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Yosuke Ishii
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Hiroshi Yamamoto
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Shuhei Wakiyama
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Yuri Sudo
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Kazuki Sakaguchi
Storytelling with percussion.
Kinichi Mogi’s solo Fishmans live performance—featuring him singing and playing the drums—was simply amazing. “LONG SEASON” was particularly breathtaking—I couldn’t believe how many different sonic textures could be expressed using just drums and a sampler. Fishmans are venturing into uncharted territory and delving even deeper. I’m already looking forward to next year’s solo show!
NEEDLES.
Needles Jacket and Pants
The playful spirit of the hippies.
I learned the sense of freedom and playfulness in mixing and matching clothes from hippie culture—the idea of combining whatever you like however you like, without being bound by rules, and expressing your individuality through colors and patterns. I feel like the styles of the people who lived during that era taught me the joy of freely mixing and matching according to my own instincts. Now, the jacket and pants you see here, with their distinct hippie vibe, are from *Needles*. The patches featuring peace signs and smiley faces are all colorful—just looking at them lifts my spirits. The joy of customizing and remaking clothes—adding your own personal touch—is another thing I learned from the hippies. The fabric is a soft, plush knit pile, so they’re very comfortable to wear. They’ll definitely come in handy as the weather starts to get chilly. I started by getting the pants, but I’m currently considering adding the jacket to my collection as well.
Jacket ¥ 39,600; Pants ¥ 35,200
Nepenthes.
03-3400-7227
nepenthes.co.uk
BOW WOW
BowWow's Beach Vest
A Rare Find.
I’ve been involved with vintage clothing for many years through my hobbies and work, but no matter how deeply I dig, I keep discovering items I’ve never seen or even known existed. It really is a world of incredible depth. The photo shows a piece created by *Bow Wow*—run by one of the industry’s leading vintage diggers—based on vintage pieces. At first glance, it looks like a standard beach vest, but the back panel is designed to be significantly longer than usual. Since I’d never seen this style before, I assumed had reimagined it—but apparently, they borrowed the design directly from the vintage piece that served as their inspiration. I’m guessing it was designed so that your back wouldn’t be exposed when you bend over while working? In any case, kudos to for using a rare piece as a sample—the fabric quality and authentic finish are simply superb!
¥52,800
C30
03-6384-5811
Instagram:@c30_bowwow_recognize
c30-bowwow.com
RUSSELL ATHLETIC × BerBerJin
Russell Athletic × Berberjin Track Jacket
A sweatpants thong.
Even though I claim to be a fan of vintage clothing and American casual style, I actually don’t own a single trucker jacket. I used to buy all kinds of stuff, from major brands to niche ones, and I even had a vintage “506XX” T-back, but I ended up getting rid of it all. I do like them, and there’s no doubt they look cool, but whenever I wore one, it just ended up looking too forced—I couldn’t pull it off. However, with this tracker jacket—a collaboration between Russell Athletic and “Berberjin”—I think I’ll be able to wear it in my own style without trying too hard. Since it’s made of sweatshirt fabric instead of denim, it’s soft and comfortable to wear, and because “Berberjin” oversaw the design, the attention to detail is impeccable. Wearing a T-back as a second layer is also a unique and cool touch, isn’t it?
¥26,400
Russell Athletic
Instagram:@russell_athletic_japan
russelljapan.com
I plan to get my revenge.
Well then. Unfortunately, I was cut off at the 110-km mark on the “Joshu Hotaka Sky View Trail.” There were various reasons—knee pain, a fall early on, the time I took for a nap, and so on. Precisely because there are so many things to reflect on, I do have the thought that “maybe next year…”—but when I think back to that steep climb up the ski slope… Since I really pushed hard at the end, it’s just so frustrating no matter what (tears).
VARORA.
VARORA's "buntA Waraji Sandal VARORA. LUMA RISE"
The item I wore the most this summer.
I spend almost the entire summer in sandals. Actually, forget just summer—I usually wear sandals right up until just before winter, when autumn is in full swing and the cold starts to set in. They’re just so comfortable, give me a sense of freedom, and are a breeze to slip on and off. When I see them by the front door, my feet just naturally reach for them. The pair I wore the most this summer was this “buntA Waraji Sandal VARORA. LUMA RISE” from VARORA. This product aims to combine the characteristics of traditional Japanese straw sandals (zori) and warachi to evolve them into running and conditioning gear. Its standout feature is the comfort of the footbed, which feels like it’s hugging the sole of your foot. It also offers just the right amount of cushioning, so unlike the direct ground feel of so-called barefoot-style sandals, it provides a sense of security whether you’re walking or running. Plus, the outsole is made of non-slip rubber, delivering excellent grip on any surface. What’s more, by making use of the included straps, you can not only adjust the fit but also wear them in three different ways—another appealing feature. It’s a versatile shoe suitable for everything from daily jogs to pre- and post-race use, and of course, everyday life. Be sure to check it out.
