8 LGBTQ+ vendors in Tokyo who could use your support

Sajecrafts is the brainchild of France native Samuel and close friend Jen from the Philippines. The duo only started selling their creations in May 2024, but they've already seen great success at various queer events and pop-ups.

Jen's speciality is crochet, while Samuel's style is as eclectic as his materials. With their powers combined, you get all manner of handmade queer-themed trinkets and knick-knacks from stickers and tin badges to cute little crochet plushies. Follow their Instagram for info on their next pop-up appearance, or DM them to place an order.

Find Sajecrafts on Instagram @sajecrafts

For even more knitted and crocheted goodies, all-American artist Rachel has got you covered. What initially began as a hobby to cope with the passing of a close friend soon became a newfound passion for the West Coast transplant, though she's only recently begun to sell her creations professionally. Her pieces feature soft pastels and nature-inspired designs that correspond to the seasons.

You can find Rachel's cosy crochet hats, jumpers and more at pop-ups around the city. Shoot her a message for info on her work or upcoming appearances.

Find Rachel on Instagram @veggie_crochet

Hailing from Brittany, France, shop owner Armel is no stranger to the retail scene: he has decades of experience in beadwork, embroidery and crochet. He moved to Japan in 2008 and opened his own shop, Atelier 12 Bis, back in 2019. He works completely independently, creating hand-knit bags and other accessories with beads and vintage buttons.

Armel describes his style as both classic and contemporary, and he never makes the same bag twice. He's the only person on this list with a permanent physical store, so feel free to stop by if you're in the Nishi-Ogikubo area to see what's available or to request a custom order.

Find Armel on Instagram @atelier12bis

Freelance illustrator and graphic designer Shruthi has been making digital art since 2021, but also boasts over a decade of experience working with watercolours. She draws heavily from her lived experiences in her vivid and expressive works, whether from her South Indian heritage or her life in Japan. Regardless of the source of inspiration, her intent always remains the same: to make her viewer feel something.

You can find Shruthi's portfolio of prints and illustrations on her personal site. Contact her for info on her next pop-up appearance or to get a quote on a commission.

Find Shruthi on Instagram @shrumimasen

Canadian multimedia artist Rei has dabbled in and out of the creative world since she was six years old. In 2023, she started drawing again after a long hiatus, and began showcasing her work professionally for the first time not long afterward.

Rei describes her work as 'a patchwork collection of what I receive from the world'. Expect the likes of collages, pencil drawings, handmade trinkets and various accoutrements, all of which she further describes as 'absolutely feminist' and 'absolutely personal'. She has a personal site and can also be found at various pop-ups – message her for details.

Find Rei on Instagram @rei_fletcher

Born and raised in Tokyo, Pitako is an amateur comic book artist whose characters come from an imaginary land she created in her childhood called Pitako World. Her cute, simplistic designs adorn tin badges, clothing, tote bags and other items, with a new character introduced every week.

Pitako has been selling her works via her online shop since 2021, though you can also find her at pop-ups. If you spot her booth, you may get to hear a heartfelt musical performance as you browse her items, as Pitako studies clarinet, saxophone and flute and often brings her instruments along with her.

Find Pitako on Instagram @pitako81

Tokyo-based, Fukuoka-born art instructor Ken initially only started selling his work back in 2018 at the request of supportive friends, but soon discovered his creations appealed to people he'd never even met. His style is playful and inviting, often depicting simple yet intricate patterns of botanical elements or animals on circular canvases with acrylic paint and white pen.

Ken's paintings can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks to create depending on their intricacy, so the effort certainly makes them worth their price tag. Message him for info on upcoming exhibits or to purchase one of his works.

Find Ken on Instagram @kenfrog

Tokyoite Eva runs her jewellery business alongside her mother, who acts as the designer. The pair established Nœud d'Août ('knot of August') around the time of Tokyo Pride in 2023. Fitting, as their works take inspiration from the various Pride flags.

The mother-daughter duo employ the beautifully intricate art of mizuhiki (traditional Japanese knot-tying) to expertly craft necklaces, bracelets, brooches and more. Visit their online store or send Eva a message to get info on their next pop-up.

Find Nœud d'Août on Instagram @noeuddaout