PROFILE
Born in 1999 in Aichi Prefecture. Former figure skater. Belongs to Hirata Office. Active as a model mainly for fashion magazines, and in recent years has also worked as an actor. Appeared in the movie "Tokyo Moratorium" (directed by Michito Fujii), the drama "Even If You Don't Do It" (Fuji TV), and the music video for "Subtitle" by Official Mustache Man-dism.
Instagram: @yuukanakashima
PROFILE
Born in Tokyo in 1994. Belongs to Hirata Office. She has a mysterious look and is active as a fashion model, appearing in magazines and advertisements. Currently, she is also active as an actor, appearing in the film "Disappearance - Intothinair" (directed by Marc Oller).
Instagram: @satsukiiazuma
SPOT 1. VIENTO by GAGAN
Creating one-of-a-kind perfumes.
VIENTO by GAGAN
Address: granduo setagaya XI 1F, 4-17-8 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 070-3321-1424
*By appointment only
Instagram for reservations: @runa_7125
Our first stop was GAGAN Atelier, the atelier and store of the handmade jewelry brand GAGAN. Located within a 3-minute walk from Setagaya Station, this sophisticated space offers a wide variety of jewelry, including rings and necklaces.
But today's main attraction is perfume making. The "Viento (VIENTO by GAGAN)" in the store offers a perfumery workshop.
I love perfume, but this is my first time making it myself, so I'm looking forward to it! They were enthusiastic. First, they select four or five of their favorite scents from about 100 fragrances available.
As we sniffed the fragrances to carefully examine them, we talked about our favorite scents.
East:I like wood scents, and all my incense and perfumes are wood-based, so much so that I have been called a "walking forest bath" (laughs).
Nakajima:Walking forest bathing (lol). It seems soothing! I like heavier scents, so I guess I tend to wear vanilla or tobacco perfume. Today I think I'll try a gorgeous scent that is a bit more mature and feminine.
East:Sounds like a good idea to try a different scent. I'll try a fresh scent.
After the fragrance has been selected, the perfumer will distribute the amount to be allocated to the fragrance while checking the balance of the fragrance, so you don't have to worry about it. While checking the recipe, the designated amount is injected drop by drop into a bottle of perfume containing alcohol.
Azuma's refreshing flavor is based on bergamot, with citrus notes of sweet orange, peppermint and lemongrass, while the addition of hiba keeps the tone low.
Nakajima-san, on the other hand, chose a floral fragrance with honeysuckle as the main ingredient, blended with rosemary, lily, and tobacco, and both women were surprised to find that the scent was even better than they had imagined.
Once the fragrance is ready, the final touches are made. I was told that a stone (natural stone) can be placed in the bottle, so I decided to put my birthstone in the bottle. After the perfume is finished, they will also process the stones into jewelry.
Within an hour or so, the only perfume in the world was completed! The two seemed pleased as they sniffed the finished perfume.
Nakajima:It was a fast-paced hour and a lot of fun. It was a lot of fun. It would be nice to create a fragrance with an image of someone in mind!
East:It's fun to make them together, and it would be great to receive one as a gift. It takes a lot of time and effort, and no two are alike.
Nakajima:It is also exciting for the person giving the gift. I once gave the staff at a photo shoot some Chirole chocolates that they could print themselves as a way of saying, "Let's all do our best until the end," and they were very happy to receive them.
East:I love that kind of thing! When I was a dressmaking student, I once had my measurements taken and was given a dress coat in my size, which I will cherish forever.
Nakajima:That's really nice! I'm so happy to receive such a thoughtful gift.
VIENTO by GAGAN, perfume workshop (30ml), each ¥15,400~.
SPOT 2. fridge.setagaya
Dig winter clothes & winter accessories!
fridge.setagaya
Address: Yamaichi Building 1F, 1-22-5 Setagaya, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-5799-4786
Hours of operation: 12:00 - 20:00
Instagram: @fridge.setagaya
Next, we visited fridge.setagaya, a select store in Kamimachi. The store is crammed with genre-less items, including domestic and international brands, miscellaneous goods purchased from overseas, and camping gear. The overwhelming amount of items here will definitely help you find the perfect gift," he said enthusiastically.
Nakajima echoed Azuma's sentiments, saying, "I'm happy when a customer is pleased with a gift, but I also enjoy the time I spend choosing one. Nakajima echoed his sentiments, saying, "I understand!
Oh, this is just what I wanted! They both immediately tried on the balaclava.
East:Eh, I knew it was cute.
