Japanese vintage store chain RINKAN operates in a niche section, specialising in the purchase and sale of high-end men’s apparel, bags, small leather goods, jewellery pieces. and watches, although the latter segment is taken care of by the affiliated ASKWATCH boutique chain. Resonating well with young Japanese consumers, RINKAN has expanded rapidly to a number of cities across Japan, but specifically in Tokyo where recently a seventh outpost has opened its doors. Situated in Ikebukuro, a commercial and entertainment district north of the better known Shinjuku shopping district, the 46 sqm. (495 sq.ft.) retail space is perched on the fifth floor of an early 1960s building. Similar to a number of previously opened stores, this one has also been designed by Tokyo-based architecture practice Kenta Nagai Studio. The chosen design codes, a combination of raw and understated, have been applied here as well, albeit adapted to the dimensions of the retail space.
The new RINKAN store only conducts purchases from private individuals, and as such, no merchandise is on display, simplifyimg very much its layout. Upon entering the premises, an uncluttered space unfolds which is pretty much defined by a tiled, curved wall with recessed seating. Directly opposite, a row of windows, overlaid by white gauze, is adorned with neon lights. Furnishings are sparse, comprising merely of two sleek circular side tables with an intricately crafted steel base and timber tops, and a cube of concrete blocks. Behind floor-to-ceiling glass panels, a meeting room can be found, furnished with steel-and-timber pieces which tie in with the aforementioned side tables. The setting is framed by an exposed concrete ceiling and polished concrete flooring. Mind you, in the next couple of weeks two additional RINKAN stores will open in the Marunouchi and Shinjuku shopping districts of the sprawling Japanese capital..
RINKAN
Matsunaga Building, 1-19-6 Nishi Ikebukuro, Fifth Floor (Ikebukuro)
Tokyo 171-0021
Telephone +81 3 67092720
Daily 11.30am-8pm
Publishers Note
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