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Ryo Muramatsu
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Yusuke Suzuki
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Seiya Kato
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Soma Takeda
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Amane Yasuda
Happy times.
One of the origins of my fashion sense is the band “The Strokes.” Back in the day, I looked up to the style of the band members when they were young, and that hasn’t changed even now. I saw them again for the first time in a while at this year’s “Summer Sonic,” and even though they’ve gotten older, it reaffirmed what serves as my guiding principle.
Stone Island
Stone Island Shirt Jacket
The Process of Evolution.
When it comes to brands that have carved out a unique niche for themselves regardless of changing fashion trends, *Stone Island* comes to mind. Founder Massimo Osti is known for creating the *Stone Island* style based on dyeing and finishing techniques, and is credited with being the first to introduce garment dyeing to the fashion industry. In the brand’s early days, it’s said that they even cut up truck tarps to make outerwear. When you think about it, while ready-to-wear became the mainstream in France during the 1980s—a time when “à la mode” styles were emerging one after another—Osty was creating clothing from a completely different perspective right next door in Italy. Osti’s enduring aesthetic is evident in this new shirt as well. It features the classic silhouette with a large chest pocket, dyed using inorganic pigments derived from industrial-grade iron oxide. The soft, slightly faded texture—which becomes apparent the moment you slip it on—is simply magnificent. Another distinctive feature is the recycled cotton used in the fabric; reportedly, it’s made from scraps generated during the production process of *Stone Island* garments. Through this basic shirt, I could see the brand evolving with an eye toward the future.
¥125,400
Stone Island Japan Client Services
0120-988-943
stoneisland.com
Ray-Ban Meta
Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses
The day we go beyond the world of sci-fi movies.
“Paradigm shift” is a term that describes a complete reversal of common sense and values. This phrase might be exactly what describes the . Traditionally, what we expect from eyewear is vision correction, UV protection, and fashion-forward design, but the is a wearable device that connects to your smartphone while fulfilling these functions. What surprised me was that the photos and videos taken with it—and the music I heard—were of much higher quality than I had anticipated before putting them on. What’s more, if you ask the built-in “Meta
AI,” it will tell you all sorts of things as if you were having a conversation. The live translation feature, which supports over 20 languages, is also incredibly accurate. Since the features are constantly being updated, if the second generation already offers this level of quality, I can’t help but wonder what the future of the will look like… I can’t help but think the day will come soon when we surpass the world of sci-fi movies I dreamed of as a child. By the way, the model I’m wearing in the photo is the “HEADLINER,” but there are also the “WAYFARER” and “SKYLER,” as well as optical models. If you want to learn more about the Ray-Ban
Meta, start by
This article Check it out.
¥ 73,700 and up
Luxottica Japan Customer Service
0120-990-307
ray-ban.com
PAPAS
Papas' Shorts
A Late-Summer Favorite.
Now that we’re in the thick of summer, shorts are an absolute must-have for my daily outfits. With the weather swinging back and forth between hot days and sweltering days, it’s really hard to choose pants. Of course, I’m mindful of the occasion, but fortunately, our company allows for a casual style. That’s why I rely entirely on shorts in the summer. That’s why, the other day, I came across this new release from . I was drawn to the handwritten-style
“Papas”
lettering printed on the front and back, so I picked them up. When I touched it, the fabric felt incredibly soft and comfortable—it’s a sweatshirt material. Apparently, it’s a loopback knit made on a rare knitting machine, woven slowly and with great care over time. I’m looking forward to seeing how the look changes and develops character as I wear them more. If I buy these in two colors, I’ll be relying on almost every day through late summer.
Each ¥33,000
pappas (extinct subspecies of horses or cattle)
03-5469-7860
papas.jpn.com
WANDERLUST.
"Vandarast," a bakery in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. The owner, Den, hosts an annual event at the shop where you can enjoy live rap performances and DJs, and I stopped by in August for the first time in three years. There were probably local teenagers and families there having a good time, and the atmosphere—which felt like a true reflection of Den’s personality—was just fantastic.
1/8 oz CLOTHING
1/8 oz CLOTHING Pocket Ashtray
I don't smoke, though.
There’s just something inherently joyful about celebrating the anniversaries of the people who’ve supported us. “1/8oz
CLOTHING,” which features a lineup of items from West Coast brands and artists as well as pieces from our friends, celebrated its second anniversary in July. To celebrate the anniversary, the store hosted an exhibition by Fukuoka-based designer SPECDEE from July 17 to 20. The event featured sales of original works and posters and T-shirts created specifically for “1/8oz
CLOTHING,” and there was an announcement that 16FLIP and SPECDEE would be DJing starting in the evening of the final day—so I stopped by just in time. At the store, I picked up a pocket ashtray featuring the EIGHT
BIRD design by SPECDEE, and I also bought a few records at the adjacent “Fruit Roll
Records.” Since I’m a non-smoker, I won’t be carrying it around with me—instead, I’ll display it on my desk where I can see it. It’s also incredibly exciting that 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of both DOGEAR RECORDS and MidNightMeal
Records.
¥1,000
1/8 oz CLOTHING
Instagram:@eighthclothing81
eighthclothing.com
BIG ISSUE
The Big Issue Tenugui
This year, look for the vermilion color.
Many people say that this year in the Kanto region has been more comfortable than last year, with fewer days of extreme heat and scorching heat, but that’s only true if you’re in an air-conditioned environment. In the *Big Issue Japan* sold by homeless individuals under the blazing sun,"3-Month Mail-Order Program to Support Retailers"There is a special offer available. It allows you to purchase a set of six issues, including the latest one, for ¥3,800. Using this as funding, the purchase prices for retailers have also been reduced during the period from July 15 to September 14. Furthermore, crafted by artisans from “Someno Anbo,” an Asakusa specialty shop for tenugui and dyed textiles with over 100 years of history,Hand-dyed tenugui are also available for sale. The proceeds from the ¥700 go to the sellers. I think people should do what they can within their means, and I’m also writing this as a reminder to myself—why is it that while women’s fashion magazines like *VOGUE* and *SPUR* feature articles on Japanese politics and Palestine, such content is almost never seen in men’s fashion magazines? I’m no saint, nor do I need to be one, but in times like these, I can’t just remain apolitical.
¥2,000
The Big Issue Official
Instagram:@bigissue_japan
bigissue.jp
ANJI
ANJI's 1st Album, "What I Like"
We met at Trasmund.
Since I really love mix CDs as a way to listen to (and discover) music, whenever I stop by “Trasmund” to say hello to the owner, Mr. Hamazaki, it’s become a tradition for me to start by checking out the mix
CD section on the right as soon as I walk in. One day, just as usual, while I was browsing the newly arrived mix
CDs as usual, COMPUMA walked into the store. He was there to deliver the first album, *Watashi no Suki*, by ANJI, a third-year middle school student at a school for the blind in Shiga Prefecture. It’s a release from BLIND BEATS
SOUND, and just like her previous EP, it was produced by COMPUMA, with mixing and mastering handled by hacchi (Urban Volcano Sounds / Deavid
Soul). I bought it right then and there, and as soon as I got home, I popped it into my CD player. I was deeply moved by the poetry reading on the first track—which felt like a statement about music—and by the time the second track, which was also included on her debut EP, came on, I knew this album would become a cherished memory of the summer of 2026. By the time I finished listening to all 14 tracks, the sun had set, so I listened to it again on a sunny weekend morning.
¥2,640
BLIND BEATS SOUND
Instagram:@anji_blindbeats
blindbeatssound.stores.jp
A New Life.
I ended up moving during this heat wave, and my new life starts in September. Since this is my first time living in this area, I’m already excited to see what the neighborhood is like. What criteria do you all use when choosing a place to live? As for me, the deciding factor this time was the Japanese-style room.
ECSTATIC RESEARCH
Ecstatic Research T-shirt
If you're tired of plain T-shirts.
Although the intense heat is starting to subside, it’s still warm enough outside to make you break a sweat. As we head into the latter half of summer, aren’t you starting to get a little tired of the T-shirts you already own?
If so, why not try adding a graphic T-shirt to your wardrobe—one that’ll lift your spirits just by wearing it? That’s why we’d like to recommend a brand created by Ed Davis, co-founder of *Brain
Dead* and the brand’s lead graphic designer, who has demonstrated his talent in that role. 〈Ecstatic Research (ECSTATIC
RESEARCH)〉. The long-awaited first
collection features a wide variety of energetic T-shirts adorned with iconic graphics and vibrant colors, so be sure to check it out and find your favorite design. This is a brand I’m personally keeping a close eye on—it stands out for its unique approach, distinct from that of *Braindead*!
