Since the release of Hellenism, the number of pipe smokers at Salon de Shimaji has been increasing, and recently, we've been getting more and more customers asking us for "the secret to enjoying a pipe."


Shimaji : "Since we've been getting a lot of questions, let's quickly start a short pipe smoking lesson. First of all, everyone, do you keep your pipes clean? If the airway of your pipe isn't clean, you won't be able to enjoy even the best pipe tobacco. The staff at Salon de Shimaji are very good at cleaning pipes, so please learn from them."


Shimaji : "Another important thing is managing the humidity of your pipe tobacco. If pipe tobacco dries out, it becomes harsh and bitter and doesn't taste good. I have a humidor for pipe tobacco, so I manage the humidity there, but for those of you who don't have one, it's a good idea to put a humidifier in a Hellenism tin or in the Ziploc bag into which you transfer your pipe tobacco. Just like cigars, it tastes better when it's moist."


Shimaji : "We've just introduced a new item that's convenient for carrying around. The airtight bottle keeps the humidity perfectly in place. The dedicated leather case is stylish too, isn't it? If you're interested, I use it myself, so feel free to try it. It's exceptional."

A customer who tried it said, "My pipe tobacco is dry. It's completely different."

Shimaji : "That's right. There are also things like how to pack and smoke pipe tobacco, but first, please learn two things: cleaning and humidity control. A pipe is a wonderful companion for solitude, so please take good care of it."

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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 a writer and essayist.

Photo: TAKU FUJII

*Smoking is prohibited by law for anyone under the age of 20.
*Drinking alcohol is prohibited by law for those under 20 years of age.
*Please refrain from drinking alcohol or participating in tastings if you are driving a vehicle (including motorcycles and bicycles) or are underage.
*All prices include tax.

inquiry
Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 8th Floor = Isetan Men's Residence
03-3352-1111 (main representative)