Hiromi Kobayashi
Beauty Researcher / Director of Bi-Fine Research Institute

Review 2008
It was a year of intense work. I was so driven that around summer I worried if my body could keep up, but I was surprised to find my mind and body became more balanced after starting yoga and meditation.
A trip to New York after a long time was truly refreshing, and since then I've managed to avoid any crises.
Balance is important in everything, isn't it? It was a valuable lesson.

Preview 2009
Above all, I want to make an effort to 'live with a calm heart'.
Especially in these uncertain times, I would be happy if I could remain 'peaceful' within myself.
I also want to take some action to protect a 'beautiful Earth' free from conflict.

Hiromi’s Beauty Program

Mamoru Hirose
CICATA Designer

Review 2008
I believe this year was one of re-examination and renewed learning, looking back at various fashions and trends from the past.
I hope these will have some positive influence on my future creations.

Preview 2009
As this is a time when work is rewarding, I want to manage my time effectively.

Bow Tie Talk Volume.3
rumors
CICATA

Masamitsu Miyamoto
Vocalist / Opera Singer

Review 2008
As someone born in the Year of the Rat, I deliberately attempted to break free from my rat-like tendencies.
As a first step, I aimed to break free from my habit of collecting rat-themed items. I took about 700 beloved manga volumes to a used bookstore. With the small amount of money I earned, I treated myself to a massage.

Next, I tried to improve my nocturnal habits. I went to bed early and tried to do my work in the early morning. Even with pleasant early mornings, I found myself taking more pleasant naps, and ultimately, my nocturnal habits didn't improve. Moreover, I still like mice... So, my success rate in breaking free from rat-like tendencies is 30%.

Preview 2009
I want to approach everything systematically so as not to be like a rat in a trap, and to become an ox that remains unfazed even when bitten by a cornered rat. And to embrace it all tightly.

LOUNGE NEWS

Ariadna Kanazawa
Tableware Director

Review 2008
It has been a year since my daughter and I moved to Okinawa, a place I had never visited and where I knew no one.
2008 was a year of cherishing and layering into my heart,
the phases of the moon, the sunlight, the scale of the wind's sound, the space between the sea and sky, and each word.
There is a passage in Kenjiro Haitani's 'Children of the Sun' that reads:
'I can't distinguish between what is necessary for human life and what is not.
People who don't understand that become ruined. The people of Okinawa are wonderful.
Because they have that sorted out, they have many superior people among them.'
These words hold great significance for the latter half of my life.
Meeting such 'superior people' was also a major achievement this year.

Preview 2009
I hope to introduce Okinawa, where I now live by fate,
through OPENERS as well.
Yomitan Village, where I currently live, is a village rich in traditional crafts such as Ryukyu glass, pottery known as 'Yachimun',
and Yomitan-zan Hanaori textiles.

I myself am, as expected, interested in glass, and by visiting various studios,
I hope 2009 will be a year where I can find the glass that speaks to me and study it.

I'd also like to create a place like a shop and gallery again, as 'kitsch-n'.
My daughter has also said she wants to work on it together again.
If you have any information about Okinawa, please email me.
I will continue to strive to write a serial column that can convey something to our readers this year as well,
so I appreciate your continued support.

A Moment of BREATH TALKING
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kitsch-n

Mamoru Hiromi
Representative Director, HIROMI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Review 2008
In April, we were able to hold an unveiling party for our original cigar brand, 'Aroma de Nica,' together with Berluti.
In August, my wife and I were able to travel to the island of Ibiza in Spain.
In September, we were able to open our long-awaited cigar shop and bar!
And finally, in December, the second installment of our original cigar brand, 'Panatela King,' was completed! What an exciting, thrilling, and fulfilling year it has been.

Preview 2009
I truly felt the unprecedented economic downturn of 2008. Although my shop is quiet, seeing the sparse foot traffic at Roppongi Crossing and in Akasaka offered some small comfort.
My company continues to have high employee turnover, so I'd like to stabilize our team soon. I need someone who can become my right-hand person. (Would anyone be interested in helping our company?)
My guiding principle for 2009 will be 'steady effort,' and I aim to move forward incrementally. I look forward to your continued support!

THE CIGAR MUSEUM
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THE CIGAR MUSEUM