Author: Nanika team
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Helter Skelter by Kyoko Okazaki: Beauty and Body Horror
Kyoko Okazaki’s manga Helter Skelter still cuts deep. A fever dream about beauty, power, and the terrifying cost of perfection. Liliko: Manufactured Icon in Freefall A Face Everywhere In 1990s Japan, Liliko is the face of fashion — omnipresent on billboards, magazine covers, TV screens. Her beauty is blinding, sculpted to perfection through full-body cosmetic…
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Before It Was Cool: How Japan Pioneered the Bag Charms Craze
Call them bag charms, purse pals, or wearable collectibles — they’re swinging from every it-bag this season, from haute couture to Harajuku. But in Japan, charms are more than a trend. They’re a language. From keys to backpacks, phone straps to doorways, charms have long been woven into Japanese daily life — a fusion of…
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Exploring Japanese Heritage Through Fabric with Ryuya Kimura
In a world racing toward instant gratification and fleeting trends, some creators dare to pause, reflect, and dive deeper. Ryuya Kimura is one of them—a visionary who takes the slow, intricate road to connect the past with the present, the tactile with the transcendent. From fashion designer to tea producer and contemporary artist, his journey…
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7 Regular Flea and Antique Markets in Tokyo to Fit Your Schedule
If you’re only in Tokyo for a few days but want to dive into the city’s true vintage spirit, these 7 regular flea and antique markets are your perfect fit. Each market has its own distinct vibe, from the eclectic charm of Shimokitazawa to the nostalgic treasures at Tomioka. So, whether you’re an avid collector…
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Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market
The Shinjuku Chuo Park Flea Market is a vibrant outdoor market celebrated for its extensive array of vintage items, including clothing, antiques, books, and various collectibles. Held in the scenic Shinjuku Central Park, the market offers a unique shopping experience amidst Tokyo’s urban landscape. The market features approximately 200 stalls, exclusively operated by amateur vendors,…
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Oedo Antique Market
The Oedo Antique Market is Japan’s largest outdoor antique fair, held twice monthly near Tokyo Station. Featuring approximately 250 stalls, it offers a wide range of items, including Japanese pottery, Western tableware, kimonos, sashes, accessories, and more. The Oedo Antique Market is renowned for its wide variety of unique antiques, including Japanese pottery, kimonos, and…
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Ajinomoto Stadium Big Flea Market
The Ajinomoto Stadium Big Flea Market is one of Japan’s largest and most popular flea markets, held monthly at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu City (a little way out of Tokyo central, but make it into a day trip!). Featuring around 800 stalls, it offers a diverse range of goods, from vintage clothing, second-hand apparel, and…
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Tokyo Romantic Flea Market
The Tokyo Romantic Flea Market, also known as the Shibuya Antique Market, is a bi-monthly event held in the heart of Tokyo. The market features approximately 100 vendors offering a diverse array of antiques, vintage items, handicrafts, accessories, fine art, organic foods, plants, and flowers. Whether you’re a collector, a casual shopper, or simply looking…
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Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills
The Akasaka Antique Market, also known as the Ark Hills Flea Market, is a monthly event held in Tokyo’s Ark Hills complex, offering a curated selection of antiques, crafts, and boutique items. Unlike typical flea markets, this market provides an upscale experience with vendors showcasing European antiques, vintage goods, handmade crafts, and contemporary fashion. Food…
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Setagaya Park Flea Market
While Setagaya is best known for its historic Boroichi flea market, treasure hunters can enjoy a more frequent alternative at the Setagaya Park Flea Market. Held at least once a month, this market features around 150 vendors. Offering a diverse mix of vintage and secondhand goods, it is great spot for bargain hunters and collectors alike. This market…