¥19,800
Valora
Instagram:@varora.jp
varora-store.com
NNormal
Standard Rain Jacket
It has a look that’s quite unlike what you’d expect from the outdoors.
I usually carry a rain jacket with me—both in my daily life and when I’m hiking. In my daily life, I find it a hassle to carry an umbrella, and when I’m hiking, I need it to handle sudden changes in the weather. That said, I don’t actually end up using it that often. However, when the time comes to use it, if it looks a bit shabby, it really brings me down in more ways than one. If I’m going to carry one anyway, I’d prefer something that stands out from the crowd and is functional at the same time. That’s why I chose this one from the brand “Normal,” led by trail running superstar Kilian Jornet. It features an off-center front zipper to keep the zipper from hitting your face, and action pleats on the back. This allows you to put it on and take it off smoothly even while wearing a backpack. It’s also packed with other welcome features, like a hood redesigned to protect against storms and a waterproof closure that prevents cold air from entering while allowing for a custom fit. Yet, the look is simple and clean, and I really like the beige color that blends right in with the city. I’m drawn to the unique, non-traditional outdoor aesthetic that’s characteristic of .
¥39,600
normal
Instagram:@nnormal_japan
www.nnormal.com/ja_JP
SHAMMA SANDALS
Shama Sandals
We can perform precise fittings quickly.
Once again, it’s sandals. From the moment you start to feel the breath of spring until just before winter sets in—a period of nearly half a year spent wearing sandals—there’s bound to be a fair amount of demand. That said, since I prioritize functionality when making my choices, I’m limited to the niche category of “running sandals”… Still, these are really good. The “Elite Maximus” from the Santa Cruz, California-based brand . Needless to say, it features a zero-drop construction, and the insole is made of aniline leather that molds to your foot the more you wear it. The in-house developed outsole is flexible, giving you a comfortable feel as if the shoe is hugging your foot. Moreover, a key feature is the upper, which uses nylon straps at three points—the instep, the inner side of the instep, and the heel—enabling a quick and precise fit. This standout design masterfully addresses the common drawback of barefoot sandals—that their simplicity can make fitting a hassle. The ability to easily fine-tune the fit depending on the situation is surprisingly addictive.
29,700 yen
hatchet_jpn
Instagram:@hatchet_jpn
I want a body composition scale.
Maybe it’s because I’ve always been naturally thin, but I’ve never really been interested in the whole “muscle-worship” thing. However, I’ve recently had the chance to try out body composition scales from two different companies in quick succession, and I’ve started to find muscles kind of interesting. It’s very existential. The problem is that even though I like strength training, I don’t actually want to do it.
mont-bell
Montbell Fleece
What Makes Montbell So Great.
In recent years, there’s been a rise in “active insulation”—mid-layers made from a single piece of fabric with one mesh side and one brushed side—in the outdoor apparel market. They’re lightweight and highly breathable yet warm, and you never feel like you can’t breathe while wearing them. That unique, “lukewarm bath” sensation—where you can wear it all day long—is addictive once you try it. It’s perfect not only for situations where you’ll break a sweat but also for travel and business trips, and I’ve come to rely on it completely. And now, Montbell has finally joined the fray. Their new “ClimaAir Light” series features a brushed exterior and a mesh interior. The wide, loose weave provides exceptional breathability, and the long-sleeve version weighs just over 100 grams. I was so eager to try it that I snagged this navy version as soon as it was released—and I could already tell it was a classic in the making. It’s still a bit warm out, so I haven’t tested its durability yet, but the vibrant colors—like the orange and the green set to be released soon—have already put them on my list of potential repeat purchases. It’ll be a little while before I get to wear them, but I’ve already picked up a pair of tights too. Best of all, the price is incredibly reasonable. I think anyone who tries this will find it hard to live without, so personally, I’d highly recommend giving it a try.
¥4,200
Montbell Customer Service
06-6536-5740
www.montbell.jp
Fossil Emporium & Museum
Fossil Museum T-Shirts for Sale
You can buy fossils.
