"Last December, when I appeared on NHK General TV's 'Asaichi,' I was asked to play a Christmas song. I thought it would be boring to play it the normal way, so I arranged it in my own style, which is what I call 'Funky Santa,' and which I also performed at the public recording. I still really like playing it," says jazz trumpeter Takuya Kuroda. What does "MAKE it HAPPY!" mean to Mr. Kuroda?

A jazz trumpeter, born in Hyogo Prefecture. He started playing the trumpet at the age of 12 and began performing in jazz clubs in Kobe and Osaka at the age of 16. In 2003, he moved to the United States and enrolled in the jazz program at The New School in New York. While still a student, he performed in famous clubs in New York. In 2014, he became the first Japanese artist to sign with Blue Note Records in the United States. He made his major debut with the album "Rising Sun," produced by José James. In addition to his own activities, he is also active in the bands of José James and DJ Premier.

My current favorite style is a soft, comfortable workwear look.

—What are the differences between Christmas in New York and in Japan?

The biggest difference is that in America, Christmas is spent with family. My American friend says, "I'm going back to my parents' house for Christmas," which is similar to how New Year's Day is celebrated in Japan. My German friend says, "It's Christmas as long as the Christmas tree is up," so it really depends on the country.

-- Mr. Kuroda, will you be in New York for Christmas?

I'll be spending the New Year holidays in Japan. Coming back home at this time of year is something I look forward to every year.

-- What are your impressions of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building ?

I used to frequent Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . It's truly unique to have such a wide selection of men's products. I wasn't particularly concerned with fashion to begin with, but singer José James loves fashion, and after talking to him about it during tours, I started to think, "Dressing up can be fun."

—Do you pay attention to your attire when you perform?

My music involves a lot of movement, and I like to move around on stage myself, so lately my favorite style is loose, easy-to-move-in workwear. But I also like dressing formally in suits and such when I'm performing at jazz clubs or hall concerts.

My "MAKE it HAPPY!" is about making everyday life a little richer.

--This year's theme for Isetan's Christmas campaign is "MAKE it HAPPY!". What kind of image comes to mind when you hear "MAKE it HAPPY!"?

Yes, "MAKE it HAPPY!" is a very positive phrase. It's about finding a way to enjoy even the simplest things, or the happiness of being in relationships where you can do that. It's about making everyday life a little richer and happier.

--This time, before the public recording of J-WAVE, we asked you to look for Christmas gifts at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building .

I went to the Isetan Men's Residence floor on the 8th floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , and decided on something right away. It's a preserved flower box from Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design.

I'm sure they'd be surprised if I sent them such a stylish box! (lol)

—Why did you choose flowers?

Flowers are often given as gifts at live venues. It's especially common in Japan, but for the past three or four years, I've been really happy to receive flowers. I'll mention this again later (laughs), but José James loves flowers and knows the names of many different kinds, and his phrase "Flowers have life" made a strong impression on me, and since then my perspective on flowers has changed, and I've started taking home any flowers I receive.

--This flower box is a limited-edition "Seasons Greetings" box for this year only.

It's so stylish, isn't it? The copper-colored box has stars of various sizes printed on it, and when you open the lid, you're greeted with a wonderfully modern arrangement. The gold accents are also very cool.

Nicolai Bergmann Flowers & Design
Preserved Flower Box S (11 x 11 x H9cm) ¥10,260 ■ Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence

—If it were you, Mr. Kuroda, who would you give it to?

Well, I guess it would be my grandmother or my mother. Receiving flowers is wonderful, of course, but giving them is also a joy. But they'd probably be surprised if I sent them such a stylish flower box (laughs).

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