1.Prologue

The Sazaby League operates popular luxury “select shops" such as Ron Herman and Estnation.

In got its start in the 80s by fusing zakka (curio and other bric-a-brac) with the brand showroom concept in Afternoon Tea, and heading Japan operations for the French fashion designer brand Agnès b.

Founder Suzuki Ryuzo was born in the city of Zushi in Kanagawa Prefecture, and was close with Ishihara Shintaro (author and former governor of Tokyo) and his brother Ishihara Yujiro (actor) since childhood.

In the 80s the retailer also ventured into the restaurant business with Kihachi. In the 90s, it struck gold with jewelry and accessory brand Agete, and played a major part in bringing Starbucks to Japan.

In the 2000s, it found success with select shop Estnation and in its handling of Japan operations for lifestyle concept American Rag Cie and shoe brand Camper. In 2009, it opened Ron Herman and Ron Herman Cafe on the ground floor of its Sendagaya headquarters, which became a favorite haunt of Japanese celebrities.

In the 2010s, it made waves in the Japanese fashion industry when it brought the down jacket brand Canada Goose to Japan. The jackets have since become a common sight in the city.

2.Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is a lifestyle brand that was created in 1981 to spread the British custom of afternoon tea and all the implements that go along with it to Japanese consumers. Its mission is to provide customers with “spice of a day"—inspiring clothes, food, and homeware for easy living. It operates a number of retail concepts across Japan, such as HOME&LIVING and GIFT&LIVING, as well as a number of food establishments offering tea, sweets, pasta and other light meals. Popular zakka include its extensive collection of teacups, saucers, teapots, and vacuum flasks—many of which have been made in collaboration with various brands and designers. The aesthetic is feminine in the most girly sense.

3.agete

Founded in Aoyama in 1990, Agete is a jewelry brand selling affordable necklaces, earrings, and rings as fashionable items for daily use rather than just for special occasions. The designs are low-key statement pieces, basic and delicate, easy to mix and match with other pieces of jewelry and clothes to give even the most casual of outfits a grown-up vibe. The brand is especially popular among women in their late 20s. For spring 2019, it has unveiled a collection of mystical designs featuring weathered Roman glass.

4.KIHACHI

Kihachi is a restaurant and patisserie brand run by Chef Kumagai Kihachi, who brings together influences from his time as head chef at the Embassies of Senegal and Morocco, as well as his experiences working at a number of famous restaurants in France. He serves up fusion cuisine prepared using choice ingredients at Kihachi, popular sweets featuring seasonal ingredients at Patisserie Kihachi, and elegant afternoon snacks at Kihachi Café. Kihachi Aoyama, which is located along the gingko-lined avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien, offers a peaceful dining experience nestled among the trees, and is the perfect setting for a girls day out or a weekend date. Lunch courses are available for 3,000-6,000 yen, and dinner courses for 8,000-10,000 yen.

5.ESTNATION

Estnation is a high-end Japanese “select shop" with a following both at home and abroad. It sells men’s wear and women’s wear from its own private label, as well as the latest products from designer brands. The name “Estnation" comes from “east nation", and embodies the founders’ wish to be at the forefront of Tokyo fashion, putting forth new standards of luxury for a global audience. The brand’s Roppongi Hills store—which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2018—offers a relaxing shopping experience in a singular atmosphere. In a time when online shopping has become the way to go for many shoppers, this store reminds you why it’s worth going out and visiting brick-and-mortar locations. It is a destination for busy adults looking for the real deal both for business and private.

6.CAMPER

Camper is a casual shoe brand founded in 1975 on the on the Spanish island of Mallorca, with roots in a three-generation shoemaking tradition going back to 1877. It is known for its super comfortable shoes and playful designs, inspired by the Mediterranean and built for urban living. Its signature items have long been its leather sneakers, especially the iconic Pelotas and Peu. Through its Camper Together project, it works with international designers and architects to produce exclusive collaborations and unique shop designs. The Shinjuku Flags store is worth a visit for the interior design alone.

7.Ron Herman

Ron Herman is a lifestyle boutique that opened its doors on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood in 1976. The “select shop" concept is, of course, distinctly Japanese; outside of Japan stores selling all manner of products under a luxury lifestyle vision are often called “lifestyle boutiques". Step one foot inside of Ron Herman and you can’t shake the feeling that you’re in SoCal, with the ocean and blue skies just outside, and might just run into a celebrity. The Ron Herman main label sells California products ranging from high-end to casual, while the R label is all about surf culture. Meanwhile, RH California puts forth ideas for living inspired by the California lifestyle.

8.Ron Herman Café

Stroll into the Ron Herman Café as if you were strolling into your California beach house. The interior features white walls, wooden tables with plenty of character, and an order counter with distressed finish. The cafe offers American classics like the grilled chicken salad (1,500 yen tax incl.) and standard burger (1,500 yen tax incl.), as well as Hollywood celeb-friendly items for the health-conscious, such as the power salad with quinoa and shrimp (1,400 yen tax incl.) and vegan rice bowl (1,350 yen tax incl.)

<CAFE INFO>

Ron Herman Cafe Sendagaya

Address:

2-11-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8575

TEL:

+81-(0)3-3402-6839

Open:

10:00~20:00 (last call 19:00)

Closed:

No fixed holidays

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