I’m so grateful to live in the World Wide Web. I found Kijima Takayuki one day when I looked up authentic Japanese hat brands (I meant designing and making in Japan). I stumbled on Kajima Takayuki and his minimal and clean aesthetic designs caught my attention. Since my visit in Tokyo was during New Year’s Eve, I contacted the brand to see if one of the stores would be open on that day. Kaji is the head of sales and PR department and she gave me permission to take photos at the store while learned about the brand and products.
There are two stores in Tokyo and the one I visited was at Shibuya Parco and it was about a 6 minute walk from the famous Shibuya crossing streets. The store is on the 3rd floor next to the escalator. The brand’s personality reflects from the displays to products. The layout of the store and shelves are made from simple and fresh lightwood to make each hat on the displays contrast beautifully and boldly.
I introduced myself to a salesperson; Yuta. He was aware of my visit and he was enthusiastic to help and answer all the questions I had (I have to say I was so impressed how the brand’s personality is so on point from product identity, brand oriented and human brand resources). In Kijima atelier, expert craftsmen make all products by hand using unique and traditional techniques of hat-making with rare and luxurious raw materials; for example beaver fur felt, rabbit felt and high quality felts to craft each individual hat. One of his lines is entirely made by hand in his atelier. For the other lines, he uses a clothing factory to make his hats so his hats can be in line with the season’s popular fashion trends of clothing.
Yuta told me that bucket hats are very popular right now at the Parco store especially the bright orange color. Bucket hats are so trending all over the world and native Japanese can’t seem to resist this trend. As I was strolling in Shinjuku and Shibuya streets, I had no wonder how Japanese fashion makes such a big name on the runway. People are more daring and very confident as they wear bright or eye-catching colored outfits or/and accessories to show off their fashion identities. It’s being said that the vivid orange bucket hat is one of the stars in Kijima’s store.
I love that Kijima hats are not only offering fun, super soft and easy-to-wear hats but the inventory ranges from timeless and chic berets, to beanies, to fierce and fabulous leather hats for street style fashion. In addition, there are also very practical hats that can be used for different weather conditions such as super soft and cozy fur bucket hats and Eskimo style furry hats. Kijima is very thoughtful and makes sure to make hats to fit his customers’ needs.
Where to shop Kijima Takayuki hats? If you are planning or going to Japan, I suggest visiting their actual stores.
Here are store locations and business hours.
Daikanyama
〒150-0021, 2-17-4 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo East Daikanyama 1F
Tel. 03-3770-2174
Opens 12pm – 8pm | Closes on Wednesdays
Shibuya Parco
〒150-0042, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 3F
Tel. 03-5422-3454
Opens 10am – 9pm
If you don’t travel to Japan anytime soon, don’t worry. Thanks to the worldwide we’re living in! Go to KIJIMATAKAYUKI.COM and shop online at your own home. Want to learn more about this brand? Follow their hat journey through instagram @kijimatakayuki or need some more information before making a purchase? Contact kaji@kijimatakayuki.com for domestic inquiry and contact@noseason-showroom.com for international inquiry.
I had such a fun time visiting Kijima Takuyaki at Shibuya Parco; special thanks to Yuta for taking the time and helping me with all the hats. Thanks Kaji as well – you might have not been there physically, but your presence is felt and I hope to see you my next visit with the designer, Kijima Takayuki.
I hope you enjoy the content and get to know one more talented hat millinery in Japan. Tell me which Kijima’s hats in this blog post is your favorite.
