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Gift a scent to someone special

In every era, a man's dignity is in the details. It manifests in what he wears, what he chooses, and the scent he carries.

Cigarro proposes a scent style that enriches one's way of life, aesthetic sensibilities, and daily lifestyle.

This time, with "scent" and "gift" as our themes, we welcome Yusuke Fukushima Tiamo, a men's fashion buyer and director who presides over "Tiamo La," and Mika Hirose, who is active in various roles including model and MC. Enjoy their story as they select scents that match clothing from a male perspective and scents perfect for gifts from a female perspective.


Table of Contents:

1. How they met

2. How they use different scents

3. Scents men should wear and preferred scents

4. Mika Hirose's top 3 recommended CIGARRO products

5. Tiamo's top 3 recommended CIGARRO products

■ How they met

――You seemed to be having fun even before the shoot, when did you two meet?

 

Fukushima: I used to be a buyer at a select shop called Nano Universe, and that's when I started a YouTube channel. It's now called Nano Universe Official Channel, but at the time it was "Tiamo La Moda." The first episode aired in August 2017.

Hirose: Back then, select shop channels were still quite rare. I participated as an assistant MC from the first episode. Since it was the first time, I was a bit formal, and they told me I was "too stiff!" (laughs).

 

Fukushima: At first, we were both feeling each other out (laughs). The show itself ended just before spring 2022, but I think you appeared in most of the 237 episodes that aired over nearly five years.

Hirose: I once gave Tiamo-san Cigarro's mouthwash as a birthday gift, and I never imagined we'd be working together again!

Fukushima: It's a product you don't often see elsewhere, so I've been using it at home and as gifts ever since. Today, I'm really looking forward to seeing various other items again.


■ Distinguishing between On and Off based on preferred scents

――What perfumes do you both usually wear?


Fukushima: I have about 5 to 6 perfumes, and I've been using some of them for 15 years. I like sweet white tea scents and wear them often.
How about you, Hirose-san?

Hirose: I have about 20, ranging from light colognes to stronger eau de toilettes. Right now, I'm using Dior's "J'adore," which has a floral scent like jasmine and rose.

Fukushima: 20 is impressive.

Hirose: Besides that, I also love citrusy bergamot scents and wear them often, but I switch between various scents depending on my mood, the weather, and the occasion.

 

――Fukushima-san, what kind of fashion do you think works best with different perfumes?


Fukushima: Fashion can be broadly divided into two categories: casual and formal. Personally, I don't think there's one perfume that suits all fashion styles, so I think it's good to switch between casual and formal.
Hirose: So, on-duty and off-duty, then.
 
Fukushima: Yes. Also, there's the style a person wants to express, such as the presence or absence of accessories and the sizing of their clothes, so I think it's good to use perfume in a similar way, matching it to the overall style.


■ Wearing an unexpectedly different perfume creates a good impression

――Hirose-san, are there any particular scents you'd like men to wear?


Hirose: Previously, I thought a scent that matched a person's attire and ambiance was good, but now I've come to think that a contrasting scent, one they might not typically wear, is more appealing.

Fukushima: For example, do you have anything in mind?

Hirose: If someone wearing a sharp suit opts for a gentle, feminine scent rather than a masculine one like spicy or woody, I'd find myself wondering, "Did this person deliberately choose this scent?" or "Why are they wearing this scent?" It piques my interest, and I keep thinking about it.

Fukushima: So, it's about the element of surprise.

Hirose: Exactly. Or, if a man wears a scent that's familiar to women, it creates a sense of closeness, so it might be good for first encounters.

 


――Ms. Hirose, what are your thoughts on the intensity and proximity of perfumes worn by men?

Hirose: It's best for it to be subtle, appropriate for the occasion and weather. For example, it's fine to wear a good amount of perfume in winter, but the same amount in summer would feel too strong. Like the "wild person" I mentioned earlier, a gentle waft as they pass by leaves a lasting impression.


■It's also important to choose by type, not just by scent.

――Could you both recommend some scent layering combinations?


Fukushima: I like to layer scents based on a favorite scent. Personally, I prefer white scents, so I like layering a botanical scent like gin on top of that.

Hirose: I also choose based on my favorite scents. Personally, I found that layering frankincense over floral scents like jasmine or rose adds depth and I really like it. Layering woody scents is also a good option.
 
