Tomoaki Makino’s Post-Retirement “Dual-Threat” Journey: The Allure of Halten and His Rare Limited-Edition Cards
Just the other day, the venue in Shizuoka was buzzing with energy. The man who once set stadiums ablaze with his bold and unapologetic performances, Tomoaki Makino, is now captivating people on an entirely different field. A few years after announcing his retirement from professional soccer, he’s thriving as a dual-threat—working as a soccer commentator while also serving as the face of his own brand, “Halten.” Following his latest moves, one thing is clear: even off the pitch, his unique charisma shows no signs of fading.
The Pro’s Pride, Infused into “Halten”
The main attraction at the event was the hair care line he personally produces. As any soccer fan knows, the man who made headlines with his hairstyles throughout his playing career brings that same uncompromising approach to quality. The Halten Tomoaki Makino Produce Perfume Shampoo & Treatment Set has been winning over both men and women alike.
Trying it out for myself, the first thing that got me was the scent. It’s reminiscent of a high-end fragrance, yet refined and never overpowering. It offers a salon-quality experience, is gentle on the scalp thanks to organic ingredients, and the 300ml bottles boast a sleek design. This professional series, thoughtfully crafted to provide scalp moisture care—especially during these dry months—is quickly becoming a staple among beauty enthusiasts.
- Masterful Fragrance: Three distinct scents, designed like a fine perfume, to set the mood for relaxation from morning till night.
- True Salon Quality: Gentle on hair and scalp with amino acid-based cleansers and moisturizing ingredients derived from organic sources.
- Unisex Design: The simple, sophisticated bottles are made for everyone, adding a stylish touch to any bathroom.
A Legend’s “Value” Embodied in a Phantom Limited Edition
Drawing even more intense interest at the venue was the [Limited to 20 Copies] 2018 Japanese National Soccer Team SE Tomoaki Makino Patch Jersey Card. A piece of the actual uniform worn during the 2018 Russia World Cup is embedded as a patch in this card. And with only 20 available nationwide, it’s clear this transcends the realm of trading cards to become a rare piece of art.
During his playing days, he was relentless in his pursuit of being seen. His bold hairstyles, unique fashion, and those emphatic fist-pumps—a style sometimes even called “provocative”—were all about drawing attention to energize his team and those around him. Since retiring, his talent as an “expressor” has been channeled into his brand, Halten. The premium value of these limited cards isn’t just about being a “former player”; it’s proof that a growing number of fans are connecting with the unique world he creates.
Whether it was his intense play on the pitch or his sincere approach to beauty and lifestyle today, the driving force is a deep pride in being a “professional.” At the Shizuoka event, I saw him take the time to look each fan in the eye and carefully hand them the products. In that moment, you could see the new sense of pride this man, who gave his all to his soccer career, has found in his next chapter.
Even after retirement, Tomoaki Makino continues to create new value. I can’t wait to see what “move” he’ll surprise us with next.