets.

I feel like the way the left shoulder is stretched out from the guitar strap really defines my leather jacket.
I always carry my Shafter bag on my right side, so when I took a photo and noticed some odd creases, I wondered what was stretching the leather—and then it hit me: "Ah, that’s my leather jacket for you." (Haha)

It was memorable seeing it worn at the first live show of 2026—it gave the impression that "this is how the year kicks off."
Wearing this leather jacket, I’ve had the Boss take me to live shows, joined him at a Christmas party last year, and even stayed out drinking until morning.
I always wear it when I need to get fired up, so I truly feel that we are creating memories together.

It requires no maintenance other than showering it with love.
Having learned from the experience with my first one—which aged too much because I loved it so much—I make sure not to wear this one when I go fishing.
Even so, as the scratches and creases increase, that feeling of it taking on my own personal touch is irresistible.

That would be ROM, of course!
Why have I been wearing ROM almost exclusively over the past nine months—to the point where I call myself "ROM-niisan"?
For those who have read this far, I would love for you to try it on and experience it for yourself.
There is also a "Burning Dye" version in Tourmaline Blue available for this same model, so I highly recommend it if you're looking for something with a bit of color.
Seeing is believing. You are welcome to try it on at any time, so we would be delighted if you could visit the store and experience it for yourself.