Shiseido's corporate culture magazine, Hanatsubaki, has undergone a complete redesign of its print edition and launched as a quarterly publication aimed at younger generations. The pilot edition, Issue 0, has been distributed free of charge at Shiseido facilities since November 1st.
Hanatsubaki was first published in 1937, and counting its predecessor, Shiseido Monthly Report, which was first published in 1924, it is a historic corporate culture magazine with a history of over 90 years. Aiming to realize the creation of a beautiful lifestyle, the magazine has advocated a new, pioneering image of women and Western-style lifestyles as hints for how people can live beautifully. The December 2015 issue marked the end of its monthly publication in preparation for the complete redesign. The website was redesigned in June 2016, prior to the redesign.
New information will be posted daily on the website, and each issue of the quarterly magazine will feature a single theme. The newly redesigned Issue 0 features three feature articles focused on the often-overlooked sense of touch. The articles include a photo story by photographer and artist Petra Collins on the theme of physical contact; a science column revealing the latest skin science research revealing that the sense of touch has a greater impact on human cognition and behavior than previously thought; and interviews with prominent figures from various fields, including Jun Miura, MAPPY, and Morioka Shoten owner Tsutomu Morioka, introducing items that are pleasing to the touch. Other content includes "BEAUTY / INSPIRATION / ART," in which novelist Maha Harada proposes new makeup looks based on artworks selected by the artist; "TOKYO STORY," in which photographer Charlie Engman captures current styles on the streets of Tokyo; and "Salon de Bar Hanatsubaki," a conversation between Chara, who plays the role of a bar hostess, and Ryuhei Matsuda, who plays a customer. Additionally, the magazine comes with an appendix of "Tactile Photography by Nobuyoshi Araki" and a bound-in book called "Hanatsubaki Bunko," which introduces a carefully selected collection of short works from all over the world, past and present. The first volume features a new translation by Shibata Motoyuki of the classic short story "A Man with a Heart in the Heights" by American novelist and playwright William Saroyan.
Starting in 2017, the quarterly magazine will be published on the 10th of April, July, October, and January. It is planned to be sold at Shiseido Ginza Building, Shiseido Gallery, Shiseido Parlour, SHISEIDO THE GINZA, Shiseido Corporate Museum, and other locations, including bookstores, which serve as contact points for the younger generation.
