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Ryo Muramatsu
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Yusuke Suzuki
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Soma Takeda
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Amane Yasuda
The start of the day.
I’m the type who likes to get right down to work in the morning so I can make the most of my limited time each day. Breakfast is important to me, and my current favorite meal consists of toast, steamed vegetables, fruit, yogurt, and coffee. I wonder if sticking to even small habits like this will help me establish a steady daily routine.
HERMÈS
Hermes Perfumes
Nostalgia and the Start of Fall.
I think everyone has a scent that’s tied to a memory. For example, home, my mother’s home-cooked meals, or my beloved dog and cat. It’s strange how, even as time passes, smelling the scents that were once all around me still makes me feel strangely at ease. For me, having been born and raised in Nagano, the scent of the countryside evokes a sense of nostalgia. I suppose you could say it’s a blend of the scents of trees, rice paddies, and field fires. I didn’t realize it before I left that town, but now that scent has become something special to me. I was reminded of all this when I put on an *Hermès* perfume. The scent, imbued with the essence of plants and earth, seeped right into my body. It’s a fragrance called “Hermessence Ginseng Biloba Eau de Parfum,” and it’s remarkable because it’s crafted using Korean ginseng rhizomes and ginkgo leaves. It’s the latest addition to the “Hermessence” collection, which blends two unexpected ingredients to create unique fragrances. I also love the leather bottle cap with its subtle saddle stitching. I think this fragrance also signals the start of fall. It’s the kind of scent that could become addictive—one I might recall when I look back on it later.
¥ 48,400 (100 ml)
Hermes Japon
03-3569-3300
www.hermes.com
SOSHIOTSUKI
The "Sou Shiootsuki" Jacket
A rare find.
About half a year ago, I attended my first *Soshiootsuki* exhibition. I’d heard about the buzz surrounding the brand at “Pitti Uomo,” which had taken place shortly before, so I was eager to see the collection up close. Among the vast array of clothing out there, I feel that with tailoring-focused pieces in particular, the quality of the craftsmanship naturally shines through. What struck me about this brand’s pieces, however, was their mastery of design balance—the art of adding and subtracting elements. I believe that contrast is what leads to such impactful garments. My personal favorite was this suede jacket. As shown in the photo, if you unbutton the front, it becomes a jacket with lapels; if you button it all the way up, it becomes a Harrington jacket. It’s designed to be adaptable depending on your mood or the occasion. I also really like the short, unisex silhouette. I don’t think there are many brands that can craft garments this meticulously while maintaining such an independent aesthetic.”
¥275,000
MEIT
info@the-matt.com
soshiotsuki.store
K5
K-5 souvenir items.
Along with some delicious waffles.
Whenever I visit the U.S., I can’t help but check out the souvenir items at cafes and restaurants. Since these items, displayed around the counter, are exclusive to that particular shop, I personally find them more appealing than the souvenirs lined up at airport duty-free shops. It’s a bit cliché, but in LA, for example, there are “In-N-Out Burger” T-shirts. Speaking of souvenir goods, I found some great ones the other day at the “K5” hotel in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo, which I visited on business. I noticed them while enjoying a delicious waffle at “Café Dance,” which is located next to the front desk. The T-shirts are exclusive to the café and come in two colors: charcoal gray and beige. The “DANCE” graphic on the back is really stylish. The other two items are “K5” merchandise. The shoulder bag is designed to hold all the little things you carry while traveling, but it’s just the right size for everyday use, too. Another highlight is that it’s made from fabric by “Komatsu Materiel,” which offers excellent water repellency, durability, and the ability to stand on its own. The gradient colors of the socks—inspired by the curtains in the guest rooms—are sure to be a nice accent to your fall wardrobe. “K5” isn’t just a place to stay; it also features a café, bar, and restaurant, so you can easily pop in for a quick visit. Be sure to check out the souvenir merchandise when you stop by.
T-shirts: ¥5,300 each; Bags: ¥9,900; Socks: ¥2,200
K-Five
03-5962-3485
k5-tokyo.com
When you want to show your parents how much you love them, they’re no longer there.
My 7-year-old nephew, who was on summer break, was coming to stay with us for the first time, so after I picked him up, we headed to the “Asagaya Tanabata Festival.” He seems to love fortune slips; he drew them over and over again, choosing prizes not for himself but as gifts for my sister and brother-in-law. When I was in my twenties, I didn’t just go several years without seeing my parents—I didn’t even keep in touch with them—so I learned from this 7-year-old that it’s never too early to show filial piety.
KUNIKO MUKODA
"Kuniko Mukoda and Cats"
If I had to choose, I'd say I'm more of a cat person.
