In the series " #IsetanMensFavoriteItems ," Isetan Mens staff with keen aesthetic sensibilities introduce their personal belongings and desired items. In October, the theme is "My Top 4 for Enjoying Autumn," with selections ranging from camping gear and fashion items to cosmetics and books, all chosen from their unique perspectives! This month, two buyers talk about the items they think will help you fully enjoy this autumn.

Okada: "My Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Autumn"

High-gauge knit that fits any era

"I bought my first John Smedley about 20 years ago. I get cold easily, so I was looking for a knit sweater I could wear as an inner layer under a suit, and a senior colleague recommended it to me. It's a finely woven, high-gauge knit that feels incredibly smooth against the skin. I love that the design isn't influenced by trends, and that it doesn't look worn out even after 10-20 years of wear, and that it doesn't pill easily. It's great as a main piece, of course, but just incorporating it into an outfit gives it a sophisticated, refined look. I've continued to buy cotton sweaters for summer and wool sweaters for winter, and before I knew it, I had about 20 pieces. So, I hardly own any knitwear other than John Smedley (laughs)."

View John Smedley products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

A bath essence that fills the bathroom with the scent of cypress.

"I've been using Kitowa bath salts ever since they launched at Isetan Shinjuku in 2018. They use natural oils of cypress and hinoki, which are familiar to Japanese people, and their scent is characterized by a modern feel within a traditional Japanese atmosphere. My absolute favorite is the cypress. It makes me feel like I'm soaking in a sophisticated hotel bath in a summer resort, and I can enjoy a luxurious bath time. My whole family are fans, and we even designate 'Today is Kitowa Day!' It's a gift that anyone would be happy to receive, so I highly recommend it as a present. In addition to these, they also have fragrances and incense, and they apparently change the origin of the wood to suit the characteristics of each item. That kind of attention to detail is also part of the brand's appeal."

View Kitowa products at the Mitsukoshi Isetan online store.

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A coffee set that lets you enjoy freshly ground coffee outdoors.

"They say that once you get into camping, you get into coffee, and I've certainly fallen into that trap! (laughs) It all started when I saw some fellow campers I'd befriended grinding beans early in the morning. I was so inspired by their cool equipment and how they brewed coffee that before I knew it, I'd collected so much myself. I always pack my coffee set in the gear bag you see in the background and take it with me to the campsite. The taste of coffee I brewed myself, enjoyed in the midst of nature, is exceptional! I could talk about each and every piece, but if I had to choose just one, my favorite is the hand-carved "Jin Cup" from Akihiro Woodworks, which exudes warmth and really enhances the flavor."

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LED lanterns gently illuminate the campsite in the dark of night.

"The first time I went camping, I was surprised by how dark it got at night—so dark you couldn't see anything! That's when I really appreciated the light from a lantern. Now I own about 20 lanterns, including some that use gas and kerosene, but recently I've been using rechargeable LED lanterns because they're safe, compact, and long-lasting. In particular, the book-shaped Lumio SF book light and the uniquely shaped origami-like shade for the Sol Olu LED lantern create a magical atmosphere in a pitch-black campsite. Three lanterns are enough to provide light, but it's fun to decorate with them however I like each time."

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View the "Lantern" product list at the Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store.

Sugita: "My Top 4 Ways to Enjoy Autumn"

A gravel road bike that lets you enjoy both riding and racing.

"I first encountered Grownbike, a brand supervised by designer Ryotaro Taniguchi, at a trail riding event last year. It has a different feel from the road bike I usually use, and I fell in love with its cool colors and overall look at first sight. As the organizer of ' ULTRA GEAR MARKET in ISETAN ' held in March this year, I asked them to set up a booth, and I also bought one for myself. I also customized the fenders and a rack for my skateboard, which is one of my hobbies. However, although the frame was finished, due to a global parts shortage, it was delivered only four days before the 'OMMBIKE' race I was planning to participate in... I was nervous about whether it would arrive in time, but somehow I managed to participate with my new bike! This fall, I'm planning to tackle some nearby gravel roads with a friend."

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A book on behavioral economics that you'll want to use in your work right now.

"I usually read novels, but I recently bought three business books on behavioral economics. I thought they could be useful for marketing in my work at a department store. First, I read a book with keywords and explanations for beginners, then a book that academically discusses experiments and observations, and finally a book that examines behavioral economics from the perspective of emotions and desires. They all have different approaches, which I find interesting. I'm trying to incorporate the things that resonated with me from the books into our work, sharing them with everyone at the morning meeting and discussing them with the staff who serve customers on the floor, with the aim of creating a floor where customers can enjoy shopping even more."

Cosmetics that improve your skin with continued use

"Shortly after joining the company, I attended a SHISEIDO MEN event, which sparked my interest in skincare. At the time, there was a very helpful beauty consultant at the SHISEIDO counter in the main building of Isetan Shinjuku. I was concerned about my skin's moisture, especially dryness after shaving, so she recommended a trial kit containing a face wash, lotion, and cream. After using it for about two weeks, I really liked the feel of it, and I've been using it for the past seven years. Currently, I use a moisturizing lotion, then a serum five days a week, and a cream on the remaining two days. I occasionally borrow my wife's skincare items, and I recommend them to men as well, as they have a lighter texture than women's products."

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Loafers that go well with a wide range of outfits

"These GUCCI loafers were purchased when I was a university student. I'm glad I took good care of them, as I still wear them more than 10 years later. At first glance, the design seems quite distinctive, but surprisingly, they match any outfit. They're very versatile, so I wear them often for both business and casual occasions. The soft calfskin fits my feet gently, and they're so comfortable I feel like I could walk in them all day. Lately, I've been wearing sneakers to work more often, but when I put on leather shoes, I feel more focused and my spirits are lifted."