[OGZ's Yamatomachi Exploration Diary Vol. 24] Tokyo Nerima Edition - Outdoors in the Shopping Street! Mountain select shop sokit's store relocation and grand reopening + mini report on the first new store POP UP!

Friday, March 20, 2026

Written by yans

Well, it's been a while since our last Yamato Machi update. And ideally, we'd like to continue with the Fukushima episode, but... we've caught wind of the news that sokit, the quintessential outdoor shop in Nerima, Tokyo, is relocating! So, the editorial team felt compelled to go and cover it immediately! And so, for our first update of the year, we'll be bringing you a report on our surprise visit to sokit in Nerima

table of contents

When you think of Nerima, you think of shopping streets!
Let's go inside!
Sokit's carefully selected apparel!
Stylish items are kept behind the counter
Just half a lap left for the final sprint!
We asked the owner, Mr. Nagashima, about the history of sokit
New product information from sokit!
Furthermore, a mini-report on the first pop-up store of the new location! JRD by JARLD with LAMBDA COFFEE CLUB
A second POP UP event is coming soon after!
Let's take a little more stroll through the shopping street!
If we expand the scope further,

When you think of Nerima, you think of shopping streets!

I arrived at Nerima Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. It's a convenient location with multiple train and bus lines, making it easily accessible by public transport

If you head north from Nerima Station, you'll find a large building on your left where, in the past, Sokit has hosted small pop-up style outdoor events

If you continue straight ahead, you'll see the Nerima Cultural Center, a municipal center in Nerima Ward, where various events are held from time to time

While looking at the cultural center, go down the stairs on your right and turn left

After walking a little further, cross the faintly visible pedestrian crossing and head east

Continue straight until you reach the end of the T-junction

Then you'll see a bakery straight ahead on the right at the end of the street. You've arrived at the shopping street, so turn left here

If you walk for a little less than a minute, you will see it on your left

Sokit's new store is here! It's very close to the station, about a five-minute walk or a little less than ten minutes on foot

And the old store is right next door. So the new store has just moved next door, so the feeling of coming to the store is exactly the same as before! It's just a little closer to the station, so please don't worry

Now, let's head to our newly relocated and renovated store!

Let's go inside!

It's a very stylish space, and the store layout is now almost square, which I think makes it feel much neater and easier to navigate

The old store already feels like a nostalgic place, with its long, rectangular shape

On the counter is the Arata AHL-250, the new headlamp that's currently creating a huge buzz everywhere. We'll be reviewing it on Gearzin soon, so stay tuned!

Let's take a quick stroll around the store, starting from the right and going counter-clockwise. On the middle shelves, I notice some lightweight caps that would be perfect for the coming season

Looking further inside, it seems they also sell baskets made from recycled climbing ropes used to display small items. What a great idea!

Looking at the top shelf, I see Okara's tote bag

This OD can case from holo, another brand by the designer of RawLow Mountain Works, can be used to store various items

That intriguing table is sandwiched in between

This collapsible aluminum table is from SylvanWorks, an outdoor gear brand developed by MKS (Mikashima Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), famous for its bicycle pedals. It's A4 size when unfolded and half that size when stored, making it convenient for both mountain climbing and camping. The fact that it's made in Japan is also a big plus for those who appreciate that kind of thing

On the top bunk by the window were sleeping gear, and against the wall were backpacks. On the bottom bunk were tents

Sokit's carefully selected apparel!

And the highlight on this side is probably the wide selection of clothing, so let me pick out a few to show you

First, the STATIC, which has been consistently popular lately, and the lower crew, which combines Octa and wool, are versatile and can be used as a light sweater for everyday wear or as a mid-layer for mountain climbing

ULSUS, a Taiwanese outdoor brand, offers a full-zip hoodie using Alpha Direct fabric. Active insulation is now so popular among mountain enthusiasts that it needs no introduction! There are many companies offering a wide range of options, and while ULSUS products tend to catch the eye with their vibrant colors, the Alpha fabric itself comes in three different thicknesses depending on the model. If you're unsure which one is right for you, ask the shop owner

For me, the image of sokit is strongly associated with Atelier Blue Bottle! Of course, I chose the Alpha Hoodie from their extensive lineup. It's a pullover type, so it might not suit everyone, but compared to the ULSUS mentioned above, it uses Alpha Direct which is about half the thickness, so depending on the season, you'll probably need to take it on and off less often. I expect that even though it's the same Alpha, the feel of using it will be quite different

RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR has released a new hooded long-sleeve shirt that's collarless!? It's a unique shirt with a hood, and while it looks basic at first glance, its edgy personality is sure to appeal to those who appreciate it

Axesquin's lineup also includes the Ryo series, which is rarely seen. For low mountains, the Tsuyuharahi apron might be better than rain pants for protection from the rain

Sokit also carries AXESQUIN ELEMENTS products, which are rarely seen elsewhere!

