Chikashi Yakushiji, the designer of TIKASHI , occasionally stands at the men's accessories counter on the first floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and personally serves customers. "I've made many wedding rings for employees working at Isetan Shinjuku, and none of the couples have ever broken up!" says Yakushiji, whose "Summer Gift for the Future" is his first collaboration with Bunjiro Hat Shop, which is made by his beloved Nishikawa Hat Company, to create Panama hats.

My encounter with Bunjiro Nishikawa, the fourth-generation hat maker.

Summer, a time when memories are born, also is a time when stories are woven into gifts. As a memorable summer gift, TIKASHI designer Yakushijin chose a Panama hat from Bunjiro Hat Shop, made by Bunjiro Nishikawa, the fourth-generation hat craftsman of the long-established hat manufacturer Nishikawa Hat.

"When we exhibited TIKASHI at an event at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, Bunjiro Hat Shop was also exhibiting, and Mr. Bunjiro himself came to our shop. Before that, I had received an old hat from an elderly man in my neighborhood, and there was talk that it might have been made by Mr. Bunjiro's grandfather. I showed the hat to Mr. Bunjiro, and that's how we became friends," said Yakushijin.

TIKASHI lapel pins, clockwise from left: "Double Horseshoe" ¥17,280, "Shield" ¥19,440, "Crown Horseshoe" ¥17,280

After that, whenever there was an event, Yakushijin would buy a BUNJIROW hat, and Bunjiro would buy one TIKASHI pin each.

"Even though Mr. Bunjiro and I work in different genres and are different in age, we understand each other. We inspire each other and it leads to creative work. The hat I'm wearing today is also made by Mr. Bunjiro. The material is high quality and sturdy, and since I like classic things, I really like wearing it."

Sometimes we get to hear the unique stories of our customers.

As a jewelry designer, he says, "For example, a ring is a 'circle,' which symbolizes connecting people. I create jewelry hoping that people will cherish it at important milestones in their lives, so I also enjoy listening to customers' stories when I'm working with them."

"When customers come to Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , looking for a gift, and we recommend jewelry after hearing about the recipient, they come back and say, 'They were so happy!', and that makes me very happy. Also, there was a customer who had been wearing a TIKASHI ring for many years, lost it in an accident, and happened to find out that we were selling them on the first floor. They were so moved that they ordered another one. When I hear these unexpected customer stories firsthand, I truly feel that what I'm doing is worthwhile."

Bunjiro Hat Shop Panama Hat: ¥48,600
TIKASHI Lapel Pin "Crown Horseshoe" ¥17,280

A collaboration of hats and pins as tools to express individuality.

For this year's "Future Summer Gifts," Yakushijin-san raised his hand and said, "I would love to collaborate with Bunjiro-san." "For men, necklaces are hidden by shirts, and the only jewelry they really want to show off is rings and bracelets, but I wanted to promote pins as an accessory that can express individuality."

Bunjiro Hat Shop's specialty Panama hats start at 48,600 yen. TIKASHI pins start from around 9,000 yen, and "for summer motifs, we've created goldfish pins and other designs that we thought would suit people wearing kimonos. We offer a wide variety, including those made with 18k gold and diamonds."

Gifts that connect to the future are timeless and never fade.

Driven by the desire to "create something irreplaceable," Ms. Yakushijin launched her own brand, TIKASHI , in 2003, and started the line in the 2004 season. "My philosophy of creating 'what I want to convey, what I think is good' has remained unchanged since I started the brand. Jewelry is something that lasts, so I hope it can be something that can be shared between the creator and the customer."

TIKASHI 's unique commitment to jewelry and Yakushijin's wish that "stylish men should wear hats" come to life in "Mirai no Natsu Gift" (Summer Gift of the Future).

*Panama hats from Bunjiro Hat Shop will be delivered approximately one and a half months after ordering. Please ask a staff member for details.
*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st Floor = Men's Accessories
03-3352-1111 (main representative)