Fukushima: First and foremost, I think it's important to find your favorite perfume.


■Hirose's top CIGARRO products


I chose eau de toilette and fragrance oil so they can be layered.
The packaging is very appealing to women; it makes me excited to put it in my makeup pouch.
And the impressive mouthwash, which wasn't available when I first purchased it, has a refreshing rose and mint scent that I really like.


Golden Frankincense (Perfume): The refreshing scent of lemon and bergamot leaves a good impression. It's perfect for layering as it doesn't overpower other perfumes, such as Smooth Gin & Black Pepper.
 
Smooth Gin & Black Pepper (Perfume): The spicy kick and sweet-tart raspberry blend create an elegant impression. I think it's best to apply it subtly behind the ears to enhance the scent.
 
Rose & Mint (Mouthwash): It's refreshing but not too strong, so even people who are hesitant about mouthwash can easily use it. Also, the design is excellent, with packaging that looks like alcohol and a cup that resembles a shot glass.


■Fukushima's top CIGARRO products


I chose items perfect for men's grooming.
The mouthwash has a stylish rose and mint combination, and the moisturizer has a natural scent that doesn't overpower cologne. These are truly my go-to items for everyday use.

GINZA ROOTS (perfume): I love that the white tea scent comes first, and it's not too sweet, but consistently elegant. Over time, it develops a deep, musky note that I think is perfect for formal wear.
 
Rose & Mint (mouthwash): This product is what led me to Ciggaro. Actually, Mr. Hirose gave it to me as a gift (laughs). The fresh scent spreads throughout my mouth, and I often use it for important occasions. I think it's great for women as well as men.
 
Everyday Moisturizer (moisturizer): I had been using moisturizers before, but this one absorbs well and has a lovely frankincense scent, so I switched to it. I also like that the scent is subtle enough not to interfere with cologne.


――Lastly, what advice would you give to someone who wants to start wearing perfume?


Fukushima: To be honest, I'm not very knowledgeable about perfumes, so I usually go to a perfume store a few times a year when new products are introduced and buy something new after consulting with the staff.

Hirose: It's good to ask experts. I also think it's good to trust your own intuition. Also, I recommend choosing a fragrance oil type. They're made with plant-based oils, absorb well, and come in travel-friendly sizes, so they make great gifts.

Fukushima: Being easy to carry is important. Ciggaro's roll-on type is exactly that.
 
Hirose: Next, I think it's good to choose a spray type. Spray bottles are available in smaller sizes, so you can carry a small amount with you. I think it's important to always carry your favorite perfume, wear it, and make it your own scent.

 

This time, they discussed "scent" x "gifts" from different perspectives: male and female.
I hope this will be a helpful reference for choosing gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions.

 


Yusuke Tiamo Fukushima
Men's Buyer/Director

After graduating from university, he joined Nano Universe Co., Ltd. He gained experience as a women's sales associate, store manager, and MD, before becoming a men's dress buyer in 2018. In the same year, he became the MC of "Tiamo La Moda," a fashion program launched on the company's official YouTube channel, earning him the nickname "Tiamo."
Currently, he freely shares content ranging from fashion to lifestyle in the successor program "Tiamo La..."
Known as a fashionista, he has over 40,000 Instagram followers.
Since March 2021, he has been working as a freelance creative buyer, collaborating with major department stores and famous select shops on events, product planning, and bespoke orders.

 


Mika Hirose
Model / Talent (Space Craft Agency)

After working as a wedding floral coordinator, she debuted as a model in 2010. In 2011, she won an audition to become the Sapporo Beer Image Girl, traveling nationwide as a campaign girl and engaging in PR activities.
From 2015 to 2023, she appeared on TV Asahi's "Asa da! Nama desu Tabi Salad" for an exceptionally long period as a reporter. She traveled to 30 countries around the world, sharing various local cultures and customs with viewers.
She also held photo exhibitions and talk events in Tokyo in 2018, titled "Please to be," and in 2023, titled "MOVE," primarily featuring photos taken during her travels, both of which were well-received.
With her glamorous demeanor and friendly communication skills, she has expanded her activities beyond modeling, serving as an MC for YouTube programs for companies and brands, including those in the apparel industry. In 2016, she obtained Level 2 certification from the Japan Yoga Instructor Association.

