In Japan right now, ahead of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, interest in sports and fitness is growing at fever pitch. Curiously enough, sports are also an emerging trend in the world of fashion.

The “athleisure” trend, which arrived in Japan a few years ago, has now really taken hold. The world’s leading high fashion brands have climbed on board, mixing sports into their collections this spring. For some luxury brands, sneakers have played a prominent role on the runways.

This spring, then, is just the right time for all of us adults to rise to the challenge of mixing sports with fashion. Every day this spring, I’ve put into practice the idea of coordinating my outfits with something sports-related.

As I wandered around GINZA SIX this time, I looked into sporty articles for adults, primarily at the stores of the athletic brands I visit periodically.

First up, on the fifth floor, is Lululemon, a Canadian brand known for its highly functional and comfortable products. Lululemon has gained plenty of fans for its brand message, which proclaims: “Head out every day and work up a sweat.” The distinctive brand organizes numerous fitness events to help people put the recommendation into practice, posting event information on actual physical bulletin boards inside the store and on the store’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pg/lululemontokyo/events).

On setting foot inside, series of bra tops and tights in colorful print caught my eye. The prints, I’m told, are from prints applied by students at Saint Martins to artwork based on concepts inspired by Japanese craftspeople.

Bra Top: From 7,200 yen (all Lululemon prices include tax)

Abstract graphics also lend presence to this foam roller. You place your leg or back on the roller and roll it back and forth for myofascial release. I’d only ever seen plain, style-free foam rollers before, but this one’s wonderful style immediately reminds me of art pieces used in interior decorating. There’s another roller inside the larger roller, giving you two rollers of different shapes and sizes to treat physical tension. It’s a purchase that gives you something great twice. Keep the smaller roller at the office and the larger one at home, if you like.

Double Roller: 8,500 yen

Returning now to today’s theme of sporty items for adult fashion, my top three fashion items I suggest you consider buying at Lululemon are bra tops, tights, and underwear. The tights, as you see here, offer both athletic panache and function, and at least 10 types are always available. These products have a devout following among practicing yogini.

The bra tops include many types with stylish back designs. Lululemon introduced a bra offered in 20 sizes last year, allowing anyone to wear just the perfect size, even women with large bust sizes or differences between upper and lower busts. As for underwear, the line-free Namastay Shorts do double duty: ideal for athletic endeavors, even better for everyday wear, especially beneath a thin pair of tights.

Free To Be Bra: 6,800 yen

I also found a fashion item today that hadn’t been on my radar at all, a large scarf that can be fastened and worn like a cardigan. It’s not just athletic wear; it’s a perfect complement to everyday styles, too. You can also use it as a lap blanket or cardigan—ideal in places during summer where the air conditioning has a touch of chill.

Rejuvenate Scarf: 16,800 yen (all prices below listed before tax)

Next, staying on the fifth floor, I venture to The North Face Unlimited. The North Face is a well-known outdoor brand, but the store at GINZA SIX focuses on a refined outdoor style for urban adults. The lineup features apparel and accessories ideal for urban wear, along with a carefully selected group of other goods.

Today, my favorites, which I couldn’t resist trying on, were a one-piece dress made from an elastic-feeling stretch fabric and pants made of the same material. The dress feels like sportswear in terms of comfort and price, but its slender profile and firm texture keeps it from being too casual. It’s sporty high fashion wear appropriate for adults. Offered in navy and black as well as the gray shown here, they’re a lock to be in your heavy rotation.

Traction One-Piece Dress: 17,000 yen

Traction Rib Pants: 13,000 yen

The clothing in the store is generally white, black, navy, and gray, so the mimosa print backpack stands out. The North Face stocks different items at different stores. It’s always interesting to come across something you didn’t see at another location.

Backpack: 16,800 yen

MXP brand tops and pants are essential standards for sporty adult fashion. I recently purchased this one-piece dress, which is a bit like a long-sleeve T-shirt. If you’re not entirely comfortable venturing out wearing just tights, this dress will completely conceal your hipline. It’s reassuring to have for training sessions, too.

MXP One-Piece Dress: 5,500 yen

I’ve had some fun shopping for the fashionable and sporty, so now my body’s telling me to find some healthy food and drink. I head to Sennenkoujiya on the second belowground floor. Operated by Hakkaisan Sake Brewery, this establishment conveys the rich cuisine and culture of Uonuma based on the theme of rice, rice malt, and fermentation. As some of you may know, a fermented rice drink called amazake is one of Japan’s popular superfoods, and Shiokoji, a fermented condiment made with rice malt, salt, and water often used to flavor meat and fish, is an essential item you’ll find in the refrigerators of any Japanese household.

“For spectacular results, brush lightly on discount supermarket bonito and let the fish stand for 30 minutes.”

Taking this tip to heart, I bought both the Shikokoji Ninniku (shiokoji with garlic) and Shiokoji Shoga (shiokoji with ginger). Shiokoji itself is a wonderful umami seasoning, and adding garlic or ginger achieves both umami and aromatic pungency. Simply dressing avocado or tomato with the Shiokoji condiment is a sure-fire way to create a wonderful dish.

Shiokoji Ninniku (with garlic), Shiokoji Shoga (with ginger): 457 yen each

One of the store’s special items now in the know is Koji no Mitsu, a wonderful mirin, a type of sweet wine used in Japanese cooking. I’m told the Dry Fruit Koji no Mitsu-zuke—dry fruit marinated in mirin—is popular with women, so I buy this as well. When I try it, a mellow mirin sweetness and umami flavor fills my mouth. It’s like eating the plum in Japanese plum brandy—a fruity, palate-sweeping, flavor sensation. It’s a great gift to bring to dinner parties.

Dry Fruit Koji no Mitsu-zuke: From 700 yen

My final round of fun here today is sake tasting. The GINZA SIX second belowground floor offers four locations where you can sample wine and sake in the standing counter style. One is Sennenkoujiya, which is right where I happen to be.

At least seven varieties are available to sample at any given time, including Hakkaisan Kijoshu and Snow Aged Junmai Ginjo 3 Years for 400 yen a glass, Hakkaisan Daiginjo for 500 yen, and Junmai Daiginjo Kongoshin for 1,000 yen, as well as seasonal offerings.

Today I tried Hakkaisan Junmai Daiginjo 25% Kowagura Nakadori, an amazing sake available only at the GINZA SIX store that runs 35,000 yen a bottle. I drink from a special glass made for sake. The aroma and sweetness fill my mouth in subtle fashion, but it’s crisp and refreshing—so easy to drink I feel I could just keep on drinking. I make a mental note of it as a special gift for my foodie friends.

Hakkaisan Junmai Daiginjo 25% Kowagura Nakadori: 3,000 yen a glass

A casual tasting while listening to the store staff is great fun. On my next visit, I resolve to make my way to the other stand-up style drinking establishments, a new way to enjoy GINZA SIX. I make a new discovery each time I come. It’s another reason I find myself wandering here again and again.

Text：Kiriko Kageyama　Photos：Kanako Noguchi　Edit：Yuka Okada