" Isetan Men's Staff Profiles " is a series that spotlights the unique stylists working at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . This time, we introduce Akane Sato, who joined the team as Men's Attendant this April.

Her mother also works at Isetan, making her a true Isetan native. Wanting to make better use of her personal color analyst qualification, she requested a transfer, and this spring she has been able to provide even more attentive customer service by offering coordinated outfit suggestions using personal color analysis in her specialty area of business casual.

The strong family bonds forged through Awa Odori and Kishidan Banpaku, coupled with the arrival of a new family member, leave a positive impression with their energetic and determined attitude.

A visit to the Isetan department store I've always dreamed of. A father and son working together as service industry professionals.

My mother used to work at Isetan in Sagamihara, so my family has worked at Isetan for two generations. Ever since I participated in an Isetan event as an elementary school student and did a work experience program, I've always dreamed of working here! Customer service is a perfect fit for me. Every encounter with a customer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it's a fresh experience every time. My grandfather ran a ramen shop in the area for a long time, so I'm the third generation to work in customer service. I guess my love for customer service runs in the family.

I've been working at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building for nine years. This spring, I transferred to Men's Attendant . I recently obtained my personal color analyst certification, and I wanted to use that certification in customer service, so I requested the transfer. At Men's Attendant , I can conduct personal color analyses and offer styling suggestions based on the results.

Having spent a long time at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 5th floor, I thought I had grown to be "somewhat of a mid-level employee," but I'm actually the newest in my current department. Everyone here is a true professional, and I'm overwhelmed, but in a good way, I'm thinking of starting fresh and working hard from scratch again!

The foundation for being able to persevere is the bond of family.

During my student days, I was crazy about a street dance called "waacking." Now, I participate in an Awa Odori dance group as a hobby. My family and I have been participating since I was a child. There were times when we had to stop practicing due to the pandemic and because I moved to Tokyo, but I was able to adjust my schedule and participate in practice again after changing departments.

This Awa Odori group was originally formed to revitalize the local community. They have won the Tokyo Governor's Award at the Koenji Awa Odori, one of the three major Awa Odori festivals in the Kanto region, and have also placed second in the out-of-prefecture group category at a contest in Tokushima, the birthplace of Awa Odori. Since contests are held, my family and I participate in Awa Odori contests held all over the country.

My family is very close. Every year, it's become a tradition for our family to attend the Kishidan Expo (*1). Last year, I took my husband with me for the first time since we got married.
I grew up feeling that family bonds deepened through these events. That's why I'm always motivated to do my best for my precious family.

I, who am good at choosing gifts, gave GRAN SASSO as a present.

Last year, I gave my husband, who became a beloved member of my family, a buttonless cardigan from Gran Sasso as a birthday present. I highly recommend it as a gift.
GRAN SASSO is a brand I'm very attached to, having been in charge of it since my time at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 1st floor. It offers a wide variety of simple and smart knitwear that is distinctly Italian. This cardigan is a staple item released every year, but the color variations change subtly. As a color analyst, I'm happy that there's a color I can recommend to everyone, regardless of their personal color type.

Simply wearing it over a T-shirt creates a sophisticated and stylish look. Even my husband, who isn't very fashion-conscious, finds it easy to wear and it suits him well. The lack of buttons allows the placket to naturally flap open, giving it a light and breezy feel, and it's a great piece that can be worn year-round. Another great feature for wives is that it's machine washable. It doesn't lose its shape easily even after multiple washes, which is a huge help to me as a housewife.

Book your appointment with Men's Attendant here!

At Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building we offer a full range of services to assist you with your shopping needs, including consulting and escort services. Feel free to consult with us about smart casual attire for any occasion, or dressy outfits for special events.

Personal consulting service "Isetan Men's Meet Ism"

A stylist at Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building who holds professional qualifications in personal color analysis and body shape analysis®, will propose a "suitable styling" that enhances your charm based on the diagnostic results. ▶ Learn more here
Instagram: @isetanmens_attendant

Photograph: Tatsuya Ozawa (Studio Mug)
Text: Yasuyuki Ikeda