I Went Shopping at The BEST THRIFT STORE in Japan...

This is Japan's BEST Thrift shop and today we're doing a HAUL! Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/tokyolens Risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!
A day filled with hidden gems in Kyoto's best thrift shops! Everything from Japanese antiques, to brand items, games, retro tech, and more!!
The amount of amazing retro tech that we were able to find in this Japanese thrift store was fantastic for a place that is mostly focused on housewares and antiques!! And bringing everything we bought, back to my Akihabara studio made for quite possibly the best Japan thrift haul yet!!
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ARK KYOTO (Ark Recycle) Thrift Store
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*Where to Send Stuff* - As of 10.2021
Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
1-10-5 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Kokugikan Front Bldg 2F
130-0015
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[@TokyoLens]

BEST HAUL EVER!! Get Exclusive NordVPN deal here ➼ nordvpn.com/tokyolens Risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee! What would YOU have bought? Join the discussion down below!! Thinking of doing one GIANT unboxing and haul vid of a bunch of the thrift finds I've found so far!! Might even do it live! You can find that one over on Patreon!! (linked!)

[@dianechaniewski293]

I would have bought the puzzle box and the tanuki! :)

[@user-qd6pu7nh8s]

More Noah! He is such a fantastic feature in your videos Norm!

[@FGBFGB-vt7tc]

12:38 : Norm, that spring-like item is for exercising your hands. My late father had to do rehabilitation after an operation and he did his strength exercises for each finger by putting it in his palm then closing each finger as if they were to reach his palm in sequence. Also by gripping it.

[@lofidigitalmonk]

Came here for this! I was thinking a small manual massager.

[@Cinetyk]

Thanks for answering. The internet can be a dark space, but there is also channels like Tokyo Lens and people like you commenting, so it keeps my faith in humanity alive.

[@MrBryancslim]

Looks like a protein shaker ball to me😂!

[@strippinheat]

I always appreciate how Japanese people tend to take care of their things. I've bought several older items that are pristine. You can regularly find collector's editions of old games complete in the boxes like they were brand new. It warms My heart as someone that used to work at GameStop and would regularly have people bring in games that were loose and scratched up. And it's not like they're doing it to retain some collector's value, they just care for stuff. Maybe they're worried about if their things will turn into tsukumogami.

[@erilaz7]

Speaking as someone who has worked for years at a used record store in California, I totally agree with you. I buy lots of second-hand media when I go to Japan - CDs, DVDs, records, books - and excellent condition is the norm. I've even bought CDs and DVDs that were former rentals, and apart from the rental stickers, they were usually in great shape, too. Also, as we see in this video, companies in Japan tend to package things for shipment EXTREMELY WELL.

[@Liliquan]

One can never expect to watch a video about Japan without a laundry list of ethnic essentialism.

[@CCaribou]

​@@Liliquanbore off

[@johannesviljoen9656]

for others tsukumogami = possessed items/tools

[@Steve.._.]

​@@Liliquanone can never expect to go through the comments without a whiner who makes everything about them 😂

[@pauladavitt7554]

Norm gets excited over the robot and I instantly spot the large box of yarn right in front of him.

[@TokyoLens]

😂 I noticed that too haha

[@amara560]

Me!

[@Zimgirgaz]

I'm beginning to think if I ever get to go to Japan, an entire week of strolling through thrift stores would not be out of the question. 😻

[@barrettdent405]

Norm has definitely shown the thrift scene well. But what blew me away was the 100yen shops. I absolutely love DAISO. To Norm it’s probably not special. It’s such an everyday place. But the goods are actually GOOD! Unlike like the products that make it to North American dollar stores.

[@nightshadekelly]

I put thrifting on my list of things I'm gonna do there lol

[@Zimgirgaz]

@@barrettdent405 We've got a number of Daisos near my residence in California. I go to them frequently.

