After a two-week pop-up at Namba Marui

We had a lot of valuable experiences during our store at Namba Marui from June 11th to June 24th. We owe it all to everyone who came to visit, the Marui staff, and everyone involved. We are truly grateful.

It was a very fulfilling two weeks, but it passed by in a flash. I wanted to record at least some of my impressions of Osaka, so I've compiled them in a diary.

1. I was surprised by the number of inbound tourists!

There were a lot of foreign tourists around Namba Station. My impression was that 20% were from Europe and America, 70% from Asia, and 10% from other regions.

According to the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau, the number of foreign tourists visiting Osaka in April this year reached an estimated 1,547,000 in a single month, the highest number ever recorded. June was probably similarly high.

Compared to the pop-up event in Tokyo, the proportion of inbound visitors was higher, and it was striking that there were a particularly large number of people of African descent. I also saw some people wearing Expo staff holders, so perhaps the Expo had a big effect.

When I spoke to people in Europe, they told me that Chinese airlines that use Kansai Airport are very cheap. Apparently, Chinese airlines fly around Russia, which allows them to keep fares down. I'm sure that this is also a factor.

2. The new Heart Rate T-shirt was a big hit!

This T-shirt features a pocket with an electrocardiogram motif over the heart on the left chest.

The design expresses the feeling of "showing your heart" when meeting someone. Made from 100% cotton using compact combed yarn, it feels soft against the skin and is extremely comfortable to wear.

Thanks to you, many people have purchased the items, but some sizes have sold out and we are immediately placing reorders.

For those of you who were unable to purchase due to the size not fitting, please wait a little longer. Online sales will start soon!

3. I want more young people to know about it!

We've been fortunate to receive a lot of support for our designs and activities from wonderful women, but we also hope to attract more interest from people in their teens and early twenties.

In addition to selling products, we would like to plan workshops and other events in the future. We will also consider reviewing our product lineup.

4. I was moved by the warmth of the people of Osaka!

Everyone there, including the people at Ebisubashisuji Shopping Street who interviewed me, was very kind and caring, so I really felt at home there.

They told me about various shops, spoke to me in a friendly manner, and even gave me the chance to hear the exquisite exchanges of humor and tsukkomi that are unique to the Kansai region. It was more than just a simple shopping experience, it was a fun exchange.

5. The charming chaotic feel of the city was amazing!

I like the beauty of orderly cityscapes, but I also find cities that retain a chaotic, retro atmosphere more exciting!

I was very impressed by the unique atmosphere of each shopping street and the distinctive feel of Shinsekai.

summary

If there is another opportunity to hold a pop-up event in Osaka, I would definitely like to set up a store there again. Not only for work, but it was also a very comfortable city with wonderful people, and I had a truly enjoyable time. Thank you so much!

Now, from tomorrow the 27th until June 30th, there will be a pop-up at Odakyu Department Store Shinjuku branch, so please check it out.