Daisuke Obana Shows How Tokyo's Vintage Clothing Culture Still Inspires

The Kōenji neighborhood is home to over 2,000 vintage stores.

Footwear
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For the latest installment of The Local series, highlighting the release of New Balance‘s 247 Tritium Pack, Daisuke Obana, a veteran with 30 years of fashion experience, took HYPEBEAST to Tokyo’s retro hub, Kōenji. A lover of vintage and Americana clothing, Obana used his label N.Hoolywood as a way to express his passion; however, when in need of inspiration he turns to the district’s culturally rich streets to peruse the over 2,000 used clothing stores. With limitless options, the designer discusses how there are always discoveries to be made.

Sporting the 247 Cool Gray 9 colorway, Obana’s walking tour takes us through a myriad of the area’s carefully curated thrift shops including a look at the dedicated shop owners who have committed their lives to the upkeep of these stores, and the preservation of the culture and essence of Kōenji amongst the changes in Tokyo.

Watch the Local video above and shop the Tritium Pack at retailers worldwide or on the official New Balance website for $90 USD.

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Jamier Boatman-Harrell
Jamier Boatman-Harrell Creative Director

Jamier Boatman-Harrell is a Brooklyn-based Creative Director and writer at Hypebeast, with nine years of experience shaping culturally driven editorial and brand storytelling. He focuses on uncovering overlooked perspectives and translating them into narratives around identity, community, and self-expression. He wrote the Kaytranda cover story for Hypebeast Magazine #35, and is a fellow in The Center for Fiction/Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship.

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