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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
The Dragon Faction.
Katsuhiro Otomo, Kyoko Okazaki, Hideki Arai, Taiyo Matsumoto… When I trace the works of my favorite manga artists, I can’t help but feel that a hint of Ryu Murakami lingers deep within them. Thinking about it that way, perhaps it was inevitable, in a sense, that I became hooked on Ryu Murakami. If I had to name one favorite work, it’s a tough choice, but I’d have to say *Coin Locker Babies*.
KAPITAL
Capital's Nylon Jacket
Put it on, fold it up, and be amazed.
Whenever I start to feel a little burned out on fashion, there’s one place I always find myself drawn to: *Capital*. There, you’ll always find adorable clothes that make you smile, unexpected twists, and free-spirited ideas that defy convention. It’s the kind of place where you naturally find yourself wanting to slip them on—a place where you can discover clothes with that kind of magic. The other day, I found a nylon jacket at the store with eye-catching, intricate seams. It’s an exciting piece that makes your heart race at first glance, but its appeal goes far beyond its visual impact. By folding the sleeves and body along the zippers around the shoulders and zipping them up, it instantly transforms into a cushion. I’m constantly amazed by the playfulness and creativity that effortlessly transcend the boundaries of what it means to wear clothes. Every time I encounter such unexpected surprises, I’m reminded once again just how fascinating fashion really is.
¥88,880
Capital Naked Store
03-5725-3923
kapital-webshop.jp
Mountain Research × BOW WOW
Mountain Research × BowWow Sweatshirt
"KURT" on the chest.
We’ve featured *Mountain Research* and *Bow Wow* here many times before. These two brands, which hold a special place in my heart, have pulled off an unexpected collaboration. While there are many joys to a collaboration, seeing two of my favorite brands team up is something truly special—it just makes me happy. As for the items themselves, they feature a type of treatment rarely seen before in *Mountain Research*’s lineup. *Bow Wow* has applied its signature craftsmanship to these pieces, transforming them into something truly special. There are plenty of highlights, such as a crewneck sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket inspired by vintage pieces and authentic aging effects, but the real standout is, without a doubt, the “KURT” lettering punched into the chest. I’ll refrain from saying too much about it—it would be tacky—but it’s the name of someone we all love. Wear a white T-shirt underneath, and the lettering really stands out—it looks great!
¥49,500
••••• Research General Store
03-3463-6376
mountainresearch.com
SWJP × Tomo & Co.
SWJ × Tomo & CO Boots
Overwhelming artistic power.
Elaborate embellishments, bold color schemes, exotic leathers, and more. While there are plenty of outrageous Western boots out there, you don’t often come across a pair quite this unique, do you? This collaboration between 〈SWJP〉 and 〈Tomo & CO〉 is a wild fusion of Western boots and sneakers. I was simply blown away by this combination—one that would normally be incompatible—and its overwhelming visual impact. Of course, as you’d expect from 〈Tomo & CO〉, the craftsmanship is top-notch. It’s also a welcome touch that they didn’t just go for a gimmick; they paid meticulous attention to detail, using Italian shrunken leather and Vibram soles. The peace sign on the shaft is one of my favorite motifs—personally, it was a detail I just couldn’t get enough of. Now, what should I wear them with? While they’re a fun pair to look at, they also put your styling skills to the test.
¥99,000
Tomo&CO
Instagram:@tomo_and_co
tomoandco.jp
Toyama Marathon.
I'm going to Toyama this weekend to run in the Toyama Marathon. I haven't had a chance to look into the details yet, so I'm not entirely sure what kind of race it will be, but I hope to fully enjoy the experience, including the sights of Toyama.
ACT RUNNING
ACT Running Running Shoes
It's sure to pique people's curiosity.
In our industry, being asked, “Where’s that from?” is practically a compliment. It’s something new, intriguing, and—if you’re lucky—even sparks someone’s desire to own it. When you’re wearing something that piques people’s curiosity like that, you can’t help but feel a little sense of superiority. The same goes for the running shoes you wear on your daily jogs. That’s why I’d like to introduce the “C1” shoe from *Act Running*, a Paris-based running brand launched in 2025. As the brand’s first running shoe, it features a voluminous midsole made of nitrogen-infused EVA foam. Combining comfortable cushioning with responsive bounce, it handles a wide range of activities, from daily jogs to long-distance runs. Yet, as you can see, its chic appearance makes it perfectly suitable for everyday wear. Rather than needlessly emphasizing functionality, the design remains simple and suitable for daily wear—a clear reflection of *Act Running*’s design philosophy. A standout piece from a brand known only to those in the know—satisfy not only your own desire for it, but also pique the curiosity of others.