[@sparcsau]

look for the book off/ hard off ....all the off's they are a chain of thrift stores. on and BIG second street's ... the little ones just tend to be expensive second hand clothes

[@therandomchannel-_-]

yeah I have a friend that lives in Tokyo, if I ever go Im just going to get her to ship me everything I buy 😂

[@Laerckz]

That planer at 9:46 is not for wood working. It is actually a fish planer, specifically for bonito flakes and the wooden box below the planer is for catching the fish shavings called Katsuobushi ( 鰹節). The fish are basically cooked for an hour, then smoked and preserved until they are rock hard, and then planed to get the shavings. These shavings are used to make dashi which is a broth used in a lot of japanese cooking, especially for miso soup.

[@aprilpatte6397]

Yes it was killing me when he was talking about it.

[@Spirow]

Love it when Norm has someone along with him, he bounces so well with anyone he takes along!

[@klappstuhl4370]

He should take Ayaka with him next time! I wanna see what treasures she would see in some of these items!

[@thecolortwelve3784]

As usual your enthusiasm for exploring thrift stores is a delight.

[@yossisureta2578]

I love the thrift shop series❤ definitely I’m gonna stop by Ark if I’m going to Kyoto!! And YEEEES your tech buddy is back🎉 so fun to watch you two together😂

[@TokyoLens]

such a lucky trip this time!

[@jamesroach709]

I brought the very same playstation with excat box new when I lived in Japan during the late 90's.

[@hihillari]

Like someone else mentioned, it feels like Japanese people in general tend to take exquisite care of their items. I’ve ordered a fair few used items from Japan and they always come in better condition than most brand new US items.

[@NaeniaNightingale]

I have ordered candy and snacks from Japan (not subscription boxes) and the packaging every time was top notch to the point that the chips in the bags were all still whole when they arrived to Sweden. That’s insanely well done! I wish our own postal offices were as skilled, or at least a tenth as good xD

[@Stormcrow89]

Omg, that record player! 😍 To find an RCA Victor in that good of shape is super rare! I think some of those lamps would be amazing conversation pieces. Also, the robot is adorable! I want to know more about it!

[@nathanharper639]

I love the unadulterated joy you have in finding these things. You've been in Japan for years now but you still enjoy the nature, beauty and splendor of the country. It is refreshing and awe inspiring. I love catching your videos and adding new places to my wish list of places to see when I finally get to come to Japan. Thank you for everything!

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

Watching you guys finding interesting items is so much fun just like kids opening Christmas gift boxes😆🎁 I do remember a glass made ashtray used to stay right next to a leather sofa in my grand parents’ house! Lots of nostalgia can be found ne☺️

[@AY-dr4bz]

That robot toy was very popular in italy at the end of the ‘90s....he's name was Emiglio, advertised as Emiglio is the best if i remember right. There was also a very girly version of it named Martina. They made updated designs through the years and now a vintage one in good conditions is worth more than a hundred bucks depending on the seller .... nice find!!!

[@luac5829]

If I have the chance to go to Japan, a thrift store tour would be a must, the amount of pristine objects is outstanding! Also the little robot guy is very cute... btw, probably somebody answer already, but the spring thingies are apparently "spring grip balls"

[@Countiii]

12:50 That's a Grasp Spring, sometimes sold as a 3 in one stress relief / grip trainer / paperclip :D

[@Embarrassed_Mess_]

Thrift stores are the best! It’s so much fun to see what mysteries await you there. 😂 Thanks for bringing us along! 😊

[@TokyoLens]

thanks so much for coming along!

[@dannivizion]

That is really amazing that they found your video and invited you to film this one. Some of this stuff is gorgeous, especially the Wooden Apothecary Cabinets. I always love those, I don't know what I'd do with one though. Haha. But they add so much character and story to any room. And OH, a brown leather armchair in the second store, it'll go perfect with those cabinets! Oooh, and 9:05 I saw a little robot! I want the robot! I love op-shops. I'm typing as I watch and now I'm at 14minutes, and I'm SO GLAD you found the robot! Haha. OH, you got the robot! I'm so glad. From that 9minutes mark I was "get the robot!" Haha.

