Things Our Team Bought in Japan Part 2

BrandsWalk Creative |
Our team member just got back from Tokyo and Kyoto, and let's just say the luggage was significantly heavier on the return flight. In the previous post, we introduced coffee from a neighborhood roaster in Shimokitazawa, raw denim from one of Osaka's most storied makers, handmade eyewear from the eyewear capital of Japan, and a lamp from a Korean lighting brand that's nearly impossible to find anywhere else.  

Olend Crossbody Bag

Picked up at the MoMA Design Store in Tokyo. Olend is originally from Barcelona but their bags have a strong presence in Tokyo's design stores, and for good reason. Lightweight, simple, and genuinely comfortable to carry all day. The two front storage compartments were the deciding factor: a smaller pocket that fits a film camera perfectly, and a larger side pocket for a mirrorless camera. Getting in and out while moving around the city was seamless, no more unzipping backpacks and fumbling around inside.

Paraboot Michael Derbies

Not a planned purchase, but the best kind: a spontaneous stop at their Omotesando store after spotting a customer trying them on. After going back and forth between black and dark brown Nubuck, the latter won out. The color is subtle in most light but catches hints of burgundy in the right conditions. The white sole stitching is a nice touch, and the water resistance came in handy during the rainy stretch in December and January. Equally at home dressed up or worn casually with denim.

Studio D'Artisan Raw Denim SD-102

Found at Good Edition in Omotesando, which deserves its own mention as a destination for anyone interested in premium Japanese-made goods. Studio D'Artisan has been making raw denim since 1979 in Osaka. The brand was founded by Shigeharu Tagaki, who spent time in France and returned wanting to blend traditional French workwear design with Japanese craftsmanship. The SD-102 is a standard straight-leg cut with a deep blue texture and visible fiber detail up close. Size 31, worn for most of the trip, pairs especially well with boots or loafers.

Kuoe Royal Smith 90-008

Picked up on a previous trip to Kyoto and has barely left the wrist since. The off-white watch face, serif dial numbering, and overall restraint of the design make it a natural everyday wear. Powered by a Citizen Miyota Cal. 9039 high beat movement that oscillates eight times per second. The black leather strap with white stitching sealed the deal.

G-Shock GBX-100S-1

A stop at the G-Shock store in Ginza to browse their Japan-only offerings led to this one. The GBX-100S-1 is a quieter, more understated entry in the G-Shock lineup, building on the GBD-200 with added surf-oriented features like tide and moon data. The clear resin casing paired with a stainless steel watch face gives it a cleaner look compared to the full-resin models. A good option for someone who wants the G-Shock functionality without the bulk of the more aggressive designs.

Le Labo Bergamote 22

Purchased at Le Labo's flagship cafe and store in Kyoto, which is well worth a visit regardless of whether you're buying anything. The space is housed in a century-old traditional Kyoto home with a coffee shop and a bonsai garden tucked in the back. Fragrances are made in-house with custom labeling included with each purchase. The Bergamote 22 has a wood and citrus profile that lasts throughout the day without being overwhelming.

Jacques Marie Mage Delean Sunglasses

These have become the go-to pair since returning. Jacques Marie Mage is a Los Angeles brand, but all of their frames are handmade in Sabae-Fuki, Japan's eyewear capital. Titanium and high-quality acetate, constructed to serious standards. The Delean model suited the face shape best, and the Grey Gradient lens color was the clear choice. A note for anyone planning a visit: appointments are required in advance, walk-ins are not accepted. The level of service inside makes it worth the extra step of booking ahead.

Julius Tart Optical FDR Sunglasses

Found at Private Eyes and Trackers in Omotesando, a genuinely cool store worth exploring on its own. The FDR is a more straightforward, everyday design in acetate, and that's exactly what makes it work. Clean, well-made, and produced in Japan. A solid option for anyone looking for quality eyewear at a more accessible price point.

Lesca Pica Eyeglasses from Globe Specs Kyoto

Globe Specs in Kyoto, located in the Ace Hotel Plaza alongside other lifestyle stores and cafes, has been on the list for a while. After about a year of wanting a proper pair of eyeglasses for long hours at home and in front of a screen, the Lesca Pica finally made it happen. The dark tortoise shell color and vintage-inspired frame shape were exactly what was needed. Worth seeking out if you're in Kyoto.

Nahe Packing Pouch

Another find from Hightide, this time from their sub-brand Nahe. The small packing pouch solved a specific problem: how to safely hand-carry undeveloped film through airport security without running it through the X-ray machines, which can permanently damage film stocks. The small size fit a Contax T3 and three rolls of film without any issue. A simple, well-made solution to a very specific problem, and exactly the kind of thing Japan does better than anywhere else.

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