29,700 yen
Rhino
03-3770-0451
Rig
Rig Trail Running Shoes
Shoes designed to help you make the most of your time in the mountains.
For my regular jogging, I often wear so-called “zero-drop” shoes or huarache-style sandals. Putting stress on my feet leads to more efficient training, and the direct feel of the ground—where I can even sense its unevenness—makes running incredibly stimulating. I enjoy this as a new yet primal form of recreation, distinct from standard running shoes designed to let the foot roll forward. The “A4RG0003,” RIG’s first trail running shoe, is designed to withstand such activities in the mountains—even over long distances and extended periods. The midsole, made from a proprietary blend of EVA foam, is thin yet delivers both excellent shock absorption and propulsion. The upper features Dyneema mesh—lightweight, highly durable, and quick-drying—while the outsole, with its original compound and tread pattern, provides stable grip in any situation. Furthermore, the insole uses thick polyurethane with high shock absorption and features a structure that expels moisture like a pump, ensuring a comfortable fit even in rainy conditions. Truly a gem of a shoe for making the most of your time in the mountains. It definitely seems worth a try.
¥26,950
rig
rigfootwear.com
YONEX
Yonex Running Shoes
Carbon-fiber running shoes priced in the low 20,000-yen range.
Do you run in carbon shoes? While I don’t wear them very often for my regular jogs, I do choose them for races when it really counts. To reap the benefits of carbon. That said, for a slow runner like me, it’s hard to fully harness their performance. Still, these cutting-edge products—which bring together the collective wisdom of sports manufacturers—spark my intellectual curiosity. Take, for example, Yonex’s “Carbon Cruise Airas GT.” It features 3D Power Carbon, which enhances rigidity and maintains stability while providing propulsion, and the midsole incorporates Featherlight X, which boasts a feather-light feel. It’s 30% lighter than standard EVA, and the internal plate helps alleviate strain even for runners with weaker muscles—making it an enticing design that even recreational runners like me can handle. What’s more, despite the recent outcry over rising prices, it’s surprisingly priced in the low 20,000 yen range, including tax. I think Yonex is definitely a great choice as a partner for your race day.
¥20,900
Sales Center, Yonex Co.
03-3836-1221
www.yonex.co.jp/running/
To Osaka.
Starting tomorrow, I’ll be attending the Namba Soto Fest event at Namba Parks for two days. I’m currently on the Shinkansen heading to Osaka. It just occurred to me, so I looked it up—apparently, the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Osaka section) opened on October 1, 1964. I’ll be waiting for you all, grateful to those who came before us.
.OWT. Independent Publishing
Out Independent Publishing Cap
Being independent.
I wear a hat about 300 days a year, and about 60 percent of those are baseball caps. My philosophy is to just hide my bedhead. They’re an item I end up buying just as often as T-shirts. Lately, I’ve been wearing a cap from “Out,” an independent publication produced at his own expense by photographer Shingo Kureya. I missed out on it during the initial release but managed to snag one when it went back on sale. Staying independent without being swallowed up by capitalism. Maintaining that distance is difficult, but every time I look at the embroidery on the front, it reminds me that I don’t want to just go through life without thinking. I love both Mr. Kureya’s photography and his attitude. By the way, the cap is perfect in both color and shape. It makes sense that it’s produced by “Sundays Best”—though it’s already sold out… Currently, they still had long-sleeve T-shirts and bandanas (which I’ve also already gotten) in stock. As I was writing this, it suddenly occurred to me—come to think of it, was “Sundays Best” originally inspired by a band that released music through “Polyvinyl”?
¥8,800
Out Independent Publishing
owtpublishin.official.ec
Instagram:@owt_independentpublishing
Apple
Apple Wireless Earphones
The earphones I've been looking for.
For the past few years, when it came to earbuds, in-ear models with silicone tips were the only option. Or rather, it might be more accurate to say that if you chose a high-quality model, that’s usually what you’d get. However, Apple’s new “AirPods 5” are in-ear earbuds that I highly recommend. My personal highlight is how well the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)—which I basically keep turned on—works. Apple claims it reduces noise by up to 1.5 times compared to the previous generation, and it really does a great job. Even without the tight seal of silicone tips, you can be transported into a surprisingly silent world. They worked great even on my business flight. And I also really like the fit of in-ear earbuds again—it’s been a while. At first, they feel like they might fall out, but they stay in place just fine for regular use. They support live translation, and now that Siri AI is available, I think this model offers a different kind of appeal compared to the Pro.
