Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Tokyu Hands: Treasure Cats and More


As seen in my article in InsideOut magazine.
The Japanese word for cute is “kawaii” and this concept manifests itself less as a trend and more a creative standard. No store better illustrates “kawaii-ness” than Tokyu Hands. You’ll need at least two hours to get through all seven floors (divided into smaller sub-floors) of mischievous fun at this “creative life store.” From umbrella stands to bicycles, the store is stocked with quirky and highly-specialized items, many of which are too kitschy to pass up. Here you can pick up one of those ubiquitous “treasure cats” with the kinetic waving arms ($21), said to bring prosperity to their owners, sushi clocks ($17), colorful tissue box covers ($11-$45), or tiny figurine versions of iconic mid-century pieces like Eames chairs ($47).

Tokyu Hands
12-18, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku
03-5489-5111
www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/shibuya

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