Japan isn’t just the cradle of comics and crazy rich Asians, but also one of the places which most loves and respects vintage. The Japanese, especially the younger generations that inhabit the vibrant city of Tokyo, have a unique style, that’s all about research, pieces that are one of a kind and multi-layered OOTDs. If the Western world is in the hands of hypebeasts who follow the diktat “see now, buy now”, based on wearing a series of luxury branded pieces usually produced in a limited number and therefore destined to a lucky élite, the young and cool Japanese boys&girls rock their own style, which comprehends make up, an unusual hairstyle and old clothes to personally reinvent.
But where do the they shop? Here’s a list of vintage shops that you can’t miss! (surely they don’t).
Chicago
Shibuya, Jingumae, 6 Chome−31−２１ オリンピアアネックスビルB１F
It’s a real institution, almost a secular temple of fashion, a few miles away from the Yoyogi-kōen park, the healthy and peaceful oasis in the middle of a urban jungle. In the quiet chaos that sorrounds the area around it, thousands of locals start their shopping session. A few minutes away from the Harajuku underground station, there’s Chicago. The choice is so vast you can almost loose yourself between Nike, Adidas, Champions tracksuits, military jackets, rock pins, a lot of denim (kinda worshipped by the Japanese, as Kyle Ng told us in his Netflix’s show “Social Fabric”). But the most beautiful the section is the one devoted to kimonos and all its accessories. If you dig a little deeper you can make really good bargains, such as those beautiful slick jackets that you put over the kimono dress for 30€ or more. The visit is just worth it, because you can try whatever you want in their spick and span fitting cabins (rigorously without shoes!), listening to the shop’s peculiar playlist, that goes from the Japanese typical music to the 70s American rock&roll.
On the same road, but on the opposite side and a few steps away, there’s a cute little shop named Ensamble. On the list: vintage designer bags. Condition almost 10/10. They have very cute Diors from the 90s in their signature logo print, some Louis Vuittons (also in the Cherry edition, loved by Kylie Jenner), and Chanels, Fendis and Ferragamos as well. The prices are very good too, starting from 100€ for the smallest bags.
Kinji
Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−31−１０ YMスクエア原宿B1F
At the right angles of the street there are a few more futuristic palaces and a hidden treasure, a huge basement that hosts a parallel vintage world. The clothes’ conditions are very good and the prices are so competitive that it can be defined a thrift shop as well. There’s anything you can imagine, so-Fifties skirts, colored ruffle shirts, pajamas with cartoons’ characters, rock&roll T-shirts... and it’s all incredibly organized. Most of its customers are young Tokyo boys and girls that come here to buy and sell and consequently revolutionize their closets every now and then. A couple of minutes away from Kinji there’s the iconic and crazy Takeshita Dori, the quintessence of Japan condensed in a few miles. Very Instagrammable sweet&sour crêpes shop, make-up megastores, photo booth (it’s called purikura) machines, and places where young fans go to have their J-Pop/K-Pop idols’ photos printed.
Koenji
It’s kinda in the outskirts of Tokyo, but it’s also one of the most vibrant and interesting districts of the city, full of locals who go around, having some sushi, going to the local market, buying some typical Japanese bakery delicacy. Along Konan Street, just behind the railway station of Koenji, there’s a long road populated by vintage shops. It’s up to you to choose which one is your favorite! Just to name a few: Whistler and Chart, with a vast menswear selection (but girls can find some very cool passe partout pieces as well), or Slut, which has very good prices and an infinte selection of Levi’s.
楽しい
(Tanoshī = Enjoy!)
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