I get to meet Mr./Ms. ◯◯ during interviews and photo shoots. It’s just part of an editor’s nature to want to meet celebrities they admire—the ones on the other side of the TV screen—through their work. However, while it’s important to be able to work with them, I don’t let personal feelings get in the way or use them as a source of motivation. My interests lie with people found on the dance floors of clubs and live music venues, or standing in front of the bar counter—those who don’t even seek the limelight and are known only to a select few, completely untouched by the desire for recognition. Even so, over the past few years, there’s one person I’ve wanted to meet—though I know it’s beyond my station and perhaps presumptuous—and that is Kuniko Mukoda. Every time I watch a work she’s been involved with or read her novels and essays, I use my ordinary mind to imagine what she might be feeling and how she might be expressing herself if she were alive today. This summer, I finally visited the “Kagoshima Museum of Modern Literature,” a long-cherished wish of mine, and enjoyed the exhibition; on my way home, I bought *Kuniko Mukoda and Cats*. I can’t help but wonder if the passage titled “To Mahashai Mamio” in *The Sleeping Cup* might have been a message she wrote to a man she had feelings for. In any case, Kuniko Mukoda’s coolness transcends time.
¥1,320
Kagoshima Museum of Modern Literature
Instagram:@kinmeru
www.k-kb.or.jp/kinmeru
SHOBU GAKUEN
Shobu Gakuen Tote Bag
A one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn piece.
Right after arriving at the airport, I headed to “Shokudo Yuyu,” where I bought a mix CD while enjoying some chicken rice. At the “Kagoshima Museum of Modern Literature,” I was completely captivated by the Kuniko Mukoda exhibition. I took a boat to “Ajiro Beach” for a swim, and in the evening, I enjoyed music and drinks at “Timeless.” Another unforgettable part of my July visit to Kagoshima was getting to visit “Shobu Gakuen.” Located on a corner of the Yoshino Plateau, about 10 kilometers from the city center, it was hosting the “Hand-Painted and Stitched T-Shirt Exhibition” on the day I visited. Hand-painted T-shirts and tote bags created by the participants were on display and for sale, and every single item was a genuine one-of-a-kind piece. Since I usually carry just four items to work—a laptop, a book, my glasses, and a small water bottle—and add a folding umbrella on rainy days, I decided to buy a tote bag big enough to hold all of them. From among the many options, I chose one with purple and pink squares arranged in a regular pattern. Just seeing it gives me a little boost, and it seems like it will serve as a memento, reminding me of the time I spent in Kagoshima.
¥5,500
Shobu Gakuen
Instagram:@shobu_style
shobu.jp
OAKLEY
Oakley Sneakers
H.R. Giger-esque?
This might come out of the blue, but how many pairs of sneakers (not including leather shoes or sandals) do you buy in a year? Unless you’re a die-hard sneakerhead, the number is probably quite small compared to the number of items of clothing you buy. When I counted the pairs I’d bought in 2025 at home, I found I had three—and two of them were still in their boxes, unworn. Honestly, even though I’m not really up to date on sneaker trends, the pair that caught my eye the most in 2026 was Oakley’s “Edge Elite.” Is it just my personal taste that makes me so drawn to its alien-like visuals—which look like a fantasy of what the late H.R. Giger would have designed if he’d created sneakers? I also really like the insect-inspired color scheme. With a recycled Bloom® foam insole and a spikeless POD traction system, they look comfortable to wear, and the waterproof design is definitely a plus. My AI recently told me that “low-tech” is the current trend, but I’m past the age of worrying about trends—I just want a pair I can pair with my usual outfits without overthinking it.
¥25,300
Oakley.
Instagram:@oakleyjapan
www.oakley.com
I want to wear black.
People often say that clothing colors tend to be more subdued in the fall and winter, but all three items I’m introducing this time happened to be black—entirely by chance. That said, each one has a completely different look. These aren’t just easy choices; they’re my “Three Musketeers”—pieces I genuinely want to wear and own.
Denim Tears
Denim Tears Blouson
An Unusual Black.
I’ve always said in this column that I prefer plain, unadorned clothes. Of course, that hasn’t changed, but this fall and winter, I’m feeling like going back to the mindset I had in high school and having a little more fun with fashion. That’s why I’ve picked out this track jacket from *Denim Tears*. It’s part of an official collaboration with the estate of André Leon Talley, the editor who had a massive impact on the fashion world as *VOGUE*’s first Black male creative director. The fabric, with its eye-catching, wavy texture, is faux astrakhan. The piping running along it is exquisite, and the custom-made antique nickel zipper adds a sense of substance. Embroidered on the chest are the brand name and the initials “ALT.” While it makes a striking impression in photos, its sporty silhouette makes it surprisingly easy to throw on; simply pairing it with your go-to pants creates a look that exudes Black culture. It’s been a while since I’ve come across a piece that’s really sparked my passion for fashion.
¥48,000
denim tears
denimtears.com/ja
Endyma
Enduma Blouson
Black leather with a subtle, understated elegance.