Just the other day, I took a personal trip to Fukuoka. I went without doing much research beforehand, so I regret not being able to taste some of my favorite sake brands, like “Wakanami” and “Yama no Kotobuki.” That aside, on my last day, just as I was about to head to the airport, I stumbled upon a space that exuded a clean yet eerie atmosphere. Right at the entrance stood an ammonite fossil, and the place—which had a somewhat gallery-like atmosphere—was a shop called “The Fossil Museum You Can Buy From.” The shelves inside were lined with, quite literally, fossils. They sold a wide variety of fossils, ranging from high-priced ones mounted on pedestals to more affordable ones packaged in boxes. Each one had a label explaining where it was collected, what kind of fossil it was, and from which geological period—it was fun just looking at them. Plus, the fact that I could actually buy them made me so excited I couldn’t stop. That said, with my flight time fast approaching and unable to make up my mind, I ended up just buying a T-shirt with a cool design to take home. Sorry for being so indecisive. After looking it up later, I found out they’ve opened a location in Tokyo too, so I plan to stop by soon!
¥5,800
Fossil Museum Where You Can Buy Fossils
www.kaseki.jp
is-ness × Graphpaper
Izunes × Graph Paper Collection
A set I want to wear casually.
It’s been raining for over 30 days, and I’ve finally lost track of the season—and what to wear. At first, I was choosing only synthetic fabrics, thinking they’d dry quickly if they got wet, but at this point, that doesn’t matter anymore. In fact, I’m starting to feel like I’m done with synthetic fabrics for a while. So I chose the capsule collection created to commemorate *Iznes*’s 25th anniversary, in which *Graph Paper* added its own flair to *Iznes* items. This Harrington jacket and pants set features wool gabardine fabric, a signature of *Graph Paper*. Furthermore, the jacket’s lining features a striped shirt fabric that *Graph Paper* has used in past collections, while the pants incorporate a modified waist design inspired by *Graph Paper*’s chef pants. I love that the design works just as well as a matching set as it does when worn separately. Just throw it on and head out—that’s the sophisticated vibe it conveys.
Left: ¥77,000; Right: ¥46,200
Graphpaper Tokyo
03-6381-6171
graphpaper-tokyo.com
T-K.
We’ve finally reached the finale. It was so much fun being kept on my toes every episode and spending the whole week mulling over all the possibilities! I can only say “bravo” to screenwriter Ikata-san for having the courage to portray these complex relationships without trying to neatly tie them up. And it’s amazing that this aired at 10 p.m. on Fridays instead of in a late-night time slot. Plus, the Spitz theme song that starts with “Blueberry.” Thank you, T-Kawa!
cash&barba
Cache and Barba Setup
Authentic Cashmere.
These days, when people hear “Mongolia,“ they think of it as the country made famous as the filming location for *VIVANT*, but in the apparel industry, it’s a major producer of cashmere. *Cash & Barba* has partnered with them to create products, but their approach is unique. While Mongolia’s cashmere industry primarily focuses on exporting raw wool before processing, *Cash & Barba* pays nomadic herders in advance for the raw wool, establishes the necessary infrastructure, and then completes the manufacturing process domestically. The “Mongolian Cashmere Series” was born from this approach. This set features a loose-fitting crewneck and ribbed pants; the fabric is soft and has a pleasant, silky-smooth feel against the skin. It’s also delightfully durable thanks to its tightly knit construction. Furthermore, the navy shade is a deep color, almost black, exuding a mature allure. While *VIVANT* is known for its spectacular photo shoots, there’s a Japanese brand in Mongolia that takes cashmere seriously. Mongolia truly seems to have a certain allure that draws people in.
60,500 yen
cache and bulba
info@cashbarba.com
7th Floor, Watanabe Building, 1-3-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
03-6412-8217
Sanmont.
Sanmont's Court
A quiet coat.
I think everyone has a brand they can’t take their eyes off—and for me, that brand is *Sanmont*. This season, I was drawn to this long overcoat. It’s made from high-density cotton twill that’s been piece-dyed, and the navy color, combined with just the right amount of unevenness, creates a rugged vibe. The fit is roomy, but the clever silhouette ensures it doesn’t look like you’re just being made to wear it. Plus, the back-less construction keeps it from looking bulky, giving it a light, airy feel. It also features oversized magazine pockets, which is a handy detail that lets you head out without a bag. It looks great worn as-is, but it also looks stylish with the collar turned up and the sleeves rolled back to show the shirt or knit underneath. While some garments look best in flat-lay photos, is the opposite—it’s a piece that truly reveals its true value when worn. Coats like this are the kind you’ll never tire of and can enjoy for decades to come. Please be sure to try it on in-store.
¥85,000
Saint-Mont
Instagram:@sanmont_official
Levi's®.
Levi's® Deck Jacket
Other than the usual suspects.
