Found in Translation: the cutest things from Japan have landed in the Jaffa Flea Market

These ludicrously cute items imported straight from Japan aren't what you necessarily need but definitely what you want.  Shoppu launches a new branch in Jaffa's flea market that calls on your inner child to go shopping 

Marie Kondo is over. The real Japanese magic is in the details, and the more detail the better. After five years of activity in the old Basel complex, Shoppu is launching a new branch in the Jaffa flea market. "Cute Things from Japan" is not only the slogan that has accompanied the store since its opening, but also the idea behind it. "There is something very joyous and addictive about Kawaii (culture of cuteness in Japan)," says Ron Darel, who, with his sister-in-law Roni Bitan, founded Shoppu. "It's like being an adult who goes back in time to his moments as a child, and what's more exciting than that?"

Shoppu © Tom Raviv

 Home accessories, bags, toys, ephemera and a variety of items arranged side by side in the show room, provide a fascinating and inspiring view of modern Japanese aesthetics that focuses on the feeling that objects can projects onto their owners. From desktop trays, notebooks and illustrated glassware to dolls, stickers and stationery - the Japanese designers in this store have a created an aesthetic that will cause even the most everyday items to raise a smile. "We started out small, with fairs and pop-ups and we focused on one designer named Shinzi Katoh. Later we grew and studied and today we work with more than 12 designers," says Darel.

Shoppu © Tom Raviv

 "The choice to open a branch in Jaffa comes after a lot of thought, and we spent nearly two years searching before finding the right store. The aspiration is to grow and reach more people, whether its the Arab public or tourists who visit the market from all over the world."

Shoppu © Tom Raviv

The two owners travel once a year to Japan to look for unique and cute Japanese trends to bring back with them to Tel Aviv. "The Jaffa store is bigger and therefore, the supply is greater," says Darel. "There is also a difference in the nuances between the two stores here and there mainly because of the differences between the appeal of two separate audiences but the overall concept is the same- colorful and playful with a lot of fun."

Shoppu | Rabbi Pinchas 11 (flea market) Jaffa