Each ¥15,400
Sakas PR
03-6447-2762
FIRST DOWN
First Down Jacket
It didn't seem likely.
When it comes to *First Down*, a brand born in New York City, many people probably think of the “BUBBLE DOWN
JACKET,” which gained popularity for its stripped-down, uncompromisingly minimalist design and exceptional quality. It is, of course, a renowned classic widely recognized for being favored by iconic figures representing the global cultural scene. However, in addition to its classic designs, the brand now offers a diverse range of technical items that combine versatile functionality suitable for everything from the city to the outdoors. This “PULLOVER
BL” features the high-performance “POLARTEC® POWER
GRID.” Its lattice-like grid structure achieves a high level of balance between lightweight construction, thermal insulation, breathability, and moisture-wicking heat generation, providing a reassuringly comfortable fit despite its relatively thin profile. Also, the anorak style is undoubtedly the key feature of this piece. Rather than being designed for serious outdoor activities, it’s a piece meant to be worn coolly around town while paying homage to the brand’s heritage.
¥24,200
first down
firstdown-official.com
adidas
Adidas Shoes
Stability inspired by running.
Running seems to have garnered even more attention than before, as its various charms have been explored in depth. I think one of its major appeals is that it’s easy to take up, even on your own. In fact, running shoes have had a significant impact on fashion as well, and it’s become increasingly common to see brands around the world releasing items inspired by running that prioritize comfort. Although I haven’t quite gotten around to trying running myself yet, I’m definitely interested in it, so I decided to start by getting a pair of the “ADISTAR
CONTROL
5,” which reinterprets the running silhouette for modern lifestyles. While its sophisticated design evokes the 2000s, its features are cutting-edge. The open-mesh upper provides excellent breathability, and the rubber outsole delivers superior grip in a wide range of situations, making this a pair that’s sure to perform well even outdoors. The “ADISTAR
CONTROL 5” carries on the “ADISTAR” legacy while being adapted to fit modern street style. Since they’re comfortable enough to wear all day without getting tired, be sure to give them a try!
¥15,400
adidas Call Center
03-6732-5461
9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Books I've read recently.
During the Obon holiday, I found myself with plenty of free time at home. I flipped through Paul Auster’s *The National Story Project*, Studs Terkel’s *Work!*, and *A History of Daily Life in Tokyo*, edited by Masahiko Kishi—all from the pile of books I’d been meaning to read. All of them were collections of voices and perspectives from ordinary people, and while I found it fascinating to get a glimpse into the mundane daily lives of others, I also couldn’t help but wonder, “What about my own daily life?” which made me feel a little uneasy.
SOPHNET.
Sofnet Blouson
Getting carried away by the heat.
During the summer, indoor spaces—such as offices, trains, and cafes—are often chilled to the bone by air conditioning. No matter how hot it gets outside, you’ll inevitably find yourself needing something to throw on. That’s where the hooded blouson comes in handy. It’s made from ultra-lightweight micro ripstop fabric. Thanks to the textured surface created by the wrinkle finish and the moderate stiffness provided by the inner coating, the fabric maintains a three-dimensional silhouette despite its thinness. On top of that, it’s a packable design that folds down to a surprisingly compact size—a real plus. Keep it tucked away in your bag, and you’ll be prepared for everything from air-conditioned rooms to sudden summer showers. And right now, the color to go for is definitely bright pink. It must be summer that’s making you want to choose such a bold shade.
29,700 yen
SOFNET
soph.net
HLC
HLC Pants
8/10-length pants to change up your style.
People often say, “Fashion starts from the feet up,” but personally, I think it starts with “pants.” Just a slight change in the silhouette of your pants can make your existing clothes no longer match or completely transform your overall look. I think that’s perhaps the most important factor in shaping your style. In that sense, these pants from seem like a piece that could open the door to a new style. Although they’re listed as “baggy shorts,” when you wear them, they feel as if full-length pants have been cut off to 3/4 length. They have a vibe that’s about one step longer than the shorts typically worn by Chicanos. The material is a stiff faux suede. It’s so stiff that the pants can stand on their own, which creates a beautiful silhouette that flares out dramatically toward the hem. It really has a unique shape. Lately, I’ve been sticking to basic clothes, but these pants—with their unconventional length, material, and silhouette—have made me want to mix things up a bit.
