Morita of Saraba & Fumito Kawai Also Give a Thumbs-Up! The Vintage Clothing Haven "Retro Boutique Kotori" Curated by a Former Hanjiro Staff Member

"Retro Boutique Kotori" in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a vintage clothing store and culture shop run by Toru Takayama, a former staff member of Hanjiro.  

With a selection based on American casual wear and an array of Takayama's own precious collection, the shop attracts visitors of all ages, especially men in their 30s to 50s.

Since being introduced on the YouTube channel of the comedy duo "Saraba Seisyun no Hikari," it has become a popular spot frequented by many vintage clothing enthusiasts, including comedians.

In previous interviews, Takayama shared stories from his time at Hanjiro, but this time we delved into the allure of "Retro Boutique Kotori," which has captured the attention of vintage fans.

How Takayama, who visited vintage stores five times a week, opened 'Retro Boutique Kotori'

Takayama worked long years at Hanjiro, and his encounter with it goes back to his high school days.
 
"When I was in my second year of high school, I received a hand-me-down pair of Big John flare bell-bottom jeans from my mother, and that’s when I became fascinated by vintage clothing.

After school, I always stopped by a shop called 'Factory', which was the predecessor to Hanjiro, and I got completely hooked on vintage clothing. I was visiting about four or five times a week and loved reading 'Boon'."  
 
After graduating high school, Takayama did not immediately work at a vintage shop; instead, he enlisted in the Self-Defense Forces for two years. After his service, he was scouted by 'Deplusmon' (formerly 'Factory'), marking the start of his journey in the vintage store scene.  
 
Later, 'Deplusmon' was renamed 'Hanjiro' and expanded to Tokyo.

Once it reached Tokyo, Hanjiro quickly became a popular vintage shop and expanded nationwide.

Though the memories of Hanjiro remain with many, did the vision for the current "Retro Boutique Kotori" stem from his days at Hanjiro?  
 
"I worked at Hanjiro for about 17 years. I always had the desire to have my own shop, but I hadn’t formed a concrete vision for independence. I had married young and thought I would likely continue working at Hanjiro indefinitely.

However, due to the economic downturn, Hanjiro closed down, and various events led to my decision to become independent."

Afterward, Hanjiro was bought by "Dondon Down on Wednesday," and Takayama worked there for a time.

However, during this period, he began serious preparations to establish "Retro Boutique Kotori." In just one year, he was able to open his long-desired shop.

"I really feel I was lucky.

Following the closure of Hanjiro, I was able to obtain the necessary fixtures and supplies, in addition to borrowing a property owned by my grandmother for "Retro Boutique Kotori" location. Because of that, I could open sooner than expected.

The first store was located about one kilometer away from the current site. Since it had been vacant for a long time, I was fortunate to rent it for a nominal fee.

Regarding the merchandise, I had a collection of vintage clothing that I had diligently collected over the years, so more than half of the items in the shop when it opened were from my personal collection."

"Retro Boutique Kotori" Built Together with Customers

Thus, "Retro Boutique Kotori" opened its doors on November 29, 2013 ("Good Clothes Day" (いい服の日)).

After operating at the initial location for about six years, it relocated to the current site in 2019 due to family reasons. The new location was discovered by a regular customer.

The exterior has a nostalgic Showa retro ambience, while the interior, harmoniously blending Takayama's tastes and Hanjiro's fixtures, is remarkable. The interior's DIY work was also helped by loyal customers, showcasing the deep trust relationship between Takayama and his clientele.

Takayama possesses DIY skills developed during his time at Hanjiro, but creating the store's interior took considerable time. It took much longer than anticipated to complete the store, showcasing his personal hobbies.

"I expected the interior to be completed in about a week, but it actually took around a month and a half. Once we started working, ideas kept flowing for more additions, and the project expanded rapidly.

"It's truly thanks to the customers who volunteered to help with the DIY efforts that we got as far as we did. There was one particularly skilled regular customer who could handle everything from carpentry to electrical and plumbing work, and they provided immense support with the technical aspects.

"I feel that Retro Boutique Kotori is a store completed with the cooperation of many people. It truly is a space we've all built together."

Many of Takayama's long-term knowledge of vintage clothing and DIY skills have been passed down to the younger generation.

Recently, Retro Boutique Kotori has expanded with a new space and opened Romance Shop Yosuga.

This new store, conceived as a hidden playground tucked away in the back of the vintage shop, presents products that emphasize size and material while tapping into the Y2K trend. The unique curation that highlights the owner’s sense of style has attracted many vintage clothing enthusiasts.

The interior of Romance Shop Yosuga also evokes the Palais Francais era of Hanjiro, making it a fun shop for customers in their 30s and 40s to visit.

"The interior of Romance Shop Yosuga was crafted late into the night after closing, just the shop owner and me.

"The owner has been a regular since the opening of Retro Boutique Kotori and, after gaining six years of experience at a vintage shop in Koenji, has now decided to go independent here.

"In fact, there are often young people like him who naturally grow from their experiences here (laughs).

"I’m not really the type to teach anything specifically; I haven’t actually done that. But I hope everyone can feel something from their time here and grow in their own way."

Having Survived the Pandemic, It Has Now Become a Beloved Store Among Vintage-loving Entertainers

Retro Boutique Kotori sees many customers visiting daily.

There are plenty of dedicated fans searching for core vintage items, as well as local regulars who come to enjoy conversations with Takayama.

The store is filled with laughter, and you can often spot comedians and influencers known for their love of vintage clothing.

This attention really skyrocketed in 2019 when the YouTube channel of Saraba seisyun no hikari's Tetsuya Morita featured him. Nowadays, he’s seen increases in collaborations across various YouTube projects and television interviews.

Additionally, this exposure led to Takayama receiving an offer from the popular program "Saturday Funkies" on Iwate Menkoi Television, where he now works as a stylist for MC Fumito Kawai.

What particular approach does Kawai, known for his passion for vintage clothing, take in styling?

"I'm always conscious of ensuring it's a fun location for Kawai. I choose patterns and items that match the filming location and project content, all while maintaining a base of American casual, thus sneaking in a sense of playfulness into the styling."

Even with the recent boom in vintage clothing rising his profile, Takayama reveals that his future aspirations remain unchanged since opening the store.

"I don't have any specific plans. I'm the type to excitedly embrace various challenges, not really knowing what lies ahead.

"If I had to say, I'd love for more people to come and visit Retro Boutique Kotori. I have no desire to expand the store—I'd prefer to continue in the same free-spirited manner as I am now."

Beloved by locals and vintage clothing enthusiasts, Retro Boutique Kotori draws customers not just for rare vintage pieces but also for conversations with Takayama, illustrating the charm of this store.

If you visit Iwate Prefecture, make sure to stop by. You’ll surely find yourself in a warm space that naturally brings a smile, making you want to return.