(Photo by Yerianys Padin Caro/Stripes Japan)
Living in Japan has changed how I see fashion. Trends here are creative, bold, and one of my favorite ways to explore that is through thrifting. For me and my friends, thrifting is not just shopping. It is something we look forward to. It is how we hang out, get inspired, and build our own style without spending a lot of money.
On weekends, we usually go to second-hand stores near where we live. Every store has a different vibe. Some are super organized, while others feel like treasure hunts. You never know what you are going to find. One time I found a perfect oversized jacket, and another time my friend found shoes that looked brand new.
One thing that surprised me about thrifting in Japan is the quality. Most of the clothes are in great condition, and a lot of them look brand new. People take good care of their things here, so thrifting is really worth it. It is also great for students because you can try different styles without spending too much.
For me and my friends, thrifting is also about getting inspiration. We pay attention to how outfits are put together and talk about how we can recreate those looks in our own style. I also like going to Watmans near Camp Zama. They have a great selection, and I almost always find cute shirts and accessories there. It’s one of my favorite spots because there’s a good mix of styles, and I can usually find something unique at a good price.
(Photo by Yerianys Padin Caro/Stripes Japan)
(Photo by Yerianys Padin Caro/Stripes Japan)
If you are thinking about thrifting in Japan, here are a few tips that really help. First, take your time and look through everything. Great finds are often hidden, so please be patient. Second, always check the quality before buying anything. Look at the tag for fabric content, feel the material, and check the stitching, and zippers to make sure the item will last. Third, try to look for unique pieces instead of just basic items. Things like vintage jackets, accessories, or one-of-a-kind denim can elevate your style. Finally, consider visiting thrift stores in areas outside of Tokyo. These stores are usually bigger, have more variety, and are often cheaper than the ones in the city.
Overall, thrifting in Japan has become one of my favorite things to do. It is affordable, fun, and a great way to express yourself. More than anything, thrifting has helped me see that fashion is not just about copying trends, but about figuring out what really fits you and making it your own.
Writer’s bio: Yerianys Padin Caro is a senior at Zama Middle High School who enjoys staying involved in both academics and extracurriculars. She’s currently taking fashion dual enrollment courses to prepare for a future career in fashion and recently started a fashion club to share her creativity and ideas with other students.