I’ve lived a life completely removed from so-called “masculine” characters. That’s precisely why, even though I’ve always admired rugged, tough leather outerwear, I’ve always felt like the garment was “wearing me” whenever I tried one on. What finally turned my long-standing aversion to leather on its head was a newly launched brand called . In fact, this brand is created by the design team behind 〈Morphe〉, known for its leather bags. While adhering to 〈Morphe〉’s minimalist aesthetic—which strips away all unnecessary elements—they craft clothing that allows you to experience the same comfort, lightness, and softness characteristic of those bags. The brand’s signature piece is a stand-collar zip-up blouson. The gathers at the hem and cuffs create a soft, rounded silhouette, eliminating even the slightest hint of the heaviness or stiffness typically associated with leather. The beautiful drape achieved through meticulously calculated patterns exudes a subtle allure. Combined with its unisex, neutral design, it fit me—someone who’s anything but “hard-boiled”—with such natural ease that it almost took me by surprise.
¥143,000
Enduma
www.endyma.jp
ENCOMING
Incoming Bags
Black for adults.
I usually stick to cotton tote bags that look like souvenirs. I like them because I can use them without worrying about getting them dirty, but I’ve often thought I should own at least one “grown-up bag.” That’s when I came across this leather tote from . At first glance, it looks simple, but it actually has a unique origin—it’s inspired by a paper bag. Handles have been added to the front and back, transforming it into a practical tote. I can’t get enough of the thoughtful details, like the large patch pocket on the front and the herringbone-patterned cotton lining. And its greatest appeal lies in the luxurious materials used. To bring out the full beauty of the high-quality Japanese cowhide suede, the designers deliberately minimized seams to create a minimalist look. The beautiful grain, which reveals deeper nuances depending on the angle, is so smooth you’ll want to keep running your fingers over it. It strikes an exquisite balance: rooted in everyday functionality, yet elevated to a distinctly sophisticated level through its materials and craftsmanship. This leather tote blends seamlessly with casual outfits while helping you project a mature, polished image wherever you go.
¥165,000
incoming
encoming.net
I was moved to tears.
The movie *A Love Hot Enough to Boil Water*. I watched it alone at home on my day off and found myself quietly crying. Even though it’s the story of a mother who’s been given a terminal diagnosis and her family, it’s not so much a sad story as it is an incredibly heartwarming one. It was truly a wonderful film. The cast was fantastic, too.
MEMOLAND
Memoland T-Shirts
Clothes that are blue, free, and pure.
With the lingering summer heat, I picked up a T-shirt from *Memoland*. It’s a brand founded by two young people living in Tokyo, and I bought it when they held a pop-up at “Minnano” this past July. For these two, who have come up through street culture—including skateboarding—the pop-up event at “Minnano” must have been a long-cherished dream. Young people of their own generation were coming and going nonstop, and the place was bursting with energy. The designs may seem understated at first glance, but they’re actually cynical and punk. I think many people resonate with that brand’s vibe. Personally, I really like it, too. This T-shirt is called the “FREEDOM T.” The T-shirt is made by *Basement Gear*, and the screen printing is by *Paha Studio*. I’m really curious to see what *Memoland* will come up with next and what message they’ll convey.
¥7,800
MemoLand
Instagram:@memoland.inmyhouse
BLANC...
Blanc's Glasses
Subtle yet unique.
I used to dislike glasses. Precisely because my vision is poor, I viewed them as “something I had to have” and “something unfashionable.” But over the past few years, I’ve naturally grown to like them, and they’ve actually become an item I reach for often. My most recent purchase is this pair from . The vertical height is relatively narrow, and since gold metal frames suit my face best, I decided to go with this style for this season. Viewed from the front, they look delicate and simple, but the temples are made of acetate, giving them a distinct presence. I love how refreshing that balance is. 〈Blanc〉’s designs are neutral—they aren’t too flashy and go with any outfit. Yet when you put them on, they have a distinct personality and are stylish. Since they’re made in Sabae—Japan’s renowned eyewear mecca—the quality is impeccable. It looks like these will be a long-term companion. I’ll have to be careful not to lose them…
¥40,700
blanc
Instagram:@blanc_official
VANS
Vans Sneakers
I didn't know there was a model like this.
I had no idea there was a like this. I’d never seen or worn a pair before, but apparently this is a low-profile model inspired by an ’80s archive called “Serio.” The name is clearly printed on the tongue label. I chose the brown pair. Looking at the sneakers currently sold by high-end fashion houses, I get the impression that shoes with this kind of silhouette are very common. When your footwear is minimalist, it pairs beautifully with sleek, elegant outfits. This new release is a shoe that perfectly captures that current trend. I wonder how long it will be before chunky, platform shoes make a comeback. Watching these fashion cycles unfold is one of the true joys of fashion, isn’t it?
¥14,850
Vans Japan Customer Service
0120-994-250
contact_japan@vans.com
