With Tokyo known for elusive pop-ups and record bars on wheels, you never know what makeshift retailers you might stumble upon when roaming the capital’s streets after dark. Our latest spot is Hanadorobo (‘Flower Thief’), a mysterious mobile flower shop that’s been popping up at random locations around the city lately.
From what scraps of info we’ve been able to gather, the cart is a project run by a small collective of florists that goes by the same name and was established back in 2020. They specialise in floral arrangements for events, photoshoots and backstage jobs, but whatever blooms are left over they sell in the street stall. That’s why there isn’t any set schedule for the pop-up – nor is there a profit motive.
The project is also about more than just selling flowers. When we caught up with the florist who was manning the makeshift stall in front of Yoyogi-Hachiman Station one summer night – and who wished to stay anonymous – they told us that they hope people in Japan would ‘enjoy flowers more in everyday life’, rather than only during cherry blossom season.
They went on to explain that on their travels, such as while backpacking across Europe, they were struck by how commonplace flowers are in everyday life elsewhere. They were inspired by how many people were carrying bouquets while on the move, and by the number of flower vendors in the streets. ‘I hope [that through our activities] more people will think that flowers are beautiful, and that this will create an opportunity for them to get involved with flowers.’
The collective has side projects, too. They wrap their bouquets in Japan Dorobou Shinbun (‘Japan Thief Times’), a parody newspaper packed with fake headlines and tongue-in-cheek interviews. Members with backgrounds in the apparel industry make merch, too, including flower-themed T-shirts and socks, while their ‘flower bomb’ performances see them decorating random street corners with blooms, graffiti style.
While attempting to track down Hanadorobo can feel a bit like chasing an urban legend, in this case we feel like half the fun is in the hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for their signature 花 lantern on your commute home, or check their Instagram for their whereabouts.
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