"Women often say they like men with the heart of a boy, but once they get married, they say, 'You need to grow up more,'" said Hiroshi Wataya, laughing as he picked up his paintbrush. One of the women enjoying the talk show said, "The gentleman I think of is someone who, even when busy, doesn't complain about being busy, but makes time to do various things. A man who seems to let time flow at his own pace is wonderful." Now, it's time to unveil Wataya's painting, which combines a face resembling Kaori Nakano's favorite actor with situations that were discussed during the talk show!

As times change, so does the definition of the gentleman class.

What kind of gentleman do you think Ms. Nakano Kaori and Ms. Honda envision?
I still remember actress Mariko Kaga saying in an interview that her ideal type of man is "a man without ambition." It's rare to hear someone say something like that about a man. She can probably say that because she's dated successful men.
Women like Mariko Nakano, who are skilled at romance, are always above men and skillfully take the lead. Japanese women tend to dote on men too much, which can ruin a relationship. That's all I get from female students asking for relationship advice (laughs). If women could learn to make men chase them, I think there would be more attractive gentlemen.
Keisuke Honda : Men who overdo things or try too hard are not gentlemen. Speaking of gentlemen, I remember a story about Beau Brummell competing in London's high society to see who could put away their top hat, gloves, and cane most elegantly. I think being a gentleman means being able to do those things naturally and effortlessly, without even thinking about it.
In Nakano's British history, the gentleman was originally a social class belonging to the ruling class, and as times change, so do the gentleman class and the image of a suitable gentleman. In the 21st century, the ruling class includes more and more people in the IT industry who wear jeans to meetings or say things like, "I'm not a gentleman." Influenced by such times, the image of a gentleman is also changing. I think of a gentleman as someone who doesn't get swayed by society or other people, but controls their own life and dominates the world around them.

While sipping whiskey, I observed the image of a modern gentleman through his attire.

Nakano : Now, changing the subject, let me introduce you to a few gentlemen who represent the modern era, as seen through their attire. First, a traditional gentleman. There's the Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. He's 95 this year and the couple is happily married, but his restrained style, which has remained unchanged for 60 years, is truly the epitome of gentlemanly style. Next is Prince Charles. His double-breasted suit style, characterized by its ornate chest, has remained almost unchanged for 30 years. 30 years ago, he was sometimes considered eccentric, but now the times have caught up, and he's been named Best Dressed Man by British GQ and others. We call him the "Prince of Sustainability," and he cherishes old things, such as wearing patched-up John Lobb shoes.
Here , I'd like to serve you Laphroaig, a Scotch whisky favored by Prince Charles. To bring out its unique aroma, I've mixed it with water in a 1:1 ratio. It's the king of Islay malts, known for its strong character.
For those who can't drink , please at least enjoy the aroma. Only the 15-year-old Laphroaig doesn't have the royal warrant mark on the label. Do you know why? Apparently, Prince Charles doesn't like having his mark on the liquor he drinks. I think that kind of expression of self-consciousness is one of the qualities of a gentleman.

What is the difference between a gentleman and a dandy?

Next , I'd like to introduce some designers who are creating modern gentlemanly and unconventional gentlemanly images. First up is Jeremy Hackett, who held a talk show at Charlie's salon last year. He's a vintage clothing collector and is known as "Mr. Classic." He's gained popularity by taking classic British gentlemanly attire as a base and adding twists to buttons and linings to create modern interpretations. When asked about the key to his style, he replied, "Unnoticed." Paul Smith is also skilled at creating classic styles with a twist. He creates a pop gentlemanly image for a "classless society," also based on classics. I attended the opening of his exhibition "HELLO MY NAME IS PAUL SMITH" at the Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, where you can enjoy his unique worldview and creations. It will also be held in Tokyo from July 27th (Wednesday), and then in Nagoya. This year is definitely the year of Paul Smith.
Wataya often uses the terms "gentleman" and "dandy," but what's the actual difference?


In Japan , "dandy" is a compliment, but in the UK, it's pronounced with a rising intonation as "dandy (↑)" and carries a somewhat negative connotation, referring to someone who is narcissistic. When complimenting someone who is stylish, you would say "well-dressed."
Speaking of Wataya the narcissist, there are lots of stylishly dressed men at the Pitti Uomo venue just to have their photos taken.
In contrast to the British dandy aesthetic, Italian aesthetics have "Sprezzatura." It's an aesthetic close to manners, inherited from the Renaissance era, but it's a "staged indifference" where you think deeply about how to be photographed in a natural and good pose.
Wataya 's feet are bare, too (lol). Well, the drawing is finished.
While discussing topics from the Nakano venue, the artist completed an illustration of "A Gentleman of 21st Century Japan" in a short amount of time. We apologize for asking such a difficult task. We encourage all visitors to take photos with the artist's artwork. Thank you very much for today.


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