"I was surprised by the wide selection of products and brands; you wouldn't know it was a men's cosmetics section unless someone told you. Looking closely at the products, I really felt how much men's beauty has evolved," says Shoko Ryuzaki, a hotel producer who runs the Kyoto social hotel "HOTEL SHE, KYOTO," among others. Starting on Wednesday, May 5th (holiday), at the "ISETAN HOME HOTEL" pop-up shop, we introduce four cosmetic items that the 25-year-old is interested in, along with a white shirt specially commissioned by Isetan Men's as something to "wear" while spending time.
*The in-store event has been canceled due to various circumstances.
Please note that the products featured in this article can be purchased at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

"ISETAN HOME HOTEL" - Enjoy hotel-like comfort even when you're at home, because "the mind needs nourishment too."

"ISETAN HOME HOTEL" started with the concept of enriching your life by enjoying a hotel-like space and items during your time at home while staying home. Due to popular demand, the second installment is themed "The mind needs nourishment too," and will introduce cosmetics that will make your usual time at home more luxurious and uplifting, as well as custom-made white shirts designed by legends of the fashion world in line with the "ISETAN HOME HOTEL" concept, which will be sold exclusively at Isetan Shinjuku store and Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.




In the cosmetics line, we've focused particularly on "face washing" within our diverse product range. We've gathered a wide variety of items, including a face wash that "turns you on and wakes you up with a pleasant scent, helping you start a good day." Furthermore, our "shirts to lift your spirits at home" line includes shirts that you can proudly wear out.

Shoko Ryuzaki talks about creating the next generation of hotels with a new approach.

—What kind of work does a hotel producer do?

We are involved in all aspects of the planning, development, and operation of Ryuzaki Hotel. Furthermore, we also provide consulting and support for opening new hotels.

--Mr. Ryuzaki, you must love hotels, right?

Ryuzaki: Rather than liking hotels as a consumer, I like them as an industry with great potential. Things have changed considerably due to the pandemic, but until now, hotels were heavily constrained by their ratings and intended use, with many dictating "how they should be." I believe there is room for improvement in that regard, and that's why I started the hotel business—to create accommodations where people can have an extraordinary experience at an affordable price.


—So, you mean creating a new style of hotel that isn't solely focused on travel and sightseeing?

Ryuzaki : Yes, I believe that a hotel is a medium where people, cities, and cultures meet, and a place where a part of people's lives unfolds. In that essential sense, I want to help guide people's lives in a positive direction, and I am currently planning a hotel that offers "postpartum care." Because a hotel is a place that cares for people, I envision it as a place where the first few weeks after childbirth can be cherished.

Because hotels are essentially a form of media, I want to skillfully curate the things I like.

──What kind of image do you have in mind when you hear the name "ISETAN HOME HOTEL"?

So, Ryuzaki HOME is a hotel, and a hotel is a home, right? I think of hotels as spaces where you can enjoy a little escape from the ordinary, so the idea of being able to enjoy that special feeling at home is a wonderful concept. Also, I think it would be a nice spice to spice up a monotonous daily routine.



--Mr. Ryuzaki, because of your job, you probably check the hotel amenities as well, right?

I believe that Ryuzaki Hotel is a curated content offering, from the amenities and linens (sheets, towels, and other fabric products) in the guest rooms to the complimentary drinks. Furthermore, hotels are interesting spaces where guests can immediately try out and experience new cosmetics and products. I believe hotels can do more to contribute to guests' health and beauty. In that sense, I find the "ISETAN HOME HOTEL" theme very relatable.

Shoko Ryuzaki's Special Selection!

From the products available at "ISETAN HOME HOTEL," Mr. Ryuzaki has selected his recommended items from four different categories of men's cosmetics and fragrances, and he has also chosen his favorite white shirt!

Using a skincare facial cleanser can help you change your mood and refresh yourself.

My skincare routine often gets lost. I travel a lot for work, so I try to take care of my skin's condition, but a friend taught me a skincare method that only requires applying toner five times in the morning and five times in the evening, and moisturizing generously. I've been putting it into practice since she taught me, and when I wake up in the morning, my skin feels plump and soft, just like always. Of course, I still wash my face, but I've learned the importance of moisturizing by properly caring for my skin afterward.

