"How do you spend your time when you're alone, Shimaji-san?"

Today, a question from one of our customers sparked a lively discussion about how to spend time alone, so I'd like to share an anecdote from that conversation.


"Well, when I finish a manuscript, I like to listen to my favorite music, read my favorite books, or enjoy single malt whiskey, cigars, or a pipe."

"Your main store in Hiroo has a huge selection of alcohol, right? Don't you sometimes end up drinking too much?"


Mr. Shimaji took a sip of alcohol,

"There are rare occasions when that happens, but people should be especially careful when they are alone. They need to maintain self-control."

Then the customer

"That's true. I tend to lose self-control the day before a day off," she said with an embarrassed smile.


Shimaji nodded and said, "I guess you feel too safe because you're at home. In times like that, it's good to read something you can get absorbed in."


There was a brief silence here. At that moment, Mr. Shimaji seemed to remember something.


"That's right. Are you subscribed to my email newsletter? If not, please do. For 1,000 yen a month, you'll receive my essay every Tuesday."
When you open the page, the first thing you see is a painting by Akira Uno, which is displayed here. My face is even depicted in it. Of course, you can also read back issues, so please enjoy reading this when you're alone.





Shimaji-san is so good at promoting things!
We were distributing cards to everyone that contained a URL that would give them immediate access to our email newsletter.


By the way, do you have an ideal time of day for spending time alone?
Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a refreshing afternoon at this time of year, with the scent of flowers wafting through the air?

Reading is great, but I highly recommend you also check out Mr. Shimaji's essays.


This week's proverb: One should be especially careful when alone.



This week's featured drink is Lagavulin 16 Year Old. A magnificent product that Islay boasts. This malt has made the island's name known around the world with its complex aromas of peat, seaweed, wood, and fruit.


Photography: Yoshio Uehara

Profile - Katsuhiko Shimaji


Producer of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . Born in 1941. After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he joined Shueisha. He was assigned to "Weekly Playboy" and became its editor-in-chief in 1983, where he created a sensation with the "Life Advice" column featuring Renzo Shibata, Toko Kon, and Ken Kaiko as respondents, growing the magazine into a million-copy publication. He later served as editor-in-chief of "PLAYBOY Japan" and "BART." After serving as representative director of Shueisha International, he retired in 2008. He is currently working as a writer and essayist.

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