Mega clothing retailer Uniqlo is opening up a new store in Asakusa, bringing affordable basics to one of Tokyo’s most historical neighbourhoods, home of the famous Sensoji Temple. What makes the new outpost worth a visit is that Uniqlo is teaming up with some iconic businesses in Asakusa for special collaborations to celebrate the opening.
The shop will feature a new take on the ubiquitous Uniqlo logo, now designed to look like a senjafuda, the placards often found on the gates of buildings or shrines across Japan. The sign reads 'Uniqlo Asakusa' and will be printed on all the exclusive collaborations for the store.
To commemorate the opening, famed Asakusa bakery Asakusa Kagetsudo, known for its jumbo melonpan, will be selling the baked treats in special Uniqlo Asakusa wrappers featuring the senjafuda design. The buns with the special wrapper have been on sale at the Asakusa Kagetsudo Main Store since April 26.
Another collab will feature rickshaw companies Jidaiya and Tokyo Rickshaw, ubiquitous in the area as they cart people around to tour Asakusa’s most popular attractions. The rickshaw drivers will be donning special happi coats with the Uniqlo Asakusa logo from April 30 through to May 30.
Additionally, special Uniqlo Asakusa T-shirts and coasters will be distributed to retailers and restaurants surrounding the new store, so you might spot your waiter with a fancy new shirt or notice a Uniqlo coaster under your drink. No word yet on whether the shirts and coasters (or even those beautiful happi coats) will be on sale at the store, but we sure hope so.
Uniqlo Asakusa is set to open on Friday May 28 and you’ll find it on the first and second floors of the Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa Building (2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito). For more information, see the store’s official website.
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