¥ 23,800 / ¥ 27,800 (with wireless charging case)
Apple Store Call Center
0120-993-993
www.apple.com/jp
DJI
DJI's Pocket Gimbal Camera
How about taking one on your trip?
After getting a chance to try out the new iPhone, I was intrigued from a photography equipment perspective by the “Osmo Pocket 4P”—DJI’s first pocket gimbal camera featuring a dual-lens system. The body is palm-sized and lightweight at 230g, yet the lenses feature a bright design: a 20mm f/2.0 wide-angle lens and a 60mm f/1.8 medium telephoto lens. It’s an excellent device that delivers stable footage thanks to its 3-axis image stabilization while also providing tight, active tracking. It supports the 10-bit D-Log 2 color profile and boasts a wide dynamic range of 17 stops, making it highly capable of handling both bright and dark areas. I chose the “Vlog Combo Plus” set, which seemed perfect for travel and business trips. It comes with several handy accessories, such as a mini tripod and a carrying case, as well as a battery grip. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the camera charges to 80% in just 18 minutes—so fast that I actually managed just fine without the grip. After using it, I found that the high degree of freedom is a lot of fun, and the footage is beautiful. No matter how advanced smartphones may be, this is definitely worth buying. I hear they’re opening a joint store with in Omotesando, so be sure to check that out too!
¥122,870
DJI Japan
www.dji.com/jp
What is Fuinam?
This is something I’ve been thinking about for the past month or two. What is Fuinam’s style of fashion? I wrote an article packed with my own answers to that question, which isthis way (direction close to the speaker or towards the speaker). I created seven different looks using this season’s clothing and did a photo shoot. I won’t go into details, but I feel like the result turned out a bit like a musician’s album—offbeat throughout, yet each look is completely different. I hope you enjoy it!
LOS ANGELES APPAREL
Tote Bags from Los Angeles Apparel
I can't find any flaws.
Back when was taking Tokyo by storm, I was just a clueless college student. Of course, I had no sense of the vibe back then—I’d just listen, a bit shyly, as upperclassmen would occasionally reminisce about “those days at Ameapa.” That’s why the launch of was such a welcome development. Their “Made in America” sweatshirts and T-shirts are impressive, but I’d like to highlight the recently released tote bag—it’s truly a masterpiece. What makes it so great is that it’s thick yet soft, and despite its large capacity, it opens wide. The inverted trapezoidal shape makes it easy to access from the side, so you can even fit items that stick out a bit. It’s solved all the little frustrations I’ve been dealing with bit by bit, and I’m not exaggerating when I say I can’t imagine anything better than this. The mustard yellow and muted red are so stylish, too! I’ll go ahead and say that the next time I feature a tote, it’ll be when I come across something that tops this one. (I wonder if there even is such a thing…)
¥13,860
Stephen Alan Yuraku-cho
Lumine Yurakucho, 2-5-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Lumine 2, 4th Floor
050-8893-9253
BEAMS BOY
BEAMS BOY One-Piece
The Art of Addition and Subtraction.
While I enjoy the daily joy of “aging” my vintage clothes with my own hands, to be honest, there are times when I feel a bit daunted, wondering how many more years it will take for them to develop the same character as my seniors’ pieces… Please forgive me for still being such a greenhorn. It was during one of those moments that I found this jumpsuit at a BEAMS BOY exhibition. My first thought was, “It’s already aged quite a bit…” It’s brand-new, yet it has this vintage look because it’s based on vintage clothing. I was told it uses Made in Japan fabric; thanks to the tightly twisted yarns in both the warp and weft, it has a crisp, textured feel, and the herringbone weave stands out, giving it a rugged vibe. What impressed me was that they didn’t incorporate every single detail typical of vintage overalls. If they’d tried to recreate everything, it would have suddenly looked too rustic and turned into a costume. But it already has a natural worn-in look, and the distressed detailing above the pockets is meticulous and wonderful. This is the art of knowing what to add and what to leave out. I’m no match for *BEAMS BOY*.
¥49,500
beams boy harajuku
03-5770-5550
HelloWear by Chums
Hello Wear by Chums Sweatpants
Just what I was looking for.
