[Fujigaoka] NEEDLE&THREAD, a Select Shop Close to the Town

Select shop "NEEDLE&THREAD" and lifestyle shop "Meji" are located in Fujigaoka. It is a store that sells items with outstanding taste, carefully selected by the owner couple who have experience as apparel store clerks and buyers.

First of all, this time, we would like to introduce the men's and women's select shop "NEEDLE&THREAD". It offers fashion for everyday use that adds an outdoor taste to the mannish style. From the background behind the birth of the shop, to the particulars and recommended items, we have heard plenty of stories.

<Click here for the article on the lifestyle shop “Meji”>

Meji and NEEDLE&THREAD are about a 6-minute walk from Fujigaoka station on the Higashiyama subway line.

In April 2007, the men's and women's select shop "NEEDLE&THREAD" was opened under the elevated subway tracks near Fujigaoka Station. This was followed by the opening of the lifestyle shop "Meji" in 2011. The select shop was relocated to the current location.

Fascinated by the town of Fujigaoka

The store is run by Mr. Yoshiaki Katagiri and his wife Hideya. We first asked them about their shop.

- Please tell us what led you to open the shop.

Yoshiaki-san:"We used to work in the apparel industry in Tokyo. I'm from Nagoya, but I moved back to Nagoya when I was transferred to work, and then started my own business. .

I was living there at the time, and I felt that Fujigaoka had the potential to "get better and better" in the future. It has been about 50 years since the Higashiyama Line opened in Fujigaoka. There was a time when the town was busy, but it had become a bit lonely due to the generational change. I decided to live in Fujigaoka and open a store because I thought it would be a good town if there were more nice stores.

When it comes to shopping in Nagoya, Nagoya Station, Sakae, and Osu tend to be the fixed places. However, in the Kanto region, Omotesando, Kichijoji, and Daikanyama are scattered. I hope that Nagoya will become like that. ”

Yoshiaki-san: “Meito Ward, where Fujigaoka is located, has quite a lot of people who have been transferred here. So there is an atmosphere where even first-timers are welcome. It’s been about 50 years since the subway opened, so it’s still a young town. So, I would like to create a town called Fujigaoka by myself, ideally so that people like Sakae and Osu would say, “Let’s go to Fujigaoka on weekends!” ”

ー Hidemi-san, who is from Tokyo, what kind of cities are Nagoya and Fujigaoka?

Hidemi-san: "Nagoya has a strong color, and I felt that the old customs were deeply rooted at first. I feel that my life has become more relaxed than when I lived here. I would like to continue living in Fujigaoka, and I would like to run a shop here.”

Shops where you can enjoy shopping like a treasure hunt

The interior of the renovated old folk house is a relaxing space while retaining the charm of the past.

2nd floor with stairs. There is also a terrace, so it seems that you can go outside in the warm season.

60% of the items handled are ladies. About 40% are men's. His wife, Hidemi, plays a central role in the selection.

- Please tell us the point of selection.

Hidemi-san:"Easy to wear and easy to handle in daily life. Our selection is based on the concept of long-wearable items. We want our clothes to be real clothes. We also want our customers to feel happy with their purchases, so we are conscious of affordable prices. We want to be a clothing store in town that people in Fujigaoka can stop by.”

Yoshiaki-san:"I would be happy if you could enjoy shopping as if you were looking for a treasure. Instead of saying, 'I like this brand,' you can think 'I don't know the brand, but there's something interesting in it'." When you go to a second-hand clothing store or general merchandise store, you look for something that you like, don't you? That's how it feels. ”