Walk into any convenience store or pharmacy in Japan and you’ll likely find Gatsby deodorant and hairstyling products in the toiletry section. Gatsby is a maker of beauty care products, specifically for men, and is owned by Osaka based Mandom Corp. So how does Gatsby Gold deodorant fair against its Gillette and Mennen counterparts? Gatsby Gold has a pleasant fragrance, but one that diminishes ...

Juvenile Delinquent is the name of the brand, and their namesake pretty much captures what they’re all about. Typically featuring dark denim with loud ‘Asian’ patterns embroidered on each of their garments, JD appeals to a certain segment of the Japanese market who have adopted and remixed the whole hip-hop/gangsta style. Some of these jeans interest me greatly as pieces of art, and a few ...

I’m pretty sure I’m going to get one of each of these belts! These checkered studded belts list for around $60 and come in a variety of bright and glittery colors. Low Life of London, as their label is called, serves a punk-rock inspired crowd, and has many of their products worn by musicians, artists and professional skateboarders. With so much dark denim being worn these days, it’s nice t...

Roen is a maker of premium streetwear products, including ‘used’ denim jeans and stylish outerwear. This leather riding jacket basically sums up the label’s taste – a sleek and mostly minimalist approach to design with some non-traditional elements thrown in to give it uniqueness. I’m not sure if I buy into the frayed and torn leather look below the waist; I’m ...

Most people, upon visiting Japan for their first time, remark how clean and sanitary the public spaces are. Even the insides of train and subway cars, which transport the bulk of Japan’s population in and around town, remain astonishingly spotless throughout the day. This allows a person to dress up and wear even their finest clothes when riding public transit. Trying that back home would...