One of the key themes for this "ISETAN HOME HOTEL" event is "face washing," so I chose the "Enzyme Powder" from the SkinRegimen anti-aging line* of the Italian skincare brand Comfort Zone. Many men are concerned about clogged pores, and this powder face wash uses the power of enzymes to remove pore impurities when dissolved in water. You can feel the fine particles while washing your face. I'd like to recommend this to even the laziest guy.


Another skincare product I chose is Astalift Men's "Jelly Aquarista."

It apparently contains astaxanthin, which is found in salmon roe, giving it a reddish color. The texture is bouncy and seems like it would blend into the skin very well. Astalift is a brand that is generally associated with anti-aging care*, but there is also Astalift Men, which is a brand specifically for men. If my dad were using it, I'd probably think, "He's using better cosmetics than me!" (laughs).

Grooming - To tidy up -

Men's grooming now extends to the realm of makeup, doesn't it? What I pay attention to when it comes to grooming is my nails. I'm busy so I can't always get my head and neck perfectly done every day, but when my nails are nice, they always catch my eye, and the feeling of "Ah, I'm cute down to my fingertips" makes me happy. I also go to the hair salon frequently, but when I need to look my best in front of people, such as for lectures or presentations, I rely on the help of a professional.


The grooming item I chose is RETOUCH 's "Lip Balm." While men often seem to use lip balms bought at drugstores, this one looks like a USB drive, which is a nice design that doesn't make it seem like a cosmetic product. It's practical, and since it comes in a box, it would make a nice small gift.


Another one is FIVEISM by 3's STATE TOGUE Color Wax.
Up until now, men's makeup has been seen as something subtle, but now even my friends are going for hair removal and beauty treatments, so it's becoming more acceptable to do it openly. What I like about this product is that it allows you to easily change your hair color, so you can use it as an accent when you're putting in extra effort to style your hair, or have fun with it for dates or parties. It seems like something even women could easily use. Men's nails are also trending, so it would be nice to use it in combination with nail polish. I think the brand's product development capabilities are amazing.

Hand & body care to enrich your time at home.

The item I chose to enrich my time at home is MOLTON BROWN 's bath and shower gel. It's nice that these kinds of bath items can be shared with family or a partner. I also chose CIGARRO 's mouthwash, which looks smart even when left on the bathroom counter.


MOLTON BROWN has a classic feel, but its visuals are also playful, making it a great gift. While I personally like lavender and woody scents, this "OA&G Bath & Shower Gel" has a slightly alcoholic scent—a truly sophisticated fragrance for a mature man. The shimmering gold flakes add a touch of luxury, and it's nice to treat yourself to a luxurious bath time once in a while.


And something that men should also make a habit of using mouthwash as a matter of courtesy. This CIGARRO mouthwash comes with a shot glass that men might find amusing to use, and if I saw this in his bathroom, I'd definitely change my opinion of him.

Room fragrance - A scent to enjoy in your room -

I like perfume. I like floral but refreshing scents. For room fragrance, I burn incense at home. I also like linen sprays for beds and other surfaces, and I always check out the fabric sprays when I'm staying at a hotel.

I selected Baum's aromatic room spray. There were three scents to choose from, but my favorite was "Forest Embrace," which has a forest-like scent. Being enveloped in the fragrance makes me feel like I'm meditating. I'm also happy that it can be used on linens.

ISETAN MEN'S exclusive white shirts that showcase individuality—a story woven by six legends—

There's something about a man wearing just a white shirt that gives off a mature vibe. I don't own a white shirt myself, but after hearing the buyer's explanation, I realized the potential of the white shirt as an item—not only in terms of design and material, but also in the details, allowing each designer to express their individuality. I'd like to start wearing one properly from now on.

Out of the six shirts, my favorites were the white shirt designed by Yasuhito Kamoshita of Kamoshita United Arrows and the white shirt designed by Tomoka Takada of Colony Clothing.

What's really fascinating about Kamoshita's shirts from Kamoshita United Arrows is that, despite their obviously dressy designs, they have a relaxed feel that makes you think you could comfortably wear them at home.

Colony Clothing's white shirt by Mr. Takada has a casual design and terry cloth material that really gives it a resort feel. I can't travel far right now, but it looks like it would be perfect to wear at home like a gown, and it's a white shirt I'd love to wear by the pool or at a resort in the summer.


Now more than ever, let's nourish our souls by selecting skincare products, fragrances, and clothes that we truly love.


PROFILE


Shoko Ryuzaki