The " ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog ," written by buyers at ISETAN MEN'S , is a series that shares the behind-the-scenes story of how products are planned and displayed in stores, in the buyers' own words. It will provide insights into the manufacturing process, which is usually not visible to the public, through a blog format.

This time, Inaba, the buyer for men's tailored clothing on the 5th floor Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , reports on his "journey (business trip)" to explore the "suits" that ISETAN MEN'S will be developing for the Spring/Summer 2026 season. He shares his real-life experiences, from discoveries made in Bishu, a wool-producing region, to factory scenes, interactions with craftsmen and staff.

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Tomohiro Inaba

Shinjuku Men's Department, Men's Tailored Clothing Buyer

Since joining the company, he has held various positions in the dress clothing floor, including sales, sales floor manager, and buyer. He practices his own unique style by mixing various trends while basing his work on classic styles. In his private life, he also participates in an activity called "Suit Stroll," where gentlemen who love suits take walks in suits in places that evoke the atmosphere of Japan, enjoying dress fashion and deepening their relationships.

I'm Inaba, a buyer for men's tailored clothing.

Recently, I visited Bishu (Aichi and Gifu prefectures) on a business trip related to the development of ISETAN MEN'S private brand (PB) suits. There were two main purposes: firstly, to observe the development and selection process of PB suits firsthand, and secondly, to delve deeper into the collaboration between the brand and the production area. This time, I'll share my report from that trip.

Bishu, one of the world's three major wool-producing regions.

First, it's important to understand that Bishu is one of Japan's leading wool-producing regions, and along with Biella in Italy and Huddersfield in the UK, it is one of the world's three major wool-producing regions.

The materials produced here are of high quality and are highly regarded worldwide. However, the environment surrounding the production area is far from ideal. Mass-produced goods tend to be replaced by cheaper fabrics from overseas, leading to a decrease in orders. There are also challenges such as an aging workforce and a lack of successors.

Processing companies responsible for dyeing and finishing are also facing similarly difficult circumstances. Factories employing skilled workers and equipment are on the decline, and productivity is not increasing. Every time I visit the sites, I am struck by the hardships faced by the producers. Personally, I always feel it is important to consider how we can support the voices of those who are "making good products." I believe that creating "words" and "spaces" that properly convey the quality of materials and techniques as a department store will definitely be beneficial.

" ISETAN MEN'S suits" are produced in collaboration with Bishu.

Regarding ISETAN MEN'S private label (PB) products, a key feature is their focus on collaborations with Japanese production areas. Furthermore, the garments are sewn at Towa Plum, one of Japan's leading sewing factories, located in Iwate Prefecture. What I witnessed firsthand was the meticulous design philosophy focused on how to best utilize the materials, and the masterful sewing techniques that maximize the unique characteristics of each fabric. I felt that this kind of "upstream manufacturing" is at the heart of their PB suits.

What I realized again during this business trip is the importance of interaction with those on the ground. There are challenges and opportunities that become apparent when you actually visit the production areas, and having the knowledge and expressive ability to convey that accurately is a valuable asset for department stores. If we connect photos and materials and write articles, it should be easier for customers to understand.

One last thing. A suit is only as good as the materials and the careful stitching. We want to continue to communicate the "closeness to the production area" that is possible because we are a private label brand. Next time, we will introduce the inside story of fabric selection in more detail, including photos from the interview and comments from the factory. Stay tuned!