Supported by established Japanese crafts purveyor Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, this select shop offers products from all over Japan. The store changes its focus every two months, with all of its products curated from the featured region in Japan. The store is run by 18 university students, who use this opportunity to learn about business operations. They handle everything from management and store operation to promotion and customer service.
Currently, Another Japan is promoting Japan’s southern Kyushu region. Three students who are originally from Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Okinawa have chosen all the 350 items on offer, including sake, sake cups, tea, snacks, sweets, seasonings, toys and pottery from Oita, Fukuoka, Saga and Okinawa prefectures. On weekends, you can even partake in workshops such as painting an Osaki Ningyo figurine from Saga prefecture or creating bamboo crafts.
Here’s the schedule for the upcoming regional themes: Kyushu (Aug 2-Oct 2), Hokkaido (Oct 5-Dec 4), Chubu (Dec 7 2022-Feb 5 2023), Kanto (Feb 8-Apr 2 2023), Kinki (Apr 5-Jun 4 2023), and Chugoku/Shikoku (Jun 7-Aug 6 2023).
Make sure to stop by the on-site café and bar Kitasando Kissa. The space serves tea and coffee, as well as alcoholic beverages come evening. Food and drinks are made with local ingredients from Kyushu and Okinawa, while part of the menu is created by students from the Denenchofu Futaba High School.
Note that Another Japan and Kitasando Kissa only accept cashless payments.