Nakajima:It looks good on you! I love that Spo doesn't wear it on his head.
East:Yes! I can wrap it around me like a scarf and it looks so convenient.
Balaclava ¥15,400
Continuing from last season, this balaclava has been the center of attention. The hood type makes it easy to put on and take off, and the supple wool makes it softly wrap around the body without stinging.
Wallaby GORE-TEX ¥33,000
Aside from the vivid colors, the GORE-TEX is equipped with GORE-TEX, so bad weather is no problem.
Whenever I find something I like, I ask myself, "What do you think of it? This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the gift hunting process. Ms. Nakajima seems to be interested in pink lately, so she chose vivid pink for both the wallaby from Clarks and the drawstring bag from Solpresa.
Nakajima:I usually wear dark tones, so it would be good for a color scheme. If I were to give this bag to a friend of the same gender, it would be pink, and if I were to give it to a man, it would be khaki or gray. It's not too big or too small, so it's easy to use!
East:It's nice to receive a colorful gift. It makes me happy to discover new images of myself that other people see in me.
Nakajima:I can see that. It's the same with flowers and things like that! I tend to get yellow flowers anyway (laughs).
East:It certainly feels yellow (laughs).
SOLPRESA] Quilted Drawstring Bag ¥7,920 each
It can be used not only as a drawstring bag, but also as a shoulder bag and for other multiple purposes. It is also washable, making it useful for outdoor activities such as camping and picnics.
Puff coat (PALOMA WOOL) ¥46,200
While stuffed with padding to ensure warmth, drawcords are placed throughout for a sharp design that eliminates any sense of drabness.
When he finds one thing he wants, the number of things he wants increases like a snowball. I want this as a reward for all my hard work this year! I want this as a reward for all the hard work I've put in this year! The coloring and silhouette are perfect for her! ...But didn't you forget that you were choosing a gift?
Assistance from HOUYHNHNM here. Check out the soccer scarf of a soccer team bought in Sweden and the Inouye Brothers' scarf.
ADISH] Striped shirt ¥61,600
Adish (ADISH)" is a street brand by a group of Israeli and Palestinian creators. The traditional Palestinian embroidery "Tatrees" on the chest is a clever accent.
While I was doing so, Mr. Azuma selected a shirt from "Adish" that he thought would look good on his husband.
East:I like street brands and such, so it definitely suits me!
Nakajima:The embroidery on the chest is cute.
East:I think I could wear it too ( lol ). if I'm ever in need of a gift, this is a great place to store.
Nakajima:With so many items to choose from, there is so much to choose from. It will be fun to choose together!
SPOT 3. L o'clock
Vintage watches in a casual, easygoing manner.
L o'clock
Address: 1-42-9 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6318-7263
Hours of operation: 12:00-19:00
Closed: Monday
Instagram: @loclockwatchshop
After stopping at Takobo in Setagaya Station, we boarded the Setagaya Line to Yamashita Station. Our destination was El O'clock (L o'clock ), a vintage watch specialty store that has been in business for 11 years. The shop offers mint-condition watches, both domestic and imported, under the slogan of "vintage watches in casual wear.
Nakajima:I don't wear watches much these days, but I've grown up and now I'm curious. I feel like a watch is an important anniversary gift.
East:Yes, I was so happy with the watch my mom gave me when I was a student that I used to wear it a lot. I would like to give it to her as a gift with filial piety.
[BULOVA × Christian Dior] ¥66,000
This is a piece that shines with the sophisticated design that only Christian Dior can create. The leather band was ordered from Hirsch (HIRSCH), a long-established watch band manufacturer in Austria. The supple calf leather is expected to change over time as it blends well with the skin.
The beauty of El Oclock is that you don't have to be an expert on vintage watches to feel at ease. The owner selected a collaboration watch from the 70's between "Christian Dior" and "Bloor," a long-established American watchmaker. The slender belt and the distinctive shape of the face give it a truly fashionable look.
Nakajima:This is cute. The design is unusual and the small size makes it easy to wear. The combination of brown leather and gold is also very mature and lovely.
Santos Octagon ¥242,000
Among the Santos watches with a long history, this is an automatic type SM size watch released in the 80s. The lineup includes not only octagonal type but also square type.
¥16,500
Mr. Azuma, on the other hand, tried on a watch from CITIZEN. CITIZEN offers a wide variety of domestic models, which are relatively inexpensive compared to imports.
East:This one is also small enough to be worn like a bracelet. The stripe-like pattern on the belt is also cute!
