Japanomania

A list of Japanese Resources in New York

Kimono House
(212) 505-0232
93 E 7th St
There are two kinds of Japanese fashion: so ultra-hip that the New York kids haven't even heard of it yet and so traditional that young Japanese and Japanese-Americans find it conservative. There's no end of places for the first group to shop at--check out East Ninth in the East Village some time--but there are very few places for the latter. Kimono House fills that void. With a gorgeous array of kimonos for men and women, obis and sandals, it is just the place to regale yourself in an outfit that would make grandma proud. On the more everyday side, there are samurai tote bags, obi evening bags and tea sets at reasonable prices.

Old Japan
This small retail store in the heart of the West Village has been in business since 1990. Specializing in affordable Japanese Antiques, Vintage Silk Kimonos, and Japanese Gift Items. They buy only what they love, the pieces that capture the refined beauty of Japanese Antiques, or the hand-made, rustic objects of everyday use that have become known as Mingei, Japanese Folk Art. The owners visit Japan once a year and carefully hand-pick each item and because the store is limited in size, they carry only the things are the very best, within a reasonable price range. In addition to finished items, Old Japan is a great source for Kimono fabric pieces, which they sell by the cluster and by the bag.