Inside Tomoaki Makino’s Dual Career After Retirement: The Allure of Halten and His Exclusive Limited Cards

It was only the other day that the venue in Shizuoka was buzzing with excitement. The man who once electrified stadiums with his larger-than-life performances, Tomoaki Makino, is now captivating audiences on a completely different stage. A few years on from announcing his retirement, he’s not only a football pundit but also the face of his own brand, 'Halten' – a true dual career in action. Following his latest moves, one thing is clear: even off the pitch, that unmistakable sense of being 'the man who has it all' hasn’t faded one bit.

Halten: A Pro’s Pride in Every Bottle

The real star of the event was the hair care range he’s created himself. As any football fan knows, this is a man who made headlines with his hairstyles throughout his playing career, so it’s no surprise the quality is uncompromising. The Halten Tomoaki Makino Produce Perfume Shampoo & Treatment Set has earned a following among both men and women.

Getting hands-on, the first thing that hits you is the scent. It’s like a luxury perfume – refined and present without being overpowering. With salon-quality results, gentle organic ingredients that care for your scalp, a generous 300ml size, and a design-led bottle, this professional-grade series has clearly been crafted with care. Perfect for the drier months, it’s already gaining a loyal following among beauty insiders for its thoughtful approach to scalp hydration.

• Signature scents: Three distinct, perfume-like fragrances designed to set a relaxing mood from morning to night.
• Salon-quality performance: Gentle on hair and scalp thanks to an amino acid-based cleanser and organic moisturising ingredients.
• Unisex design: The sleek, understated bottle looks just as stylish in a shared bathroom.

A Legend’s Worth, Captured in a Rare Card

Drawing even more attention at the venue was the [Limited to 20] 2018 Japan National Football Team SE Tomoaki Makino Patch Jersey Card. It’s a piece of memorabilia from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, featuring an actual patch of the national team shirt from that tournament, embedded in the card. With only 20 available nationwide, this is far more than a trading card – it’s a rare collector’s piece, a work of art in its own right.

During his playing days, Makino thrived on being in the spotlight. Whether it was his bold hairstyles, distinctive fashion, or that iconic, full-bodied goal celebration – his style, once called 'provocative', was all about commanding attention to fire up his team and those around him. Since retiring, that creative drive has been poured into his brand, Halten. The premium value attached to this limited card is proof that his audience isn’t just made up of former fans; it’s a growing community who connect with the distinct world he’s building.

Whether it was the intensity of his performances on the pitch or the genuine passion he now brings to beauty and lifestyle, at the heart of it all is the pride of a true professional. At the Shizuoka event, he took the time to look every fan in the eye, handing each one their product with care. It was a clear sign of a man who’s given his all to a career in football, now carrying that same pride into the next chapter.

Even in retirement, Tomoaki Makino continues to create something new. I, for one, can’t wait to see what he does next to surprise us.