Topic
April 15, 2026 | Site Design Update Completed
We have transitioned to a single-column design with enlarged typography. This change ensures a seamless and highly legible experience across all platforms, from smartphones to desktops.
Hooked-on
The name “Hooked-on” reflects the state of being utterly captivated by one’s interests.
As I passed the age of 50 with my 60th birthday coming into view, I started this blog as a personal challenge—a response to the realization that my curiosities and passions were beginning to narrow with age.
Interestingly, the act of writing has allowed me to re-examine my surroundings and rediscover the underlying reasons for things I once did unconsciously. This process of rediscovery has turned the once-unfamiliar task of blogging into a fulfilling journey of consistent updates.
Article
This blog began in 2023 out of a fascination with WordPress.
Due to changes in my environment, I briefly lacked the opportunity for photography and wandered into the world of Drupal—focusing on site architecture that didn’t require original imagery.
However, I have now returned to the origin of my passion: the joy of building websites through photography and CMS. Thus, I have resumed blogging with WordPress, a platform unparalleled in design and usability.
My approach to content is a deliberate exploration. From the beginning, I committed to a “100% original” philosophy: using only items I personally own, photographs I have taken myself, and stories told in my own words.
The content primarily focuses on the lifestyle, fashion, and hobbies of the mature gentleman. Everything here is written under the theme: “Things to love for a long time.”
Rather than chasing fleeting trends or mere glamour, my fashion articles delve into pieces that evoke affection—items that offer longevity and reveal the wisdom and ingenuity of their makers.
I explore masculine attire from a personal perspective, seeking a sense of universality and a fit that feels true to oneself.
I started this blog because I found a lack of genuine information online about how actual owners truly enjoy their possessions. Therefore, these articles are written from an intensely personal viewpoint.
While my prose can be verbose, I hope you find something here that piques your interest.
Category
Our archives are organized into the following categories. Please select a topic to explore our past entries.
Categories are also accessible via the navigation bar at the top of the page.
Latest posts
Explore our most recent stories.
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Brioni Brunico Midnight Blue (DarkNavy)
A definitive exploration of the Brioni “Brunico” in Midnight Blue. Discover why this orthodox navy suit remains the global benchmark for versatility, supreme comfort, and social authority. From its Super 160’s construction to its seamless pairing with a 30-year-old OMEGA Seamaster, we delve into the essence of a masterpiece designed for the modern gentleman.
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OMEGA Seamaster Ref. 2532.80
This was my first venture into the world of mechanical horology, purchased thirty years ago. Though a professional-grade diving instrument at its core, its exceptional versatility allows it to sit naturally beneath the cuff of a suit—the definitive everyday timepiece that transcends the boundaries of style.
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John Lobb Darby: The Soul of an English Standard | 25 Years of Heritage
The John Lobb Darby faithfully inherits the standard of traditional English design. While its appearance is rugged and stalwart, the fusion of John Lobb’s unparalleled craftsmanship and the world’s finest calfskin—provided under the Hermès group—results in a shoe that is both universally sophisticated and built to last a lifetime.
Tag : John Lobb
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Tie Your Tie Kiton
It’s been a long time since I’ve worn a suit on a regular basis, but a change of heart has made me want to start wearing them again. In this article, I share my thoughts on wearing a Tie Your Tie suit I bought 20 years ago for the first time in ages.
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A2 Deck Jacket
The M65 featured here is the second generation model issued by the U.S. military in the late 1960s. Known as the Second Model, it revised issues found in the initial model (such as changing from no epaulettes to having them). (Manufactured in 1969) This is an authentic military uniform, highly functional, with a stoic form devoid of excess. It is extremely masculine and a very convenient outer layer that creates an atmosphere simply by being casually thrown over denim.
Creative
While not every photograph is a work of art, I believe that the way imagery is utilized can stimulate the imagination and spark creativity.
Every photo on this site—from selfies to shots of my personal collection—is my own. By using images over which I have 100% control, I strive to achieve a sense of creative freedom.
Word Press
This site is built on WordPress. Its greatest strength lies in allowing anyone to build and manage a sophisticated website without extensive knowledge of programming or design.
As an open-source platform, it is developed daily by a global community of brilliant engineers and designers. It is a remarkable privilege that such a powerful tool is available to everyone for free.
I have discussed the world of open-source (including Drupal) in my post, [My Interest in CMS:Japanese Article].
TCD
For the first three years, this site was powered by the “Bloom” theme from TCD. Thanks to its high functionality, exceptional design, and intuitive interface, I was able to focus entirely on writing without being hindered by technical structures.
This environment was instrumental in helping me continue my blogging journey without frustration.
Twenty Twenty-Five
While “Bloom” is an outstanding theme, it was originally released in 2014.
To achieve the modern vision I now have for Hooked-on, I decided to make a bold change. Seeking to improve readability, I embraced the modern trend of simple, single-column layouts.
I chose Twenty Twenty-Five, the latest default theme from the WordPress core team, for its superior flexibility in typography, font sizing, and spatial freedom.
Acknowledgements
I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the volunteers who develop open-source platforms like WordPress and Drupal.
While I am not a developer myself and cannot contribute to the code, I hope to support these communities by showcasing what is possible with WordPress and Twenty Twenty-Five.
I also extend my thanks to TCD. Although this site has moved to a new theme, I highly recommend TCD to anyone looking to launch a website or elevate their design quality. They offer a diverse range of themes suited to any purpose.
With heartfelt thanks to the WordPress development team and TCD
Thank you for reading.
I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit. I hope you continue to enjoy the stories shared here at Hooked-on.
April 2026 | Shinichiro Takeda
