SOU・SOU KYOTO 青山店
When my sister-in-law visited me from Korea, SOU・SOU was on her must-visit list. I live in Japan but had never been inside, so we went to the Aoyama store in Tokyo together. The first thing I noticed was the floor. Even the carpet is covered in hand-drawn numbers.
What is SOU・SOU?
SOU・SOU was founded in Kyoto in 2002 by a textile designer, an architect, and a producer, with the concept of “creating a new Japanese culture” through original patterns inspired by Japan’s four seasons. Its designer, Katsuji Wakisaka, joined Marimekko as a textile designer in 1968, so Marimekko fans will feel right at home.
I came for the tabi shoes
Before the visit, I was excited about the colorful jika-tabi, traditional split-toe work shoes that SOU・SOU turns into everyday sneakers. In person there were polka dots, florals, numbers, and even a Hello Kitty collaboration.
But since they’re shoes, they’re on the pricier side, and I hesitated for a while. If you’re new to the brand, the split-toe socks are an easier start. The store labels its best sellers “No.1, No.2, No.3.”
But the small goods stole the show
There were far more small goods than I expected. My sister-in-law and I both love good-value finds, and we stood in front of the tote bags for ages. They’re light, the colors are lovely, and the price was surprisingly low. As a mom, I also found myself drawn to the kids’ clothes first.
A must for stationery lovers
I’m a big stationery fan, and I immediately thought, “This would look so cute in my pencil case.” The correction tape and glue tape are a collaboration with KOKUYO, the maker of Campus notebooks. The correction tape is ¥380 and the gel pen is ¥330 (tax included).
And the book cover! Black fabric with embroidered numbers. It looks even better in person. The A6 size is ¥2,480.
The soup bottle I keep thinking about
A palm-sized 160ml soup bottle made with POKETLE, ¥2,310 (tax included). I didn’t buy it that day, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. Next time, it’s coming home with me.
The real heroes of the store
The store was busy, and two dads who’d clearly been dragged along by their daughters were sitting side by side on these stools. Even the waiting seats are covered in SOU・SOU fabric.
My take
- Good: More small goods than expected, with lots of affordable items like stationery and tote bags
- Not so good: The signature tabi shoes are on the pricier side
- Best for: Moms, stationery and tumbler lovers, anyone looking for a gift with a Japanese feel
Store info
- Store: SOU・SOU Tokyo Aoyama
- Access: [OMOTESANDO station, 7minutes on foot]
- Online: SOU・SOU official website https://www.sousou.co.jp