Terry Ito Column Vol.65 Japan's vintage fashion is the best in the world

Japan's fashion industry is currently experiencing an unprecedented secondhand clothing boom. Around half of the clothing stores in areas where young people gather, such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Koenji, and Shimokitazawa, sell secondhand clothing. Looking at Koenji and Shimokitazawa alone, over 8% are secondhand clothing stores, creating a vibrant and vibrant scene. While the main streets are home to youth-oriented clothing stores like Uniqlo and GU, their mass-produced, safe colors often leave fashion-conscious shoppers wanting more. On the other hand, luxury international brands are often too expensive for most. This is where secondhand clothing, with its "old but new" feel, comes into play. I used to enjoy buying designer items, but I didn't really like the high prices and the trendy "cool black" look. I now prefer the fun colors of American fashion from the good old days.

Speaking of vintage clothing, until recently, American vintage clothing from the 60s was the most popular, but things have changed with the times. My generation loves clothes from the 50s to 70s, partly due to the nostalgia factor, but the prices of leather jackets and jeans from the 50s and 60s have skyrocketed, making them unaffordable. For Generation Z, clothing from the 2000s is also considered a fine vintage item. In areas like Shimokitazawa and Koenji, clothing from the 2000s is relatively affordable and becoming popular. The joy of vintage clothing is skillfully coordinating a 50s skirt with more recent clothing, and while it may seem unbalanced at first glance, it's actually fresh and cute. I often see women dressed in such surprisingly stylish styles.

Secondhand clothing stores are also doing their best. There are several ways to source goods, including purchasing from domestic dealers, buying from customers, and the owner personally traveling to America or Europe to buy goods. However, due to the recent weak yen, many are lamenting that purchasing goods has become too expensive and they are no longer profitable. This is why purchasing European and American goods in Thailand is gaining attention. Apparently, military-related items can be purchased 20-30% cheaper than in Europe or the US. I don't really understand how it works, but everyone is doing their best.

Come to think of it, Japan is probably number one in the world when it comes to wearing vintage fashion so well. It really makes you realise that the Japanese are a nation that is really good at arranging things, including food. This vintage clothing movement is also influencing fashion schools. Renowned schools such as the prestigious Tokyo Mode Gakuen, Dressmaker Academy, Tokyo Fashion College and Sugino Fashion College are putting particular emphasis on the vintage clothing department. Apart from training designers, they also study the history of clothing and revive old clothes with their own unique sensibilities. I think only Japanese people can do this. My recommendation is "SALERS" in Koenji!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry