I Love Giving and Receiving Gifts I Can Wear Constantly

As I have many designer friends, I often receive clothes and accessories as gifts. Also, while it might sound a bit embarrassing to call it a gift, it's common for men to give something they're wearing right then and there as a gesture between friends.

The bracelet I'm wearing today just arrived this morning from a designer friend at "Good Art Hollywood." I love that it's handmade. I enjoy giving and receiving these kinds of "wear-it-always" gifts. In the past, I'd often give away the watch I was wearing in a drunken moment (laughs). If I were incredibly wealthy, I'd want to wear many watches and hand them out daily (laughs).

Of course, it's not always like that; I do give gifts for anniversaries. But giving presents is incredibly difficult, isn't it? Especially for women, if it's even slightly off from what they want, it's a no-go, right? I'm usually the one who gets told, "This isn't it!" (laughs).

So, I think a good strategy is to casually ask, "I'm going to be asked for gift advice soon, what do women like to receive?" and then give the gift later. NET-A-PORTER is incredibly convenient for that. You can just choose something from this site where everything is available.

Discovering a New Self Through Gifts

There are times when something you'd never buy for yourself, or something you thought wouldn't suit you, actually looks good when you receive it as a gift and try it on. Your worldview expands, and your range of favorite things grows. I myself have expanded my horizons through gifts, so I want to be able to offer that kind of suggestion to others.

I like to suggest something slightly outside the recipient's exact taste, saying, "Wouldn't this also be nice?" For example, I might think about an outfit based on a single scarf, or suggest that someone who always wears leather shoes try sneakers, which can look great. I'm sure it broadens one's world. I try to subtly convey, "I think this might suit you too."

I consider the lyrics and music I write and perform for Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra to be a gift born from our creativity, offered to everyone.

I also see collaborations, where adding just one new person to our group of nine creates something entirely different, as a gift from the outside.

Embracing new things means expanding from there. Above all, it increases the things you love, making life more enjoyable.

Gifts for Loved Ones: Women

Acne Studios Scarf
I think many people would consider trying a scarf, even if it's not their usual style. If it's soft and warm, it's usable. It's perfect for suggesting, "How about trying this color?"

Gifts for Loved Ones: Men

Lock & Co. Hatters Casquette
Since I love hats, I naturally gravitate towards them. When choosing a gift for a man, I tend to pick something I like myself.

Gifts for Myself

Saint Laurent Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a necessity for me. I've been wanting a new pair, so I think I'll get these Saint Laurent sunglasses.

Atsushi Yanaka
Baritone saxophonist for the globally active, large-scale ska band Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. He is the primary lyricist for the band's vocal tracks and has a diverse career, including writing lyrics for other artists. Recently, they released a new single, "Shiro to Kuro no Montuno," featuring Kosuke Saito of the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN as a guest vocalist. http://www.tokyoska.net/

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