 

 


Giving the Gift of Scent to Your Loved Ones

The refinement of a man has always been in the details. It's reflected in what he wears, what he chooses, and the fragrance he emanates.

CIGARRO advocates for a fragrance style that enriches one's way of life, aesthetics, and daily lifestyle.

This time, with the theme of "Fragrance" and "Gifts," we welcome Yusuke Tiamo Fukushima, a men's fashion buyer and director who presides over "Tiamo La," and Mika Hirose, a versatile model and MC. Enjoy their stories about selecting fragrances that match clothes from a male perspective, and fragrances perfect for gifts from a female perspective.


Contents:

1. How they met

2. How they use different fragrances

3. Fragrances they want men to wear and fragrances they like

4. Mika Hirose's top 3 CIGARRO recommendations

5. Tiamo's top 3 CIGARRO recommendations

■ How they met

――It seemed like you were having fun even before the photoshoot, but when did you two meet?

Fukushima: I used to be a buyer at a select shop called Nano Universe, and that's when I started a YouTube channel. It's now called Nano Universe Official Channel, but at the time it was called "Tiamo La Moda." The first episode aired in August 2017.

Hirose: It was a time when YouTube channels for select shops were hardly seen. I participated from the first episode as an assistant MC. It was the first episode, so I was a bit stiff, and they told me, "You're too stiff!" (laughs).

 

Fukushima: In the beginning, we were feeling each other out (laughs). The show itself ended before spring 2022, but I think you appeared in almost all of the 237 episodes over nearly five years.

Hirose: Back then, I gave Tiamo CIGARRO mouthwash for his birthday, and I never thought we'd be working together again!

Fukushima: It's a rare product, so I started using it at home and as a gift myself. Today, I'm really looking forward to seeing various other items again.


■ Switching between on-duty and off-duty based on favorite scents

――What kind of perfumes do you two usually wear?


Fukushima: I have about 5-6 perfumes, and some I've been using for 15 years. I prefer sweet white tea scents and wear them often.
How about you, Hirose-san?

Hirose: I have about 20 bottles, from light colognes to stronger eau de toilettes. Right now, I'm using Dior's "J'adore," a floral fragrance with jasmine and rose.

Fukushima: 20 bottles is impressive.
 
Hirose: Besides that, I also like citrusy bergamot scents and often wear them, but I use different fragrances depending on my mood, the weather, and the occasion.

――Fukushima-san, what kind of fashion do you think goes well with different perfumes?

Fukushima: Fashion can be broadly divided into two categories: casual and formal. Personally, I don't think there's one perfume that suits all fashions, so it's probably best to switch between casual and formal.

Hirose: You mean on-duty and off-duty.
 
Fukushima: Yes. Also, I think people have a style they want to express, such as with or without accessories, or the sizing of their clothes, so I think it's good to use perfume in the same way, according to that.


■ Wearing an unexpectedly different perfume creates a good impression

――Hirose-san, is there a scent you'd like men to wear?


Hirose: I used to think that a scent that matched a person's clothes and atmosphere was good, but now I've come to think that a contrasting scent, one that they wouldn't normally wear, is better.

Fukushima: For example, do you have any ideas?

Hirose: If someone is wearing a sharp suit and wearing a gentle scent that a woman might wear, instead of a masculine spicy or woody scent, I'd think, "Did this person intentionally choose this scent?" or "Why are they wearing this scent?" and it would pique my interest, making me think about it for a long time.

Fukushima: So, it's about unexpectedness.

Hirose: That's right. Or, if a man wears a familiar scent that women recognize, it creates a sense of closeness, which might be good for first impressions.


――Hirose-san, do you have any thoughts on the strength or proximity of men's cologne?

Hirose: It's good to have it subtly scented, according to the occasion and the weather. For example, in winter, it's fine to wear a strong perfume, but wearing the same amount in summer would feel quite overwhelming. Like with the wild person I mentioned earlier, a gentle waft as they pass by leaves a lasting impression.


■It's important to choose not only by scent but also by type.

――Could you two recommend some fragrance layering combinations?


Fukushima: I like to layer fragrances based on a scent I love. Personally, I like white floral scents, so I prefer to layer them with something botanical like gin, for example.

Hirose: I also choose based on scents I like. Personally, I found that layering floral scents like jasmine or rose with frankincense adds depth, which I really like. Layering woody scents is also a good option.
 
Fukushima: First and foremost, I think it's important to find perfumes you genuinely like.


