Los Angeles–based creative director Paulo Calle — a Bolivian-born figure once behind the now-defunct streetwear label Rare Panther, which he co-founded with artist Reginald Sylvester II, and a longtime collaborator of VERDY — unveils his debut photo book, Calle Tokyo. Composed entirely of film photographs shot during his first trips to Japan in 2015, the book captures a formative era when Calle, Verdy, and their peers were still in their twenties — broke, ambitious, and unknowingly shaping the visual language of a new generation of street culture.
Limited to 500 numbered copies, the book was first released at Toxgo in Harajuku and is now showcased at Daikanyama Tsutaya Books from November 17, followed by select global retailers. Printed and produced entirely in Japan, Calle Tokyo stands as both a time capsule and a gesture of gratitude — its layered paper textures and intricate design embodying the passion and tactile beauty of 2010s Tokyo, preserved for posterity.
Why did you decide to release this book at this point?
Because it’s been 10 years—a decade. I thought it was really meaningful to release these photos now, 10 years later. A decade is such a significant period of time, and it just felt right. I’ve been coming to Japan for so long, and I’ve seen how much has changed. Even my current group of friends wasn’t around back then. So I wanted to showcase how long Verdy and I have been friends and how long I’ve been coming to Japan. Ten years is a special number.
So you’ve been keeping the photos for 10 years?
Yes, 10 years. I never used any of them. When I first came here, I had a shitty camera. I shot 19 rolls of film and went back to LA wanting to make a zine. I asked a friend to help design it, but he got busy, and I eventually gave up.
Three years ago, when I moved into a new office in LA, I found an old hard drive with all the photos. I thought, “Oh my God, I want to make a book.” From that point, I started designing everything—laying it out, conceptualizing it, going through the photos. And now, three years later, I’m finally releasing it. I’m really excited.
The process took about three years—selecting photos, designing, making samples. The book was actually finished about a year and a half ago. I wanted to release it earlier, but it didn’t feel right. Waiting for the 10-year mark made more sense. What’s another year when it’s already been nine?
Can you tell me about when you first met Verdy?
One of my best friends, Reginald Sylvester II, came to Japan around 2012 or 2013 and met Verdy. I think he was Verdy’s first American friend. They were the same age and both graphic artists. Later, Reggie and I started a brand called Rare Panther and did our first pop-up at Toxgo in 2014 or 2015.
During that trip, Reggie introduced me to Verdy—my first Japanese friend. We immediately connected. Whenever I needed help, like shooting a lookbook, Verdy was there. We partied and hung out every night. We were young, just having fun without overthinking. On my second trip in 2015, we got even closer, and that’s when our friendship really solidified.
Can you share some of the most memorable moments from that trip?
I think the most memorable thing was just being in our early twenties, across the world with no money—living off convenience-store rice bowls and fried chicken, just partying and chasing dreams. Reggie had his art show, we did a pop-up, and there was a Stüssy party. It was amazing seeing friends from around the world all in one place and meeting people I’d only seen online—Verbal, Yoon, Poggy.
It was surreal. Even Playboi Carti and A$AP Bari were there. Everyone was so young. Looking back, it’s crazy we were all in Japan at the same time. Ciesay from Places + Faces was there too—it was so random but special. When I look back at those photos, it brings back a lot of memories of being broke but full of passion.
What’s your favorite picture from the book?
Paulo: This one—Goro, the owner of Min-Nano and Toxgo, and Verdy. Goro was the one who first brought us to Japan. This photo was taken during our last dinner together. It’s special because it represents my Japanese story—Goro is like my sensei, the first person who believed in us, and Verdy represents the new generation. Together, they symbolize my journey in Japan.
Funny enough, Goro took us to a Mexican restaurant in Harajuku for that dinner. I remember thinking, “Why am I eating Mexican food in Japan when I live in LA?” But it became a funny, memorable night.
Can you tell me about the design of the book?
Paulo: One of my best friends, Reggie, was working on a book in London, and I sat in on a meeting about it. I learned about different paper textures, cover designs, and storytelling through layout. For my book, I wanted something subtle and intriguing. The cover shows a panda looking outside—it’s confusing but interesting.
I wanted the imagery to speak more than the title. I’m not a professional photographer, but I have a good eye and love attention to detail. So I added special elements—different paper types, translucent pages, cutouts, and signatures. Even if some photos aren’t perfect, I wanted the presentation to elevate them. It’s like an art project for me, something crafted with love and care.
Did you print them in Japan?
Yes, everything was printed in Japan—with Verdy’s help. The photos were shot in Japan, printed in Japan, made in Japan. I’m Japanese at heart.
What does that period mean to you personally?
2015 was such a special moment. When Verdy and I looked through the book recently, we both got emotional. Back then, we were broke, just kids with dreams. That trip bonded us. Ten years later, we’ve achieved so much—traveled the world, done projects together—and this book is a reflection of that journey.
It’s a time we’ll never get back. People might not realize how far back our friendship goes—we’re real friends, more like family. Japan has always been special to me. You can’t just come here for a pop-up and expect to connect; you have to spend time, meet locals, and build relationships. I’ve been coming for over 10 years, and Japan feels like a second home now.
Honestly, I made this book so that one day I can show it to my kids—tell them, “This is your dad, Uncle Verdy, and Uncle Reggie in their twenties in Japan.” That’s what this is about.
Even seeing KB here now is crazy—I’ve been friends with him for 10 years too. This book is really about reflection, gratitude, and capturing a moment that will never come again.
The book’s title, Calle, is my last name—Paulo Calle—but it also means “street” in Spanish, so it’s like Streets of Tokyo. It just felt right.
So you’re first selling the book at Toxgo, and then after that…?
Yes, the first release is at Toxgo. After that, in mid-November, it’ll release globally—in Japan at Daikanyama, and also in Miami, Detroit, New York, LA, Paris, and Australia. I wanted to start at Toxgo, where it all began, before sharing it with the world.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I love you, Tokyo. Thank you for the constant inspiration and for always welcoming me with open arms. I’m so grateful to release my first book here in the city I love.