I’m constantly amazed by the level of craftsmanship that goes into products, and this piece is no exception. Based on the “N-1 Deck Jacket,” while other brands might recreate it in leather or cotton, Levi’s has reimagined it using their signature denim. The denim has just the right amount of wear, giving it a slightly worn-in feel and depth. Thanks to the brown faux fur trim around the collar, it doesn’t come across as too rugged, lending it a slightly modern vibe. It seems likely to appeal to a much wider range of wearers than the original vintage version. If I were to style it, I’d pair it with chinos or jeans that have a bit of a silhouette rather than pants that fit just right. If I were to go with jeans, I’d be in the mood to deliberately choose a different shade. I’m truly impressed by their ability to create products with such a high degree of freedom—all made possible by their unshakable lineup of classic staples. By the way, I used to be in charge ofSeriesBut since I was focusing on Levi's® ”non-classic” styles, please check those out as well.
¥24,200
Levi Strauss Japan K.K.
0120-099-501
levi.com
An Enchanting Paradise.
During Silver Week, the Amsterdam-based music event “Dekmantel"Heading to Bali. The venue is the beach club '—'—which has garnered global attention for its sustainable initiatives—"Potato Head". During the day, with the ocean and the sun as a backdrop, and late at night in the underground club designed by DJ Harvey, I was in a dreamlike state, soaking in the finest dance music. Avalon Emerson was absolutely incredible...
Peter Ivy Flow Lab
Glass from the Fluid Dynamics Research Institute
The etymology of "beer."
The other day, I went to Toyama to climb Mount Tateyama. Even after heading back down into the city, I had a wonderful time visiting the Theo Jansen exhibition, the izakaya “Hida,” and the wine bar “Alps.” On top of that, thanks to a fortunate connection, I was able to tour the studio of glass artist Peter Ivy. The studio, a renovated traditional Japanese house, is a pleasant space with high ceilings, enveloped in the warmth of wood and gentle natural light. Watching the liquid glass, glowing red, take shape through the interplay of air and centrifugal force was like witnessing life being breathed into it—I found myself transfixed. At the gallery across the street, I purchased a glass named “Bibere.” “Bibere” means “to drink” in Latin and is said to be the origin of the word “beer.” In keeping with that name, I thought it would make a perfect beer glass. The design—with a coil of glass wrapped around the base—is simple yet striking, and I was drawn to its elegant presence. Since it’s thin-walled, it’s sure to make beer taste even better.
¥18,000
Fluidity Research Institute
peterivy.com
303
303 Convertible Pants
Levi's 501 in the mountains.
It’s cold in the mornings and evenings, but warm during the day. You get hot when you’re active, but cold when you stop moving. Convertible pants are handy to have when spending time in the mountains. This is a new brand by Mr. Nogawa of , called <303〉A special color edition of “Kawachi-dake.” These are a cut above your typical convertible pants. Their standout feature is the two zippers on each leg. By adding zippers not only above the knee but also on the shin, you can wear them as shorts, long pants, or 3/4-length pants. These will come in handy when long pants are too hot, but shorts feel too casual, or when you’re worried about bug bites. If unzipping them all the way is a hassle, just open them slightly for ventilation—they let moisture escape from four different spots. Another nice touch is that the zippers are different colors on each side, so you won’t get confused when reattaching them. There are two pockets on each side: one is the perfect size for storing a trail hood or smartphone, and the other is slightly larger. It’s a thoughtful touch that they’re positioned on the sides so they don’t interfere with your legs while you’re on the move. Incidentally, the item is called “501.” Apparently, it was designed to be the equivalent of the Levi’s® “501®” in the world of trekking pants.
¥26,400
Mount Kawachi
kawarakidake.com
Keisuke Serizawa Museum Museum Shop
Furoshiki from the Serizawa Keisuke Museum Gift Shop
The Color Sense of a Living National Treasure.
Whenever I travel, I always make a point of checking out local crafts and works by artists with ties to the area. During a recent visit to Shizuoka, I went to the “Keisuke Serizawa Museum.” Keisuke Serizawa is an artist recognized as an Important Intangible Cultural Property for establishing his own unique style of katazome dyeing through his sense of color and talent for transforming motifs into patterns. He is, in other words, a Living National Treasure. The patterns he depicts vary widely, including plants, animals, people, landscapes, and characters. Among his most representative works are those based on the Iroha poem. For example, “i” is a hermit’s hut, “ro” is a potter’s wheel, and “ha” is a leaf—patterns corresponding to each kana character are arranged alongside them. Despite the abundance of colors and patterns, the designs never feel cluttered—a testament to the unique warmth of Serizawa’s color palette. While I used to think of furoshiki as old-fashioned, they seem to have plenty of practical uses in modern life—such as wrapping small gifts or a bottle of wine when visiting a friend’s home, or tying the corners together to use as an eco-bag.
¥1,650
Keisuke Serizawa Art Museum Gift Shop
Instagram:@seribi_museum_shop