■Hirose's Special Ciggaro Products

I chose an eau de toilette and fragrance oil so they can be layered.
The packaging is feminine and makes me so happy I want to put it in my makeup pouch. Also, the memorable mouthwash now has a refreshing rose and mint scent, which wasn't available when I first bought it, and I really love it.

Golden Frankincense (Perfume): The refreshing scents of lemon and bergamot leave a good impression. It's perfect for layering as it doesn't overpower other perfumes, such as Smooth Gin & Black Pepper.
 
Smooth Gin & Black Pepper (Perfume): The spicy kick blends with sweet and sour raspberry, creating an elegant feel. I think it's best applied behind the ears to subtly enhance the scent.
 
Rose & Mint (Mouthwash): It provides a refreshing sensation with minimal irritation, so even those hesitant about mouthwash can easily use it. Also, the design is excellent, with packaging that resembles alcohol and a cup that looks like a shot glass.


■Fukushima's Special Ciggaro Products

I chose products perfect for men's grooming.

The mouthwash has a stylish rose & mint combination, and the moisturizer has a natural scent that doesn't interfere with perfume, which is great. These are truly my go-to items for daily use.

Ginza Roots (Perfume): The scent of white tea, which I love, comes first, but it's not too sweet and consistently elegant, which is great. Over time, it develops a deep, musky undertone, making it perfect for formal wear.
 
Rose & Mint (Mouthwash): This is the product that introduced me to Ciggaro. Actually, Hirose-san gave it to me as a gift (laughs). The fresh scent spreads throughout the mouth, and I often use it for important occasions. I recommend it not only for men but also for women.
 
Everyday Moisturizer (Moisturizer): I was already using a moisturizer, but I switched to this one because it blends well and has a lovely frankincense scent. I also like that the scent is subtle enough not to overpower my perfume.


――Finally, what advice would you two give to someone who wants to start wearing perfume?


Fukushima: To be honest, I'm not very familiar with perfumes, so I usually buy new ones when they're introduced or by visiting a perfume shop a few times a year and asking for staff recommendations.

Hirose: It's good to ask a professional. It's also good to choose based on your intuition. Also, I recommend choosing a fragrance oil type. They use botanical oils, blend well, and come in travel-friendly sizes, so they make great gifts.

Fukushima: Portability is important. That's exactly what Cigarro's roll-on type offers.
 
Hirose: Next, I think choosing a spray type is good. You can also carry small amounts of spray in mini bottles that are sold separately. I think it's important to carry your favorite perfume, wear it, and make it your signature scent. 

 

This time, we discussed "fragrance" x "gifts" from different perspectives: male and female. Please use this as a reference for gift selection for birthdays, Christmas, and other occasions.



Yusuke Tiamo Fukushima
Men's Buyer & Director

After graduating from university, Yusuke Tiamo Fukushima joined Nano Universe Co., Ltd. After experiencing roles in women's sales, store management, and merchandising, he was appointed men's dress buyer in 2018. In the same year, he became the MC of "Tiamo La Moda," a fashion program launched on the company's official YouTube channel, earning him the nickname "Tiamo."
Currently, in the new program "Tiamo La...", he freely shares content covering not only fashion but also lifestyle.
Known as a fashionista, he has over 40,000 followers on Instagram.
Since March 2021, he has been working as a freelancer, actively involved as a creative buyer through collaboration events with major department stores and famous select shops, product planning, and bespoke orders.


Mika Hirose
Model & Talent (Space Craft Agency)

After working as a wedding flower coordinator, Mika Hirose debuted as a model in 2010. In 2011, she won an audition to become the Sapporo Beer image girl and traveled nationwide as a campaign girl, participating in PR activities.
From 2015 to 2023, she appeared on TV Asahi's "Asa da! Nama desu Tabi Salad" for an unusually long period as a reporter. She traveled to 30 countries around the world, sharing various local cultures and customs with viewers.
She also held photo exhibitions and talk events in Tokyo titled "Please to be" in 2018 and "MOVE" in 2023, primarily featuring photos taken during her travels, which were well-received.
With her glamorous demeanor and friendly communication skills, she has expanded her activities beyond modeling, serving as an MC for YouTube programs for companies and brands, including those in the apparel industry. In 2016, she obtained a Level 2 certification from the Japan Yoga Instructor Association.

 

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