Turning Japanese - a trial & error guide to Tokyo
A guide to Jantique
The first time I went shopping for Japanese vintage was traumatic.
I was in the changing room, trying desperately to get my body into the dress of
my dreams. The dress I had been waiting my whole life for, fantasised about,
and finally encountered. It wouldn't fit, and I wept soggy awkward tears
in the privacy of the changing room. Why didn't I possess the body of a slim
and striking Japanese woman of the 1960's? Emotionally bruised and despondent I
swore off Japanese vintage forever, feeling like I was in Aladdin's cave with
my hands tied. Thankfully a dear friend took me back out and eased me slowly
into the waters of Jantique. Shopping for vintage in Tokyo can be trying at
times, but the pay off is worth it. If you know where to go, and equip yourself
with patience and an open mind, the world is your antiquated oyster.
If you find yourself in Tokyo on the hunt for vintage,
remember this:
Shimokitazawa is your new heaven: This suburb is the stuff
of thrift wet dreams. Be prepared. It's super charming with cute winding lanes,
bars, cafes and friendly, trendy (ugh I hate that word, sorry), well dressed
people. It's a small a relaxing suburb so take your time wandering around and
you won't miss any of the vintage heaven.My favourite
shop is Lotty (2-26-13 Package One 1F Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku) and Haight and Ashbury. If
you're into old records and retro furniture you can tick that off your list
also. Getting there: Take the Keio Inokashira line from Shibuya. Should take
about 3 mins.
Harajuku isn’t just for lolitas: Harajuku is the suburb that seems to spew rainbows, fake
eyelashes and hair extensions. While many go for people watching, to shop at
LaForet (the best mall I have ever seen), or the biggest 100 yen stores in
Japan, there is ALSO awesome vintage. Kinji (YM Square Harajuku B1F
4-31-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0001) is probably the best
and biggest second hand store. Things here can get a little expensy but the
selection is good. Harajuku is crazy, enjoy! To get there jump on the Yamanote
line, which is a loop rail line that can be caught from most major suburbs.
Nakameguro's easy breezy vintage: Nakameguro is a beautiful, calm wee suburb with a
canal, trees, dappled lighting and lovely cafes. There is plenty of vintage
around, as well as some awesome bookstores and people are friendly, relaxed and
approachable. Be sure to stop in for soda and a slice of cake. From
Shibuya jump on the Tokyo Tokyu line and it's two stops.
Mystified shopper syndrome: It's your dream scenario.
You are surrounded by the best vintage you've ever seen. You run around the
shop excitedly touching things, pausing between this and that. But, there is a
problem. You can't make a decision. Everything is so good it's exasperating and
you leave the shop confused and not exactly sure what happened. Lots of of
friends who have visited Japan have explained the following scenario, leaving
empty handed and mystified. Have a budget in mind, pace yourself, working
section by section and focus on specific items that you have been looking for.
It comes in all sizes: After encountering the
dream dress that did not fit I was convinced for months that Japanese vintage
shopping was a spectator sport for anyone who wasn't teeny teeny tiny. Not the
case. It comes in all sizes. That said, it takes time and perseverance. がんばって!
(You can do it!)
They don't say vintage: It's
not such a common word and you might be better to say 'used clothing'. Try your
hand and see what people understand. Second hand and used clothing are your
best bets. Thrift, vintage, retro...crack out the thesaurus!
Tokyo is exhausting: You might have grand
plans to sweep in on various suburbs and pillage each vintage store but try
remember, Tokyo is exhausting. Really exhausting. The hoards of people, the
blaring music, the people yelling at you from various stores, urging you to
come in, the subway...it all takes it's toll. You may well end up a tired
bedraggled mess who only ticks off a quarter of what you intended. Be
realistic, take your time and enjoy.
Make the most of your resources.
Read up in advance. The Hello Sandwich Tokyo guide is
amazing for making your way around Tokyo and it mentions specific stores for
buying vintage. Google, use guide books, visit blogs and try and find the most
up to date information possible. Shops are constantly coming and going so it
can be tricky. Talk to shop owners (if they speak English) and take note of
fliers and advertisements in places you are trawling.
If it's sequined, bedazzled, tasselled or
embroidered, it's probably here: A lot of the vintage isn't
for the faint hearted. Be brave. You're going to find things beyond your
wildest dreams. Even if it's for special occasions, or the type of outfit that
requires a shot of tequila before stepping into the public, or one to simply
hang on the wall, you should totally buy it!