Baro, the Mejiro-Based Vintage Clothing Store – A Treasure Trove for Vintage Enthusiasts

Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Ikebukuro, Baro is a vintage clothing shop in Mejiro that celebrates its 29th anniversary this year. With its vibrant exterior and diverse lineup, it attracts strong support from vintage lovers.

Featured on YouTube channels such as "かわいたちチャンネル〜Purple Rain〜," "NATIVE JAPANESE," and "FORZA STYLE", Baro has caught the attention of many, including celebrities like Takuya Kimura and Ikuto Kawai who have visited.

This time, we spoke with store manager Yossy to hear about Baro’s journey and its unique appeal.

Loved by long-time regulars, Baro’s colorful knick-knacks and perfectly styled mannequins brighten up the street, and you can even catch a glimpse of it from the Yamanote Line—many passersby have surely been curious for years. Their Ikebukuro sister shop, "Dron-pa," is also going strong in its 26th year.

"Baro celebrates its 29th anniversary this year, and it’s now been four years since our reopening. Whenever customers who haven’t visited in a while drop by, they often ask, ‘Did you relocate?’ But actually, we never moved.

"Originally, there was an old apartment here, and we had our first-floor shop since opening in 1997. Six years ago, due to the building's age, that floor was demolished, and we had to temporarily close for about two years.

"None of us thought we’d ever have to shut down over something like that, so both our regulars and we ourselves were heartbroken.

"But after our two-year hiatus, once the decision was made to relaunch, many loyal customers were delighted. We've always operated with strong community roots, so we felt both joy and relief to be able to return home to Mejiro."

Mejiro is a calm, refined area home to places like Gakushuin University, Jiyu Gakuen, and the Tokugawa Reimeikai. Though it’s only one train stop from Ikebukuro, first-time visitors are often surprised by just how different the atmosphere feels.

While Tokyo has plenty of hotspots for vintage fashion, what made them choose Mejiro?

"Our predecessor shop, 'Mama de Mimi,' was in Nakai and specialized in vintage children’s clothing. Baro was born when we decided to open a second shop nearby focusing on American vintage pieces for adults.

"So we searched for a location not too far from Nakai, and that’s how we found this spot."

Another reason for choosing Mejiro, the manager notes, was a certain sense of artistry. While Mejiro carries the image of being academic and residential, it’s also closely linked to local art.

"Mejiro is a fascinating place packed with art. Frank Lloyd Wright’s designed Myonichikan, various galleries and antique shops, and the Saeki Yuzo Atelier Memorial all bring together a lively art scene.

"Our owner is a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright and Saeki’s paintings, and having fallen in love with the area's vibe and tranquil residential setting, they decided they wanted to open a shop right here in Mejiro."

Baro’s popularity shines on Instagram too, and thanks to introductions by vintage-loving celebrities, it’s become closely associated with American casual styles.

"These days, I think YouTube’s influence is especially big. Many of the YouTubers who feature Baro are into American casuals themselves, so that impression has really stuck.

"But actually, we’re not strictly devoted to American casual wear—we offer vintage items from all sorts of genres, so I hope people have fun mixing them up and discovering their own style.

"The world of vintage has changed with the times: back then, niche vintage styles have now really diversified. It’s not like the old days when vintage meant 'American casual'—nowadays, I want customers to break the rules, broaden their fashion horizons, and explore all sorts of vintage looks unique to today."

Baro's items also have a reputation for their exceptional quality. Most of the items are sourced from America, and everything except deadstock is carefully repaired before it hits the shelves. True vintage aficionados put their trust in Baro not only because of their selection sense, but because you can feel this attention to detail in the clothes themselves.

"As soon as items arrive, we clean and inspect them. If needed, we repair them as well. Then we price and press everything before finally putting them on display. The shop is always stocked with pieces that have cleared every one of these steps.

"There are almost no items that can go straight to the shop floor without any work. It takes effort and time, but we never cut corners with this process—because we want our customers to feel they can shop with complete confidence."

Baro also offers a wide selection of women's items. From girly and cute pieces to feminine, mature styles and menswear-inspired denim and sneakers, the range is impressive. You can get a sense of this diverse offering in Miwako Kakei's YouTube channel "Miwako Kakei/miracora uchu." where Baro is featured.

"Female customers often tell me that it's hard to find shops offering smaller-sized denim that fits just right. While oversized styles are trending, many people are getting bored of them and are now seeking smaller sizes, including for tops. Lately, there's a rising demand for these smaller options.

"There are so many more types of women's clothing than men's, including things you won't find at all in menswear, so even curating these pieces is a lot of fun for us.

"These days, with things like men wearing skirts, the boundaries in fashion are really coming down. We're selecting from a more unisex perspective, making it enjoyable for everyone, regardless of gender. We want to continue expanding our lineup with pieces that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, like items for women who prefer a menswear-inspired style."

Baro Featured in Snow Man's Music Video! The Future of a Thrift Shop that Connects Generations

Baro, a haven for true vintage lovers, used to have the image of being popular mostly with men into American casual style, but that's been changing recently.

In 2023, the shop was featured in Snow Man's music video "Aikotoba," and this led to a surge of younger women visiting the store as part of their "pilgrimage" to spots from the video.

"No matter how someone ends up coming to our shop, I'm grateful for anyone who takes an interest in Baro—everyone is welcome. If they hadn't watched the music video, there are definitely people who would have never learned about Baro. Many visitors have never set foot in a vintage shop before, so it's exciting to see new fans discover us through the MV and get hooked on vintage fashion."

At Baro, it's also not unusual to see customers who visited as students return later with their children. Some even ask for help picking out outfits for their weddings, which speaks to the special bond between Yossy and his customers that goes well beyond a typical thrift store.

"I think the reason we’ve been able to stay in business for so long is that we've always offered a wide range of products. Some stores specialize in specific genres, but for me, fashion comes first, even before my love of vintage.

"Collecting vintage as a hobby is one way to enjoy it, but I really want people to have fun with fashion itself. That’s why we keep our lineup varied and fresh so even long-time customers never get bored.

"I’m always fascinated by how different generations think and perceive things, so I don’t want to cling to old rules. I hope to keep blending the new with the old and enjoy vintage fashion even more myself."

Next year, Baro celebrates its 30th anniversary as a long-established shop. Loved by regulars for generations, it’s sure to be supported by the next generation as well, passing the baton of vintage fashion along.

Don’t let the "venerable institution" title intimidate you—if you’re curious, definitely stop by. Yossy and the rest of the staff offer friendly support and thoughtful suggestions, which could open up new possibilities for your personal style. You're likely to become one of Baro’s regulars before you know it.