It's something that we should have visited much earlier, but there's no point in talking about it now, so I'd like to quickly report on the new developments that will begin in this final episode!
table of contents
To SENKIYA SHINMACHI!
We immediately arrived at the SENKIYA SHINMACHI complex in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, where there is a small bag and outdoor store run by Garage Brand Ripa. What was there earlier? It was Yamanami, the store run by Ripa
The physical store will be closing at the end of this month! So, although it may be a little late, there's still time for the final installment! This is also an urgent report. However, although the physical store will be closing, the e-commerce site will continue, and of course, Ripa as a brand will continue, so don't worry
The cars from the Volkswagen customization specialty store inside the facility were very impressive, and it seems to be quite a well-known store among people who like that kind of thing, as there were lots of amazing cars lined up
By the way, although it is called Kawaguchi, it is not near the JR station as many people may imagine, but rather it may be closer to the Higashi-Urawa area. Therefore, if you are visiting by public transportation, it may be easier to take a bus from JR Higashi-Urawa Station to the nearest station, but it is actually easier to visit by car
So, YAMANAMI has arrived. The reason for his visit may be due to a recent reunion at the GENTLE HIKER STAND2025 event in Moka, Tochigi
Past event reports are here
But now that I've calmed down, I'd like to take a look around SENKIYA SHINMACHI as a whole. First of all, there is a parking lot.
It's a slightly mysterious space where multiple nostalgic buildings mix together
When I visited, it was the season when other stores were moving and replacing, so there were some vacant stores. Inside the building you can see in front of me was a cafe, a general store, etc
This is the staircase to the second floor leading to the general store. Up ahead there is a lovely space selling towels, apparel and small snacks
The cafe was also very busy
Next to the cafe is a CD and stationery store! You might just find something stylish!
I bought some small items at a general store, and they put the items in a newspaper shopping bag made by a local grandmother, which was so cool
Now onto YAMANAMI!
Once inside the store, it is indeed small, but it is a neat, clean and easy-to-see space
When you first enter, your eyes will be drawn to the books on the upper left
If you slide it, you will see a wide selection of accessories from other brands selected by the owner
The great thing about this store is that you can see not only products from the garage brand Ripa, but also selected items that meet the owner's standards!
The bottom shelf is a mix of Ripa products, with the Ripa Square stem bag sitting in the center. This bag can be attached to the handlebars of a bicycle, but it is also a great item that can fit a 2L square PET bottle
On the other side, there is a switch, and the sacoche on the backpack stands out
The depth of the backpack brand Ripa is evident in the large selection of other brands, including Great Cossy Mountain
The clothing lineup is also small but elite
Among them are YAMANAMI original items
There were also Blue Bottle socks
There was also an eno hammock
The top shelf contains MiiR cups and bottles
It's a Ripa bottle holder and a small hanging pouch, and although it's small, it has a clip on the back so it can be attached to various places, making it a very convenient item
At the back right of the store, you'll find Ripa's flagship backpack series! As I'll explain later, during the POP UP period, they mainly take pre-orders but also have items for sale, so they can accommodate both.
This ripa backpack has a seemingly classic look, but is equipped with the latest materials and a modern interpretation. There are sure to be people who will recognize the fusion! The finish is also beautiful
In the center back of the store, there are many sacoche bags and accessories, and there is one item that has become a hidden hit recently
Circle reflectors for bicycles! Their seemingly non-reflective appearance and Ripa's signature leather design are popular. Ripa's distinctive identity is evident in the use of leather in their products. There aren't many garage backpack brands using leather these days
The gron shoulder bag is designed to be somewhere between a tote bag and a messenger bag. It's a great model for everyday use and travel, but it's also stylish!
The bottom shelf here features stickers, patches, and Kasama ware mugs from BROWN by 2-tacs.
Turning to the left, I found wax-like perfumes and incense in front of the cash register. And that's about it, my tour of the store is complete!
Ask the owner, Mr. Hiroe!
Here we are joined by YAMANMI owner and ripa representative, Taishi Hiroe, who will be asking us the usual questions
–When did ripa start?
Ripa started in 2015, after studying bag making at a fashion vocational school. After a conversation with Yokohama-san from Rimba, an outdoor shop I frequented at the time, I started making shoulder totes for bicycles. After continuing to make bags, in 2020 I was approached by the owner of SENKIYA SHINMACHI, who had helped me out with order meetings, and we started opening a shop
–How are you feeling right now?–
This year marks the 15th anniversary of ripa, and in order to continue producing new products and holding POPUP events, we have decided to temporarily close our storefront at YAMANAMI. Going forward, we hope to focus on our online shop and take this opportunity to focus on ripa's creations once again!
–Do you have any information about upcoming events?
Upcoming pop-up events include an exhibition and order event for Ripa in-store until the 27th, YAMANAMI's last business day, and from August 14th to 17th at Tool Shop in Morioka, Iwate, and from the 21st to 24th at LUNETTES' new store "Yamanokata" in Kuroiso, Tochigi, we will be holding an event with hat maker Knock's Hat Shop
Ripa has chosen to close their physical store as a further step forward, but this was also a positive decision to evolve the brand. Although it is sad to see it go, I look forward to future developments! It was also personally moving to me that the launch of the brand was related to Rimba in Urawa, whom I visited a while ago
From past explorations
What did you think of YAMANAMI/ripa? If you're even slightly interested, there's still time! Why not visit SENKIYA SHINMACHI to witness the store's spectacular finale?
YAMANAMI/ripa
・Business days: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, some Tuesdays (actual business days are the 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 26th, and 27th of this month)
・Business hours: 12:00-18:00
Address: 715 Ishigami, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture
・Ripa official Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ripa_bags/
・YAMANAMI official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yamanami_store/
・Ripa online shop site https://ripabag.stores.jp/
・YAMANAMI online shop site https://yama-nami.stores.jp/
SENKIYA SHINMACHI
・Official Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/senkiya_shinmachi/
yans
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