Togenkyo

Its pink storefront catching the eye a few minutes’ walk south of Koenji Station, Togenkyo specialises in handmade and upcycled items. Built around the concept of ‘a world like no other’, it’s driven by the owner’s passion for the Heisei era and features a selection of exquisitely crafted accessories and small knick-knacks created in collaboration with a crew of nail artists. The owner even makes some of the items from scratch using basic jewellery components.

Popular choices include seal-shaped rings and gyoza-themed bracelets – pieces that attract a diverse clientele ranging from nostalgia-trippers to students on school trips. Browsing the shelves is apt to fill you with a sense of longing for bygone times, evoking the atmosphere of a souvenir store at a highway rest stop or the gift shop of a worn countryside aquarium.

On the second floor you’ll find a nail salon and a workshop area, allowing for further customisation of Togenkyo’s quirky wares. A far cry from the mass-produced modern aesthetic, the shop speaks to a desire for uniqueness and authenticity. ‘I hope my shop can leave a lasting impression on people,’ says the owner, ‘somewhat like a retro seaside souvenir shop or the early Village Vanguard stores.’