So, having taken a quick look at one side, let's move on to the front from the cash register counter

Stylish items are kept behind the counter

A glass and wooden shelf, brought from the old store, sits next to the cash register counter

These mountain-themed accessories aren't directly necessary for mountain climbing, but they can certainly lift your spirits

OWL MILS seems to be gaining popularity lately

This collection is packed with items that would be perfect as a gift for mountain lovers on a special occasion

Just half a lap left for the final sprint!

Let's look around the other side, the center

This one features a lot of gear, starting with the backpack on the top shelf

TMR, who is incredibly popular, is all here

Furthermore , Arata and Evernew.

The cookware selection is extensive, including wooden bowls

We also have a wide variety of sacoche bags in our lineup!

One of sokit's strengths is that you can see 883Designs products, which are rare to come across in person

These days, products are useful not only for mountain climbing and camping, but also in disaster situations

We also have other gloves and socks available

The shelves in the center are for shoes

Looking down, I saw lightweight crampons and carbon poles

On the other side, there's a multitude of outdoor umbrellas, each one excellent, making the choice difficult

We asked the owner, Mr. Nagashima, about the history of sokit

Now, for our usual segment where we ask the shop owner, we'll be asking Mr. Nagashima from sokit a variety of questions

-Let's start with the beginning of sokit-

Sokit will be celebrating its 14th anniversary this March. We've been operating in Nerima for many years, and one of the reasons is that my family home is nearby. However, Nerima is a convenient location for our store because it's easy to get to various places by car and there are three train lines

The original Sokit! I didn't know about it either

Actually, in the very beginning, we ran a "five-tsubo shop" somewhere between Nerima and Sakuradai. That was the first phase. We ran it there for four or five years, and when it finally became too small, we thought, "If we can build this, let's build a new shop and use the first floor for the store!" We found a plot of land that was just within walking distance of Nerima Station, so we thought, "Let's build it here!" That's how the second phase began. But that also became too small, so we moved and expanded the store again, which is the current third phase

The sign for the second-generation store is familiar to anyone who has frequented the shop, including myself

-What was theきっかけ (trigger/reason) for starting a mountain equipment shop?-

I originally worked for a company that imported and wholesaled apparel, but I always wanted to become independent and open my own shop someday. When I felt like the time was right to become independent, I thought, "I want to open a shop in a genre I love." I've been into mountain climbing since I started working, so... I decided on a mountain-themed shop! A shop with a mountain atmosphere

I had experience with sourcing apparel, so I thought, "Even though the genre is a little different, the process is the same, right!? It'll be fine, it'll be fine," and started... But that wasn't the case at the beginning (laughs). It wasn't that easy

Even so, in the first phase, we had major retailers like Axes Femme, with whom we still have a relationship, and we stocked more mountain-themed goods than we do now. It was right around the time of the Mount Fuji boom, so we stocked more everyday items like Mount Fuji-shaped rice bowls. We're not doing it now due to space issues, but there's a possibility we might revive it in the future... it's not impossible

From the first store

Back when we started, there weren't any small garage brands like there are now, so the store's lineup changed along with the times. I remember Ridge Mountain Gear making a really tiny zippered wallet; that was about all there was. I've been involved with them since the very beginning, so it's quite moving

I think the first time I felt the garage brand wave was coming was when Ridge Mountain Gear and Atelier Blue Bottle, mentioned earlier, started selling well, and I felt that people who saw that were starting new garage brands

-And now, a story about the new store, its third year-

The reason we moved to a new store is that the old store was finally getting cramped with piles of cardboard boxes and other things that shouldn't be visible... One reason is that we felt sorry for our customers who came to the store because of the appearance, and another reason is that my thinking has changed since the very beginning when we first opened. The reason why we started as a five-tsubo shop is because at that time, online shops in general were in their heyday and were on a steady upward trend. So we decided to operate with the assumption that we would sell more online than in a physical store, and the store was seen as a showroom, with people actually buying things with a click of an online button

However, customers who actually visit the store write reviews about it on the web and take pictures of the signs and things like that. I thought, "If this continues like this (during my second term) it's going to be a problem!" (laughs)

The first shop was almost entirely DIY-finished and not exactly pretty... But as time passed, my perspective changed, and I realized that having a physical store is really important, that the store is the starting point. So, the second shop was initially neat and tidy, but as I mentioned earlier... (laughs)

The third iteration of the store is neatly organized and equipped with fitting rooms

With that in mind, we've put a lot of effort into the interior design of this store. We haven't installed any storage on the "visible side" at the front of the store. Our intention is to not keep any stock on that side!