¥55,000
HLC
Instagram:@haphazardlifeclub
GRIP SWANY
Grip Swanee Shorts
Above the knee for those who prefer to go hands-free.
Lately, I’ve been all about above-the-knee shorts. Of course, I want to wear as little fabric as possible, but since below-the-knee lengths have been the fashion trend for the past few years, I’ve been wanting to go the opposite direction. So this summer, I’ve been wearing swim shorts from <Polo
Ralph
Lauren〉 swim shorts, but as someone who doesn’t carry a bag, I ran into one problem: when I stuffed things into the pockets, that area would bulge out and look awkward. With full-length pants, this wouldn’t be an issue, but with above-the-knee shorts—which have so little fabric—it’s impossible not to notice. The shorts from 〈Gripswanny〉 solved that problem for me. Thanks to the large pockets on both sides, I can casually toss in my smartphone, wallet, keys, and other items without ruining the silhouette. As a “wearable bag,” they’ve been the perfect fit for my current mood. Made of Supplex nylon, I can even wade into the water while wearing them without any issues. I plan to get through the rest of the summer in these mood-boosting purple shorts.
¥12,100
grip swanee
grip-swany.co.jp
How to Spend Your Summer Vacation.
Since the latter half of July, I’ve been heading out to the mountains or the beach almost every weekend. It’s certainly tiring physically, but it really clears my head. It feels great to sleep soundly, too. Lately, I’ve been experiencing firsthand the healing power of nature.
NIKE
Nike Moon Shoes
I like waffles.
I love the crazy and groundbreaking story about how Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman is said to have made the sole using a waffle iron. Ever since I learned about that, I’ve been intrigued by Nike’s retro running shoes with waffle soles, and I previously bought a pair of “LD-1000”s. Then, last month, I added a pair of “Moon Shoes” to my collection. I’m a huge fan of shoes with classic color schemes and designs, so these really hit the spot. I absolutely had to have them!
So, I turned on the restock notifications on the online store and bought them immediately. As you can see, the toe box is on the narrow side, so they might feel a bit tight at first, but don’t worry—they’ll break in after you wear them a few times. Just go with your usual sneaker size. Even though these aren’t exactly shoes you’d talk about for their functionality these days, for someone like me who’s interested in running, the story behind their creation really resonated with me.
¥15,730
Nike Customer Service
0120-6453-77
charbon × CHAORAS SPORTS
Charbon × Chaoラス Sports Tenugui
The Savior!
I competed in the 37km category of the trail running race “The 4100D Mountain Trail in
Nozawa Onsen.” Held every year during the third week of July, this race is notoriously hot. You’re running nonstop for over eight hours while constantly at risk of heatstroke. My savior was a custom-made tenugui (traditional Japanese hand towel) commissioned by from . Not only does it wipe away dripping sweat, but it also feels cool against the skin!
Perhaps because that feature saved me in the scorching heat, I was able to cross the finish line faster than last year. When I looked into the material again, I found out it’s made of “bamboo rayon.” Since it’s a regenerated fiber derived from bamboo, it excels at absorbing moisture, drying quickly, and providing antibacterial and odor-resistant properties—all while offering a cooling sensation on contact. Wow, it’s really fun to experience these features firsthand through physical activity. Plus, I absolutely love this seasonal graphic design from . Whether I wrap it around my head or neck, it complements my outfit perfectly, so I’ve been using it all the time.
¥3,850
Charbon
charbon-running.com
D'ORSAY
Dorsay Hand Cream
It smells wonderful, right down to my fingertips.
I received news of a new hand cream from *Dulce*, my personal favorite among fragrance brands. It probably goes without saying, but the quality of the scent is truly in a league of its own. This “Rose Paradis R.B.” has none of the feminine feel typically associated with “rose”; instead, it’s a neutral fragrance that I can confidently recommend to men as well. With notes of musk, pink pepper, and sandalwood, it has a crisp, refreshing quality. I turn to the elegant fragrance unique to for a sense of calm and use it to refresh myself while working. Don’t you think your work goes more smoothly when your fingertips—which are constantly on the keyboard—are moisturized and smell wonderful? It might not be a season when dryness is a major concern, but I think it never hurts to take care of your hands, so I’d like to recommend it to everyone around me.
¥6,380
Dorse Japan
dorsay.com
