Brand name fakes follow the fashion

TOKYO – When the World Cup bounced into Japan last year it brought with it millions of soccer enthusiasts, nearly all of whom wanted to take back with them a souvenir or two; maybe an authentic team jersey, a commemorative hat, a visor, or a t-shirt. And for those who like a hint of fashion to go with their soccer, perhaps even a Louis Vuitton soccer ball.

In his office at Tokyo Customs, a division of the Ministry of Finance located in Odaiba, Hiroji Matsuyama balances one such ball in the palm of his hand. “It’s a fake,” he assures. Read more

Bulbous hair gives ‘Brand King’ a head start

TOKYO (TR) – People aligning themselves with a unique hairstyle is nothing new. But Tsutomu Morita is likely the first pitchman via pompadour. “Some people don’t believe it is real,” Morita says in a back room of his discount luxury-brands store, referring to the black bulbous bob that hangs over his eyes. “Others think I have something hidden inside.”

In one recent program on TV Asahi, the bespectacled Morita was seen riding through Shinjuku in central Tokyo in the back of a white Mercedes with the window down, his puffy hairdo dutifully holding its shape. Then, when the 62-year-old emerged outside his shop, his red Hermes tie, 3.1-million yen Rolex watch and dark Dolce & Gabbana suit appeared mere afterthoughts in comparison to his cantilevered coiffure. Read more