We are committed to running our store in a way that will not disappoint customers who have gone to the trouble of traveling all the way to Nerima

New product information from sokit!

And now, information on new products that will be available in stores (at the time of this interview)!

Tarpment offers a wide variety of replacement straps for cameras and sacoches in different materials and colors. Lightweight yet featuring a thin mesh pad, these straps are perfect for those who want a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fit than the original straps, including those from other manufacturers. With a little ingenuity, they can be used for a variety of items, offering endless possibilities depending on your creativity

Furthermore, a mini-report on the first pop-up store of the new location! JRD by JARLD with LAMBDA COFFEE CLUB

I happened to visit for an interview, and then the following week they were having a pop-up event! So I went back that day for an additional interview!

Right next to the entrance is LAMBDA COFFEE CLUB, who often collaborate with JRD!

A luxurious moment: a tasting session on-site

Without getting bogged down in details, it's simply delicious! They sell their own original coffee beans, so if you're interested, check out their online site. They also seem to be actively participating in events

Official EC site : https://lambdacoffee.base.shop/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lambda_coffee_club/

JRD has set up shop in the center of the store, and I think this flexibility in the area will make it easier to run pop-ups in the future

Making its debut at sokit is JRD by JARLD, a brand renowned for its beautifully silhouetted pants, according to Mr. Nagashima. On the day of the event, sokit will be offering new products not scheduled to be in their regular lineup, as well as items only available at the event, making it a truly unique in-store experience

I took a look, and indeed, the pants are made with high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and a beautiful color scheme

"Among all of them, my top recommendation is these water-repellent wide mountain pants!" says brand owner Mr. Shimura. "They're really cool, and I personally really like the color scheme."

I was impressed by the unique features of the shirts, such as the ventilation system with a hidden zipper at the back center. There were also coffee items in collaboration with LAMBDA, so if you're interested, check out their online site!

Official website : https://jarld.jp/index.html

Official EC site : https://outdosky.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jrd_by_jarld/

Finally, a photo of the three of us! The pop-up event was a really fun time

A second POP UP event is coming soon after!

The second POP UP event for baaramewe, an outdoor brand from a woman's perspective run by a female brand owner, was held. The image is courtesy of Nagashima from sokit. Following this POP UP, sokit officially began carrying baaramewe products! Currently, sokit carries band collar shirts, shorts, pleated pants, and the glitter check series (4 styles). This is great news!

Online site: https://baaramewe.fashionstore.jp/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baaramewe_official/

Now, let's rewind time and leave Sokit. I think the reason this shop has been loved for such a long time, 14 years, is surely because of the personality of the owner, Mr. Nagashima. He may seem simple and unassuming at first glance, but I think everyone keeps coming back because of his discerning eye for what is good and what is not, his persuasiveness and kindness. With that in mind... the Nerima chapter continues for just a little longer!

Sokit, a select shop for mountain products

Address: 1-34-12-1F Nerima, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

Business days: Generally Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

Business hours: 12:00 - 18:00

・℡03-5946-9552

• Official website : https://www.sokit.jp/

• Official blog : https://457sokit.blogspot.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sokit_jp/

Let's take a little more stroll through the shopping street!

I wandered around Nerima's shopping street a bit more; it was a very typical shopping street

Leaving the Sokit store and heading north, the first thing you'll come across is the confectionery shop, Castanetto

Just looking at these pictures outside makes the food look delicious; it's a temptation in a good way (lol)

Official website : https://casta.jp/

Further to the left is Saitama-ya, a Japanese confectionery shop that seems to specialize in taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with red bean paste). Personally, I like their kintsuba (a type of sweet bean paste confection)

Minatomen, a Chinese noodle shop specializing in seafood from the San'in region, seems to have become incredibly popular since appearing on a certain walking-themed TV program a while ago

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minatomen.2015/

Further along, on the right, is Wakaba Confectionery, a Japanese sweets shop with a different atmosphere. This shop has an even more traditional Japanese selection than the previous one, and there are surprisingly many Japanese sweets shops in Nerima, making it incredibly difficult to choose!

Just a short distance north from Sokit, you'll find a plethora of fascinating shops

If we expand the scope further,

There's a collection of independent shops, mostly open on weekends, including Kaede no Ki/Keyaki no Oto

There are also independent stationery shops

Nerima has plenty to see and do, including public bathhouses, and the best way to enjoy this town is to visit Sokit while also exploring the shopping streets. Be sure to create your own Nerima map; you'll discover something new every time you visit!

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yans

My love for gears has led me to write for Gearzine. I'm a hardcore gear enthusiast who loves modifying and building things, and I also love outdoor events. I'd like to focus on brand exploration and shop reviews

Personal blog here