[@loftythemite5586]

Somehow you always make me want to go check out every single thrift store I could find. That robot is cool as heck.

[@BathoryBat]

Those tiny swords are so cute! I also actually really love those old dress forms. They wouldn't be particularly useful to me because they're definitely way smaller than I am, but antique dress forms just feel nostalgic in the way that heritage and living history museums are. I would absolutely get that tabletop and fill the missing sections with an epoxy resin and faux moss (Many craft mosses that you can find in the US that claim to be real moss are actually lichen that take significantly longer to grow than actual moss, and I don't know how to tell them apart) The SCREAM I SCRUMPT at the Gloomy Bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm such a sucker for Gloomy Bear and I never considered one would ever be seen in a thrift store. They're not particularly old, but they are definitely something that a lot of people collect, so they tend to be sold second hand by the actual owners. Gloomy is a character created by Mori Chack, a graphic designer from Osaka, and is a giant, man eating, pink bear. But there are other color variations of the character like the black one in that store.

[@erilaz7]

My grandma used to have a set of tiny swords like that, which my dad bought for her when he was in Spain, I think.

[@bladedemissary]

The metal spring thing with ceramic end caps looks like an adjustable lid, plate, cookie sheet holder. It stretches to the size of the width of cabinet you wish to store your pot lids or plates or cookie sheets or also hold many of them in a larger cabinet or pantry shelf. It has ceramic ends so the interior of your cabinet does not get scratched up and also so it can be washed. A cork or wooden end cap would fall apart or get water logged over time and not hold the structure of the spring safely any more.

[@shannondore]

Yes!! I love it when you do thrift store vids. I would go totally broke if I went to any thrift stores in Japan. So many cool things. Thanks for taking us along Norm. Take care.😊

[@TokyoLens]

Quite possibly best haul ever lol

[@shannondore]

@@TokyoLens That robot was an awesome find. 🤖

[@AbeyantHeroAspires]

this POV is like the gameplay & fun of Shenmue, EVERYTHING can be inspected/opened! Thoroughly enjoy the content

[@namratasinharay4968]

It's so fantastic to see a very known city through unknown lens. Thank you for being a channel that is more about the people. 😊 The toilet ignored you guys!😂😂😂

[@tammi6771]

I love thrift stores! It's so interesting to see the variety of items. That robot is amazing! So glad you bought it.

[@watchingtime9643]

It's so cool to see the variety in items between thrift stores in the US and thrift stores in Japan!! Most of the things in this haul would've been behind a glass case for auction over here haha, it seems so nice to be able to just buy all of this super cool stuff!

[@OllamhDrab]

It's maybe an unfortunate side effect of Ebay and other online shopping options having gotten big, it made a lot of stuff in shops be marked up or ...just sold directly online. And high rents made a lot of junkier shops less viable, which can be a bummer for me cause I always liked to fix/repurpose/refinish old stuff and for that you don't want to start with anything too nice. :)

[@DemianStar]

I love these types of videos, I really like to see when you show these types of stores. Thanks for showing us other things about Japan that not many do.

[@IKyrax]

Oooh another thrift store video! Always love catching these super early! What a great day! Thank you so much for being an awesome individual and spreading joy, I (and many others) appreciate you very much! Take care, friend ❤

[@patrishaharrigan4466]

I ALWAYS love these videos! I am an avid thrift shopper here in the states, but one of my main goals when I visit Japan is to hit the thrift stores there! I especially love to find art pieces and scrolls!

[@sarahramos2919]

This was such a fun start to the week! It is nice to shop vicariously through you because you find the things that I tend to pass by (electronics and such) because I didn’t play with them as a child. It’s like learning how to have fun in a sense. 😊 I can’t wait to experience Japanese thrift shops for myself soon. 🎉 Take care! ***Also, LOVE the robot!

