Hearst Fujingaho Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Nicolas Froquet) is launching 'Esquire Essentials 2026,' a new award-style project for 'Esquire' Japan, the global media brand founded in the U.S. in 1933 and distributed in over 20 countries and regions. This project will recognize and introduce items that combine functionality and aesthetic sensibility to enrich the lives of the new intellectual affluent. The first installment, 'Vol.1: Summer Essentials,' will launch today, June 30, 2026 (Tue.), with a special website on Esquire Digital. 'Esquire Essentials 2026' Special Website Esquire Digital: https://www.esquire.com/jp/ ■ Background and Concept of 'Esquire Essentials': 'Best of the Best' In today's world overflowing with information and goods, there is a growing need for an 'aesthetic sense' to discern 'the real thing' that aligns with one's values, rather than merely chasing trends. 'Esquire' Japan will newly recognize and define 'modern essentials' that seamlessly blend functionality and beauty for the new intellectual affluent, embodying the slogan 'Man At His Best' (enjoying creation, discerning essence, possessing aesthetic sensibility). This project is a globally coordinated initiative, optimized for the Japanese edition based on successful cases from the U.S. and Philippine editions of 'Esquire.' Esquire editors, experts in their respective fields, will go beyond mere specifications, incorporating 'hands-on reviews' from actual use in private and business settings, along with their unique 'passions,' to select one item per person with quality that directly influences readers' purchasing decisions. ■ Comment from Tomoyuki Kondo, Editor-in-Chief of 'Esquire' Japan 'In an era where gadgets solely pursue efficiency, we cherish time itself. While basic, we are moved by the craftsmanship embedded in the details. What we are truly seeking now are products that make time our ally, allowing us to genuinely exclaim 'This is good' in une