Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Braving Tokyo’s New Year sales can be overwhelming for the inexperienced shopper, but the brilliant bargains make them hard to pass up. The annual stampede for savings starts in the early days of January and continues throughout the month. With discounts of up to 80 percent, though, it’s best to get out early before other bargain hunters snap up the best stuff. An integral part of the experience is the fukubukuro, “lucky bags” filled with a random assortment of goods—no peeking allowed—that are sold at discounts of 50 percent or more. Metropolis asked ardent Harajuku shoppers about their strategies for the sales season.

Left to right:
Fur stoles are really in this winter, but get a fake one!
I’ll go to the sale at Grimoire in Shibuya (www.grimoire.jp). They have really nice antique accessories and handmade clothes.
I’m never getting a fukubukuro again! I never like the things that are in it.
Beams always has nice stuff, and the clothes get a lot more affordable during the sales.
Photos by Emi Kusano

The best investment for this winter is boots. I won’t go to a specific sale, but I’ll look for a down vest, since they’re a lot cheaper during the sales.

Her: I’ve never bought a fukubukuro—I don’t like not knowing what’s in there—but I’m thinking about getting one this year. I’ll go to Laforet and Lumine for the sales, and I want to get some brown clothes.
Him: I’ll go to Lumine as well. I’m looking for a gray hoodie this winter. I think everyone will be wearing them in 2010.

Him: Beige scarves are a winter item that can be worn in many situations. But I won’t be buying anything this year—I’m saving money.
Her: I bought a fukubukuro last year, but didn’t like it that much. I’ll probably tell myself I’m not getting one and then buy one anyway.

If you go to smaller shops, you won’t end up buying the same things as everyone else. I’ll look for colorful clothes this winter. Winter fashion is always dark, and since most people wear black, I’ll be looking for a color that stands out.