Saturday, October 10, 2015

Shop: Young Soul Rebels – pop shopping in Kichijoji!


Kichijoji in West Tokyo is a hip area that is home to many cool shops, bars and cafés. One of the best  places to start your exploration is Young Soul Rebels, which mixes the best pop culture artifacts and clothing from the 60s to today. No matter whether you're in the market for a stylish British shirt, a vintage Mod dress, a rare Postcards Records single, or even some bicycle supplies, Young Soul Rebels has you sorted.

Run by Hiroyuki and his wife Fumi, the shop opened over 20 years ago and has been going strong ever since. In addition to import clothes and second-hand items they organize regular and exhibitions and music events. They also have a line of specially-made products such as bags and T-shirts.

In addition to running the shop, Fumi and Tomita are one half of the 60s-meets-C86 band Petersfield, which plays shows all around Tokyo together with other like-minded bands.

After you've finished shopping, feel free ask the staff for recommendations about other places to go nearby. Don't worry if your Japanese is not up to scratch – pop style is a universal language!

Events

Young Soul Rebels organize regular – and free! – events at the nearby Ichibee Dining restaurant. It's a great way to check out many of Tokyo's best indie bands and DJs. Check the Young Soul Rebels website for the next event!

Hours

12.00-20.00 every day.
Closed Wednesdays.

How to get there

Young Soul Rebels is close to Kichijoji Station, which is well served with trains from central Tokyo. From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line towards Takao. From Shibuya, take the Keio Inokashira Line to Kichijoji, which is the end station – try to pick a rapid or express train to save time! (Note that the Keio Line station is in an annex next to the main Shibuya JR station, so it may be tricky to find it the first time.)

Once you arrive, exit through the South (Inokashira Park) exit and turn left. You will first cross a large crosswalk, then continue onto a narrow street, and after a few blocks Young Soul Rebels will be on your left.


More pictures

The stock is a mix of handpicked vintage and new, for both men, women and kids
You can pick up new records by local Japanese bands, as well as custom-made mugs, bags and T-shirts with cool graphics such as classic indie label logos 
The shop hosts exhibitions with local artists doing music-inspired work
Inspiration for the custom items comes from a mix of classic European pop styles - Mod, Op, and more

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