Because I’m strangely particular about the fit of sweatpants, I haven’t been able to find a pair that really clicks with me so far. My ideal pair isn’t one with a straight, loose silhouette, but rather one with a slightly snug ribbed hem that clearly defines the contours of the fabric around the bottom. In other words, I’m looking for something that isn’t just about the pattern, but also has a substantial feel to the fabric. To put it another way, I want a pair that doesn’t lose its shape too much even when I put things in the pockets. And it would be even better if it didn’t look sloppy. …Honestly, I didn’t think I’d ever find anything like that, but I found it at *Hello Wear From Chums*. The fabric is 100% U.S. cotton with a brushed interior, and thanks to a technique called “inlay knitting,” it’s said to resist sagging. I really want you to try them on—the silhouette is so perfect it needs no explanation. This is it. A subtle but delightful detail is the tiny pocket hidden inside the left front pocket. I’m thinking of using it to store my lip balm or loose change that has nowhere else to go. They come in an amazing nine colors and sizes ranging from XXS to XXL. I fully intend to make these my go-to pair this winter.
¥14,080
Chums Omotesando Store
03-6418-4834
A festival for adults.
When I thought of music festivals, I always imagined having to stand the whole time, dealing with crowds—and while they’re fun, they’re also incredibly exhausting. “EACH STORY,” held in early October, completely defied that image—in the best possible way. Sitting in a chair in the woods, sipping a warm drink instead of alcohol, and listening intently to the gentle music—that time felt almost meditative and was filled with a sense of happiness. Alice Phoebe Lou’s cover of “Harvest Moon” really touched my heart.
ROUGH TRADE
Rough Trade T-Shirt
Celebrating 50 years!
The other day, I went to a live event celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Rough Trade,” one of the UK’s leading record labels and record stores. Two bands representing today’s London scene—caroline and My New Band Believe—took the stage. And to top it all off, Rough Trade founder Jeff Travis served as the DJ during the opening and set changes. I picked up this long-sleeve T-shirt at the merchandise booth. The design was created by “VIVA STRANGE BOUTIQUEMinami Yamaguchi from “”. The front features a print of the label’s logos through the years, while the back showcases a rare photo of the “Rough Trade Shop” from when it first opened in 1976. Since this is a label that has released so many of my personal favorite albums—such as Mazzy Star’s *She Hangs Brightly*, The Sundays’ *Reading, Writing and Arithmetic*, and Arthur Russell’s *World of Echo*—just wearing it gets me excited. Rough Trade—which has introduced bands like The Smiths and The Strokes to the world, released countless classic albums, and remains at the forefront of the UK alternative scene—has a bright future ahead. I can’t wait to see what music they’ll release over the next 50 years.
¥8,000
Beat Ink
Instagram:@beatinkinc
Space Available
"Space Available" Coaster
Peaceful and Sustainable.
Last September, intrigued by Jakarta—a city experiencing rapid growth in both culture and economy—and Bali, with its Eastern spiritual ambiance, I took a trip to Indonesia. One of the most memorable experiences during that trip was the creative space “Self-Care Community Center (Self Care Community Centre)". The facility features a shop, café, meditation studio, lab, gallery, library, and listening space, and regularly hosts programs such as workshops, yoga classes, and music events. These coasters were used at the café. Made from 100% recycled plastic, they’re shaped like the CND symbol—a symbol of peace. I was drawn to their sustainable approach and spirit of peace, so I bought them. Incidentally, I’ve heard that the tables, chairs, and other furnishings inside the facility are also made from recycled plastic and upcycled scrap materials.
400,000 IDR
Space Available
Instagram:@space_available_
Tenui
Tenui Fragrances
Fragrances You Can Play With.
Last month, the prolonged rain put me in no mood to go out, and I realized once again how important it is to make the most of my time at home. There are many ways to do this—such as stocking up on kitchenware that makes cooking easier or getting a good speaker—but I figured the easiest place to start would be with scent. That’s why I picked up this fragrance from “Tenui,” a lifestyle brand created by . It consists of 15 scented blocks made from Japanese larch. The scent is “NEUTRAL,” the brand’s signature blend of oakmoss and floral notes. While incense can sometimes be a bit too strong for burning indoors, this gives off a gentle, subtle fragrance that’s just right. Another great feature is that you can adjust the intensity of the scent by varying the number of blocks used, depending on the size of the space. You can stack them to display them as a decorative piece, or separate them and place them in different areas like the bathroom or washroom. Even after the scent has faded, you can still enjoy them as a mini Jenga game.
18,700 yen
Tenui
tokyo.tenui.kr
