Tokyo, an Ever-Evolving City: MIKAN SHIMOKITA

Forever Unfinished

Text by: Joshua Pang / Photos by: Ling Doh Kin / Special thanks: Japan National Tourism Organization Kuala Lumpur Office, Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau(TCVB) - 09 April 2024

As seen on
2023/2024 Annual Issue
December 2023

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Tokyo is always changing and evolving. It is a canvas forever in the making, a narrative eternally unfinished, where each chapter adds a layer to the kaleidoscope of experiences.

Upon entering Shimokita, one immediately senses a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas of Tokyo. It goes beyond mere coolness and trendiness, embodying a unique ambiance forged from the fusion of elements such as fashion, art, and everyday life. One can sense it in the air, in the quaint storefronts lining the streets, or in the expressions of the young souls visiting Shimokita.

The genesis of it all lies in the railway development of the 20s and 30s, attracting the young denizens from Tokyo migrating north to reside here. In the 70s and 80s, Shimokita became synonymous with performing arts, particularly theatre and music. Artistic souls converged here, birthing a plethora of establishments tailored to their tastes and spending habits. Thus, Shimokita gradually evolved into a cultural and commercial hub, anchored by keywords such as theatre, film, music, vintage fashion, lifestyle goods, books, and bicycles.

MIKAN SHIMOKITA, unveiled in 2022 beside the Shimokita Station viaduct, seamlessly integrates retail, dining, and shared office spaces. It not only preserves the artistic essence of Shimokita but elevates the communal, open, and leisurely atmosphere of commerce.

Currently housing sought-after brands embraced by the youth, including Tsutaya Bookstore, the collaborative space SYCL blending work and play, and the vintage heaven Toyo Department Store. MIKAN SHIMOKITA is a manifestation of foresight and innovation in urban redevelopment. The name “Mikan,” meaning “unfinished” in Japanese, not only accentuates the forward-thinking nature and approach of this urban revitalization project but also symbolises the untapped potential for continual growth and transformation in the future.