Nakajima:When you give a gift to someone, you want it to be something that you would like to have yourself. Something that would make me happy, but that I can't afford to buy myself.
(Left) SEIKO Chorus ¥30,800
The contrast between the gold case and the white dial is beautiful.
The contrast between the gold case and white dial is beautiful. The golden brown band by Hirsch is a perfect match.
(R) [Cartier] must tank LM ¥275,000
From the 1970s to the 2000s, this popular model was a "must-have" Cartier watch that everyone should own. The dial is decorated with the trinity color famous for the CARTIER rings, giving it a touch of elegance.
What would you give as a gift to your parents? Mr. Azuma selected Seiko, and Mr. Nakajima selected Cartier's Must Tank. Mr. Azuma selected the Seiko and Mr. Nakajima selected the Cartier Must Tank.
East:I think my mom would love the round dial and the color of the leather belt. It's in such beautiful condition that it's hard to believe it's vintage!
Nakajima:I think this would be a great gift for my dad someday. Good luck with your work, I want to present it to him someday and make him cry (laughs).
SPOT 4. HATOS OUTSIDE
For curry & craft beer, at the end of the Setagaya Line.
HATOS OUTSIDE
Address: Ito Building 1F, 4-22-5 Akatsutsutsumi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6265-8351
Business hours: Tue-Fri 11:30-15:00 (LO 14:30), 17:30-23:00 (Food LO 22:00, Drink LO 22:30) / Sat-Sun, holidays 11:30-22:00 (LO 21:00)
Closed: Monday
Instagram: @hatos_outside
The sun was beginning to set and we were hungry. Mr. Nakajima escorted us to HATOS OUTSIDE, a curry shop a 5-minute walk from Shimotakaido Station, the last stop on the Setagaya Line. While waiting for the curry, we talked about "under what circumstances do you give a present? The topic of conversation was, "In what situation do you give a present?
Nakajima:Do you give it to them as a surprise?
East:I tend to surprise people! I really enjoy the time I spend thinking about it.
Nakajima:Eh, I like that! I get embarrassed even with my friends, so I can't give it to them even if they're like, "Yes! I can't give it to them even if they say, "Yes! I'm like, "Yes! What kind of things did you do?
In addition to the five craft beers on tap at any given time, the lineup includes cans and bottles selected mainly from Portland. The pairing with curry goes without saying.
East:Like serving a cake when I'm with a few friends. It would be embarrassing in a restaurant with many people, but I'd like to secretly prepare a cake at home.
Nakajima:If it were me, I wouldn't be able to hold back and would give it away first... (laughs).
East:Also, I used to do this with my mother. I would make cards of 1 to 10 and hide them all over the room. I had her look for them, and at the end, she would find a present, like a treasure hunt. She loved it and it was a lot of fun!
Nakajima:That sounds fun! Kids would love it too.
Double curry ¥1,400
Choice of chicken and keema. The chicken is mildly flavored with butter and tomatoes infused in a roux based on several spices. The keema is made with plenty of onions and ground beef, and has a rich, sweet flavor. There is also melted cheese hidden inside.
HATOS OUTSIDE, glass, ¥2,000
The glasses, printed with artist Yohei Ogawa's graphics, also make great gifts. Depending on the type of beer you pour, the expression of the glass will change.
While the conversation was in full bloom, the double curry of chicken and keema that I ordered arrived. The spicy taste tickled my nostrils, and I couldn't resist saying, "Itadakimasu," and immediately snapped it up.
A beautifully aligned "Mmmm!" How's the taste? How is the taste?
Nakajima:Chicken curry is very creamy and delicious! It has tomatoes in it, a little refreshing and easy to eat.
East:The keema is also delicious with cheese! This is addicting.
The two exchanged words of encouragement, saying that while a fancy restaurant that would make one's back stand straight up would be nice, it would also be nice to celebrate at a casual restaurant that is an extension of one's everyday life. It seems that they made some new discoveries through the gift selection process.
East:I often receive gifts from my husband on days that are not anniversaries or anything like that, so I felt thankful again. If it's someone I get along with well, I can get an idea of what he likes through our regular conversations, and today I had the pleasure of seeing a few things that I thought, "He seems to like this.
Nakajima:It's nice to give a pon-pon gift when it's a casual occasion. I would like to give a glass or something to someone who likes to drink. I would never buy expensive glasses myself, but I would definitely use them if I got them, and it would be a nice way to say "thank you for a job well done.
East:It's a great way to express our gratitude for the things we do on a daily basis.