[@livkoopai5621]

I love how genuinely excited you are about everything, it's so refreshing to see!

[@moniquegroom2353]

I kept yelling at the tv "WAIT!!! What's that!?" Being a travelling visitor would be hard....I would want the step-style cabinet in the 1st store AND that square leather chair - so cool! If you find any more thrift stores on YOUR travels, do let us come along!

[@Adasioadasio]

You get me so excited with the thrift store videos! Suoer happy to see this one added on my lunch break now: D

[@amribel]

always so interesting to see what u can find in these thrift stores, i loved the wooden book storage so much!

[@SmilingQuokka]

What amazing shops! That robot is so cute!! Such a good find. Also, the chair you guys sat in at the 4:00 min mark is almost exactly like some my husband's great-aunt here in Australia had had. But in better condition. So amazing to see another like them.

[@Azu512]

this thrift store videos are way more interesting when you buy the stuff and showcase it at the end, please do more like this!

[@k_redacted5353]

That lil robot is so cute!! I hope we end up seeing him more 🤩

[@KirkKiyosadaTome]

Love how excited you both are about finding these hidden gems!

[@CynariGames]

cant tell if the thrift shop videos or the exploring out in the middle of nowhere vids are my favourite! great video as usual! keep up the good work and keep doing what you love!

[@TokyoLens]

Thank you so much!!

[@bork0992]

Such a great haul! So many Japanese 2nd hand stores seem to be total hits!

[@geneticgenie192]

Love love love thrift shops and antique stores no matter where in the world they are located …thanks for sharing

[@kaeruchan]

Amazing video as always! The Japanese puzzlebox is something I wanted for so long and you got me hyped for them again. And fate was on my side: I found a variety of puzzleboxes in Hakone today! ❤ Will definitely swing by Ark when I'm in Kyoto. 😊 Please keep the thrift store videos coming.

[@ceceedraws]

I started a new job a few weeks ago where I have to work from home, and since then I've been watching your videos, having them play in the background. They keep me company throughout my day. I love thrifting so this video especially was such a treat! So thank you!

[@The_Foil]

New thrift store video from tokyo lens after a day of work, What a blessing!

[@eirazil06]

I really love these Japanese Thrift Shop Series. I run a small Japanese Thrift Shop business here in the Philippines (Commonly known here as "Japan Surplus") and i do feel the same way whenever i see vintage Japanese Figurines. They're definitely a work of art. Opening boxes of these random Japan Stuffs feels like your opening a treasure box. Also i love that robot you purchased. I'm glad you take that. 😊

[@yoostinah]

These thrift stores are amazing! Definitely visiting both next time I'm in Japan. I think the puzzle box was originally made in Hakone - I got a similar one there at an artisan shop back in 2017. Love that you bought the robot, it's a perfect addition to your studio. Thanks again for creating amazing content!

[@9sheri9]

Sweeeeet, let's go! 🍿 I've been waiting for another Tokyo Lens antique/ second-hand shopping video 💕✌️

[@Gaara11990]

Greetings Norm. These little snippets into some of the amazing places you find and show on camera never cease to entertain me. Love the robot that's crazy it works! I heard you mention you are still not playing yet on your Shamisen? I know you mentioned it was a possibility of lasting damage from that accident but I hope you find that it didn't take that from you and there is a way to rehabilitate to allow for it if that's the hold up not just you being a very very busy man. Thank you for sharing these gems and I look forward to checking out some of these places when I get back over this Fall/Winter. Hope you are having a great 2023.

[@buzz-bas]

Another great haul from the thrift shop. Love how you can find new gems every time you visit one of these stores and I fear for my wallet when I walk into one of these shops.

[@kat.ily111]

I love how excited you are.

[@claudiapera87]

Your face with the robot! Pure happiness! 😂

[@toshi_ca]

When the eyes turned on and glowed red, I half expected it to say "I'm sorry Norm, I cannot do that."

