Besides cash, payment methods have diversified to include credit cards, IC cards, and smartphone payments. We are living in a transitional period from cash to electronic payments, and this changes the role of the wallet.
Leather goods buyer Inami has partnered with popular manufacturers to create "the next-generation standard for wallets," and as part of the Only MI brand, 11 types of palm-sized mini wallets, or "small wallets," are now available in a wide variety of styles Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1F, in the leather goods section. This time, he will be joined by men's shoe buyer Fukuda and Isetan Men's Net editor-in-chief Tashiro to discuss the current state of wallets and small wallets.

What role does the wallet play in an era of diversified payment methods?

Tashiro's "Small Wallets" are all really small in size and come in a wide variety of colors, so they're fun to look at.

Many of the cards are small enough to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand, which really makes you realize that we're in the "cashless payment era"... I once left home forgetting my wallet, but I was able to get by using my transportation IC card all day, and I experienced firsthand how convenient it is.

Tashiro: Transportation IC cards are really convenient because you can use them at parking lots, taxis, convenience stores, and restaurant chains, and their usage area is expanding even in rural areas, making them really useful when you're on business trips.

Why did Ms. Fukuda Inami become interested in small, palm-sized wallets, or "small wallets"?

Leather goods buyer Inami (pictured on the right) is a product currently under development. He regularly uses samples and incorporates real customer feedback into the product development process.

While I will continue to primarily use Inami's classic long wallets, bi-fold wallets, and round-zip wallets, the idea is to incorporate a "small wallet" as a wallet that suits a new lifestyle.

Tashiro: Since there are more and more payment methods available, it's good to have a variety of wallets as well. Besides cards, there are also smartphone payment options.

Inami: Yes. Furthermore, with the popularity of backpacks in recent years, many people have realized how convenient it is to have both hands free! And just as it has become common to use different bags for different purposes, I think new behaviors will emerge if people also use smaller wallets to suit their lifestyles.

Tashiro : I see. When we think of wallets, we usually imagine "using one carefully," but nowadays we can shop and travel without carrying cash. So that's why you decided to create a wide variety of small wallets like this one.

The image shows a variety of mini wallets, arranged from left to right in order of type: "Minimal," "Smart," and "Multi."

Creating a high-quality wallet that is updated for the modern era.

Minoru Inami says there are many small wallets like this, made of nylon for casual use or as part of crowdfunding projects. However, these emerging manufacturers have ideas, but they lack the ability to source high-quality materials and the necessary technology.
On the other hand, while classic leather goods manufacturers have the materials and techniques, they often struggle to keep up with new ideas. We acted as a bridge between them, exchanging ideas and creating a high-quality wallet that has been updated for the modern era.

Tashiro: That's true. When made with high-quality leather, even a small item can look elegant and have a strong presence.

Fukuda , a long-established manufacturer, always has a positive attitude towards their work, and when you explain it, you can easily visualize it. It's exactly the same with shoes.

Minami Inami is very sensitive to market demands, so she's always creative and comes up with interesting ideas.
This time, we'll introduce small wallets categorized into three types : "Minimal," "Smart," and "Multi ." Since the role a wallet plays varies depending on your lifestyle, please consider your own payment methods and choose the best small wallet for you.