My ARTS&SCIENCE – Marie Iitoyo

I believe my encounter with A&S began when I went to OVER THE COUNTER to buy a piece by Peter Ivy. Since then, whenever I choose gifts for friends or people close to me, I naturally turn to A&S. When I shop, I care deeply about “who made it,” and I often choose works by makers I already admire. The creators selected by A&S align perfectly with my taste, and I’m always inspired by them.

I first became interested in this wallet after an older friend showed me her A&S wallet, which she had been using for many years. I was immediately drawn to the round, button-like clasp (giboshi). It has space for cards, a coin case, and allows bills to be stored without folding them, all in a compact form. I thought it was incredibly practical.

On a day when Ichiryū Manbaibi (an auspicious day for new beginnings and financial fortune) and Tora no Hi (a traditional auspicious day associated with prosperity) coincided, I went to the Daikanyama store to buy it. Even before I started using it, I marked the occasion with a small good-luck ritual, and I still remember making the day I welcomed this wallet feel special.

Because I often carry small bags, I use it frequently. It’s genuinely easy to use and very practical. I keep receipts, my driver’s license, and essential cards neatly separated inside. Over time, the leather has softened and become more supple, developing a richer character. The coin case has already settled in and feels just right to the touch. I really have nothing to complain about.

Before this, I had already purchased a gamaguchi (clasp purse), and I switch between them depending on my bag or my mood. Sometimes I even nest the smaller one inside the larger one, like matryoshka dolls, and use them in different ways. A&S offers many wallet designs. I prefer this one — compact, yet with excellent storage capacity. Among all the leather wallets I’ve used from different brands, this is what I eventually settled on.

These days, some people no longer use wallets because of cashless payments, and others stop using them because wallets feel heavy. But I still love leather, and I love its weight. It may go slightly against the times, but I want to continue caring for it and keeping it close for a long time.

My father also influenced this sensibility. Since I was a child, I’ve loved leather goods because of him. He was passionate about leather and would let me handle his items, saying, “This is good leather.” I love how leather softens and becomes more comfortable with use, and I find its scent soothing. Maintenance has never felt like a burden to me. I’ve worn the same shoes for ten years, repairing them as needed.
Because of that, rather than constantly replacing things, I prefer items I can enjoy as they age. When I buy something, the key question for me is whether I can love it for a long time. Naturally, I tend to choose simple designs over flashy ones.

Come to think of it, when I first met A&S owner Sonya, she said to me, “You’re going to be quite a handful in your 60s.” At the time I didn’t really understand what she meant, but she might be right. I value loving good things for a long time and choosing them with care, so I’m truly glad I found A&S.