[@GamingFoodie]

That robot is too cute I'm so glad you gave him a good home

[@alphamike87]

Awesome video Norm, going to Thrift stores/second hand stores would be a highlight of my Japan trip

[@dennisud]

You are having way too much fun! And we enjoy watching it! 👍🏽

[@tbard]

The hand plane in a box looks like the ones used to slice katsuobushi, and the box is just to keep the flakes in.

[@Crevasse14]

Love it when you do japan thrift stores. I feel like I'd buy a lot of random stuff if I visit one.

[@nitegremlin4822]

That’s Scooter the robot! As soon as I saw the thumbnail I was waiting for it. I still have my Scooter from when I was a kid 😅 there were so many treasures in this video aghh

[@MicheleJean]

The Super Famicom for 800 had me saying "What!?" out loud. These thrifting adventures are a blast, and is making me want to go do that here locally. Thanks for sharing!

[@nyaamix138]

I'm going to be in Kyoto soon and your videos have been giving me so many ideas! I can't wait😀

[@JoltingZ]

Just found your channel earlier today. Watched a ton of videos and you do a phenomenal job. Keep up the great work!!

[@TokyoLens]

Thanks so much and welcome to the adventure! Glad to have you here!

[@audgepodge381]

I can literally feel the excitement through the video! wow, When i visit, i'll make sure to pack lightly and come here. I also loved your videos about the 80 year old man in the tiny village of gifu prefecture. I'd hire you as a tour guide for sure!

[@mateusbezerr4]

Norm puts the robot in the entrance to the office, is a great chit chat starters lol

[@murisakiasuna4423]

I love the thrift store videos! That 箏 is so pretty with the cover! 🥰

[@Eksevis]

Watching you nerd out in videos is fantastic.

[@madeofnapalm]

That robot brought some nostalgic feelings 😊

[@wangxianist]

it's always nice seeing norm have this kind of fun every time he visits thrift stores 😂

[@wangxianist]

noah sulking a bit about that clear tamagochi-like stuff is so funny 😆

[@MrBryancslim]

I love content like these!! Treasure hunts!

[@F4834N]

Any day a Japanese thrift store video comes up is a great day 😊 👍

[@samuelj8173]

Loving these thrift store finds

[@MandyPeachy]

Next time when I visit Japan hoping some day , I think a antique store or a thrift store is such a good idea to do a souvenir

[@SuperBrieBear]

The studio looks awesome. Great job!

[@Dakoya]

Yes!!! I love Tokyo thrifts !! Looking forward to this great content

[@TokyoLens]

Yay! Thank you!

[@ScaryGhost44]

All that retro game stuff is amazing!

[@chadkimmel8957]

I love these Japanese thrift store videos. I could spend a two week vacation doing that.

[@Chronis67]

Find yourself someone who looks at you the same way Norm looks at Japanese thrift stores.

[@yvan2218]

Congrats on passing 750k! I can already see 1 mil on the horizon 🥰🥰

[@triple_cheese]

OOh another thrift store video + a Norm VPN ad. Loved it

[@ryuuakiyama3958]

These are always so fun to watch. I don't really comment very much, but this really does make me want to visit one of these places (though there's an ocean and a continent between me and them).

[@millennialchicken]

First the little Robo Guy turns up here, then 2 days later he's seemingly appeared alongside Demondice at a concert. Way to go Robo Guy.

[@jamesbanana2368]

Been binging your videos, Fantastic work man👍 Love to see you explore the wilderness and go camping ⛺️ Keep it up 👍

[@TokyoLens]

More to come!

[@jamesbanana2368]

@@TokyoLens Christmas is coming early then🤤

[@RIXRADvidz]

the Sparkling Joy surrounding that little robot. !!!!

[@TokyoLens]

just so much joy..... loveit!

