Everyone probably has that one store from their youth they can never forget. For me, the first store that comes to mind is undoubtedly Bunkaya-Zakkaten.
I was fortunate enough to visit Bunkaya-Zakkaten in the 1990s and enjoy shopping there, but explaining the store to those unfamiliar with it is somewhat challenging.
"A retro, kitsch, and somewhat bewildering but fun store" is the best way to describe it. What exactly was Bunkaya-Zakkaten? This time, I'd like to reflect on the charm of the store that taught me the joy of "zakkaten" during my youth.
Bunkaya-Zakkaten When It First Opened
Bunkaya-Zakkaten was founded by Yoshitaro Hasegawa in 1974.When people hear the name "Bunkaya-Zakkaten," they often associate it with the 1990s, but it surprisingly dates back to the 1970s.
When it first opened, it was located on Fire Street in Shibuya. Fire Street at the time was an area with many warehouses, but it was an easy spot to park your car and a strategic location targeting the fashion industry people. Though it was in an alleyway, it quickly caught the attention of famous designers, stylists, and merchandising professionals from the fashion industry, making it an instant hot topic.
In an era when shops that dealt with everything from socks to dishes were unheard of, Bunkaya-Zakkaten was truly a "new" presence.
Today, the word "zakka" is common, and terms like "zakka shop" are widely used, but back in the 1970s, "zakka" was still categorized as "general merchandise store." General merchandise sourced from wholesalers was commonly sold, but Bunkaya-Zakkaten was the first to creatively enhance these items or sell deadstock goods as "zakka."
Inside Bunkaya-Zakkaten, a variety of items were assembled in one store.
From Kintaro's bellyband to hospital pipe beds, and even fashion accessories and mole traps. The freedom and variety defied simple categorization as just "retro."
From Kintaro's bellyband to hospital pipe beds, and even fashion accessories and mole traps. The freedom and variety defied simple categorization as just "retro."
The Bunkaya-Zakkaten store, once in Shibuya, relocated to Harajuku in 1988 due to the reconstruction of the building. Some might remember the store that used to be in the backstreets of Harajuku.
Founder Yoshitaro Hasegawa's Appeal
When discussing Bunkaya-Zakkaten, we cannot overlook the presence of its founder, Yoshitaro Hasegawa.After graduating from Musashino Art University and working at a design company, Yoshitaro Hasegawa founded Bunkaya-Zakkaten. Born as the eldest son of a surgeon in a wealthy family in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, he chose to pursue art instead of taking over the hospital.
"What kind of lifestyle and approach to life would be interesting for me?"
Yoshitaro Hasegawa consistently followed this philosophy, always opting for the "most interesting thing."
Yoshitaro Hasegawa consistently followed this philosophy, always opting for the "most interesting thing."
His managerial skills were exceptional once he established Bunkaya-Zakkaten.
He traveled around the country to source mainly deadstock items, transforming unsold and quirky items from rural areas into "rare and interesting items" with newfound value when sold in Shibuya.
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