Tomoaki Makino's Dual Career After Retirement: What Makes Halten and His Limited-Edition Cards So Irresistible?
It was only the other day that a venue in Shizuoka was buzzing with excitement. The man who once electrified stadiums with his famously “over-the-top” celebrations, Tomoaki Makino, is now captivating people on a completely different stage. Years after announcing his retirement from professional football, he’s thriving in a true dual career – not only as a football commentator but also as the face of his own brand, “Halten.” What struck me while following his latest moves is that even away from the pitch, that unique “Midas touch” of his hasn't faded one bit.
A Professional’s Pride, Infused into “Halten”
The main attraction at the event was the hair care line he produces. As any football fan knows, this is a man who made headlines with his hairstyles even during his playing days, so it’s no surprise that the quality is top-notch. The “Halten Tomoaki Makino Produce Perfume Shampoo & Treatment Set” is winning fans across the board, appealing to both men and women.
Getting hands-on with it, the first thing that hits you is the scent. It’s like a luxurious perfume, yet refined and understated. With salon-quality performance, it’s gentle on the scalp thanks to organic ingredients, and despite being a generous 300ml bottle, the design is also on point. As a professional series that even considers scalp hydration during this drying season, it’s quickly becoming a staple among those in the know.
- Obsession with Scent: Three distinct fragrance profiles, designed like a fine perfume, to take you from morning to night in relaxing style.
- Salon-Quality Performance: Gentle on both hair and scalp with amino acid-based cleansers and moisturising ingredients derived from organic sources.
- Unisex Design: The simple, sophisticated bottle is designed for everyone, adding a stylish touch to any bathroom.
A Legend’s “Value” on Display with a Phantom Limited Edition
Drawing even more intense attention at the event was the “[Limited to 20] 2018 Japan National Team SE Tomoaki Makino Patch Jersey Card”. This card features a piece of the actual jersey worn at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, embedded as a patch. And there are only 20 in the entire country. As the numbers suggest, this is far more than just a trading card; it’s a rare piece of art.
During his playing career, he was relentless in his pursuit of being “seen.” His flashy hairstyles, unique fashion, and those intense, fist-pumping celebrations. His style, sometimes even called “provocative,” was always about drawing attention to fire up his team and those around him. Since retiring, his talent as a “performer” has been poured into the Halten brand. The reason this limited card commands such a premium is clear: it’s proof that his fanbase, drawn to the unique “worldview” he creates, is growing steadily – he’s no mere “former player.”
Whether it was his fierce play on the pitch or his sincere dedication to beauty and lifestyle today, at the core lies the pride of a “professional.” At the Shizuoka event, I saw him making eye contact with each fan, carefully handing over products with genuine care. It was a clear sign of a man who has moved on from his football career, now carrying a new sense of pride onto his next stage.
Even after retirement, Tomoaki Makino continues to create new value. I can’t wait to see what “move” he’ll pull next to surprise us.