[@Count-Drekon]

i really love your thrift store hunts, i will share that video with my GF she loves thift stores thanks norm

[@kenoathiog1156]

Speaking of Puzzle Boxes… I have bought a few Japanese boxes - some with yosegi marquetry type designs, and some from Karakuri Creation Group… my favourites being by Akio Kamei & Osamu Kasho. I would LOVE seeing a video of a visit to the Hakone area, & seeing some puzzle master craftsmen at work & a tour of their workshops- or Karakuri group. Thanks for all the great videos… bring Noah back!… the defeat on his little face when he knows he has to spend the money is adorable 😂

[@johnl6333]

wow, the difference in thrift shops between Japan and Canada are insane. If those retro games and console works, you're probably looking at a lot of money....especially with the condition of the box and accessories. Thank you for another great video.

[@yurionoe3109]

Oh! I have this wooden puzzle box 😆but I bought it 6 or 7 years ago at a very small shop in Nagoya that was stuffed with wooden toys for kids and other interesting products. I loved that drawer thing with kanji carved that was by the entrance of the first shop.

[@daRich_X]

Superb video! So exciting to watch and I squealed with joy when I saw your robot come to life. So so so cool!!

[@joker6solitaire]

OMG that deep red leather armchair in the 2nd shop (minute 8:24) is straight out of my décor wishlist 😍! It's the perfect place to read a good book. If only I could jump into this computer screen and buy it...

[@SuperbFairy]

Another lovely video Norm, that toy robot was supremely funky

[@uwe1140]

I'm glad you showed this store. For me it was like walking into my Great Aunt's house. However, the chair you found very comfortable, I get to enjoy mine everyday. Along with the couch that matches it. Opening the boxes is like opening buried treasure. It was truly a fascinating place.

[@uwe1140]

Norm, I need to talk to you about something. Can you contact me?

[@VerhoevenSimon]

That's quite the haul, and I love that you ended up getting that robot.

[@hannahlavake7652]

I love when you go to thrift stores. ❤ That robot was definitely a good investment. 😂

[@StSparky]

FTR, we bought a seat on our return flight to bring my kiddo’s koto home. (4:46) Buying one here gets even pricier. Kid’s high school Japanese class is heading to Kyoto this spring break. Fun will be had.

[@elflass5544]

Love this video! Thanks for showing all the miniatures! The dart board with the closing doors is very much like one in my childhood home. Now I want to play Dr. Mario (I still have my original NES version) 😊

[@Kravachi]

That Robot is an Emiglio Robot. I used to have one as a kid. I got it for christmas. It also came with a tray that had a cup holder. You can talk into the mic in the remote and speak to people. So many fun memories with that robot as a kid!

[@AirborneDutchy]

Another thrift store video. Let's go. These are usually enjoyable and full of hidden gems. I'm here for more.

[@TokyoLens]

this one felt specially wild lol

[@AirborneDutchy]

@Tokyo Lens it came true on camera. Like a kid in a candy store. Or beter yet a norm in a thrift store. Just finished watching and had a blast. I'll be waiting for the next video and hope you're doing well.

[@lostinjapanglish5202]

Japanese thrift shops are so amazing, love those old things but in same time they're well preserved

[@KirstenReusch]

Absolutely love it. Soooo much temptation. Will have to make my way across town to see this. I'd grab that live edge and do a colored resin fill. Beautiful old stamps, furniture, and that puzzle box 👌 Have a great week, Norm 💜✌🐦

[@alecangelo7443]

Thrift store video.. Retro rare stuff is some of the best things you can have.. could spend the whole day like this, almost forgot that it's Sunday.. notification squad let's go..

[@TokyoLens]

best squad ever!

[@whensunkissedf]

I was looking for a comment about that thing. 😂

[@tiffanyspliff9623]

The pocket stations are so cool! Final Fantasy 8 worked with it but I never messed with it. So cool seeing them in box! And I didn't know they made them in clear.