As we approach our 10th anniversary here at kay me, we are thrilled to announce our newest store locations; Nagoya Sakae, Fukuoka, and Hanshin Umeda (Osaka)! With such diverse culture in Japan, each city is incredibly unique whether pertaining to dialect, scenery and landscape, or even specialty dishes. We’d love to take this opportunity to introduce our three new store locations, as well as the unique culture that surrounds them.
Nagoya
Our first store, Nagoya Sakae, debuted on February 24th, and is located inside Nagoya Sakae Mitsukoshi.
Nagoya is most famously known for their rich background in ceramics and textile, which has been said to have existed from the 12th century. Many of these traditional workshops and factories can be toured, and is the perfect location for kay me as it has a vibrant culture centered around traditional Japanese craftsmanship, a quality we strive to introduce to the world through our clothing.
The most iconic landmark of Nagoya is their castle, completed with a 48-meter tall tower and a moat. The tower has been renovated and now houses a museum for tourists to learn about the rich history of Nagoya. The castle is also dressed with Shachihoko, ornate carp statues with the head of a tiger or dragon, which has become a popular symbol many Japanese people know Nagoya by.
Fukuoka
Our second store newly opening this year is Fukuoka, which will open on March 3rd, located inside of Fukuoka Mitsukoshi.
Fukuoka is said to be one of Japan’s largest cities, most famous for their resonance with the arts. From gorgeous museums and galleries, to quaint local theatres, the arts surround everyday life in Fukuoka, which can be observed by taking a stroll down any street. With such a deep connection with artistry, we believe that our new store will feel right at home.
Internationally known for their Reclining Buddha located within the Nanzoin Temple, Fukuoka is also known for their many temples and shrines, which are all surrounded by gorgeous greenery. When visiting Fukuoka, we suggest wearing comfortable shoes, like our Howa Howa Stretch Flats, as these sights will not want to be missed! Not only do they add a chic touch to any outfit, our vegan flats are lightweight, flexible, and feature 10 times more cushioning to ensure day-long comfort. Choose from a selection of 5 different shades and 2 premium-quality vegan materials, with each pair made by artisan shoemakers in Tokyo.
Osaka
Our third location opening on March 10th will be in the Hanshin Umeda Main Building, located in Osaka.
Osaka, the epicenter of the Kansai Region, is best known for its urban downtown scenery. Many historians hypothesize that Osaka was originally to become the capital of Japan rather than Tokyo. Known as the ‘city of water’ with its expansive canals and rivers spanning the area, the landscape made way for communities come together and flourish. Even to today, this bustling metropolitan area still grows, and the busy streets of Dotonbori are beautifully illuminated at night with bright neon signs covering every inch of each building. When visiting Osaka, we highly suggest walking down these streets and giving traditional cuisine, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki, a try!
In contrast to the busy metropolitan area, Osaka also offers breathtaking traditional Japanese architecture present in their shrines, temples, and castles. One of the most popular landmarks is the Osaka Castle, which nestles right in the middle of the metropolitan area. The castle is surrounded by parks, gardens, museums, and even a shrine, and makes it the perfect location for an afternoon stroll to escape the urban jungle that surrounds it. With so much variety Osaka has to offer, we hope that our new Hanshin Umeda location will provide a go-to spot for busy women in need of versatile items that can be worn for any occasion.
With so many exciting landmarks to see for all three locations, we highly recommend grabbing a pair of our Howa Howa Stretch Flats with the kay me Soft Hoodie, available in 3 colors and 1 gorgeous floral print. The fluffy fabric is light and airy, and perfect for strolls! The hoodie can be paired with any outfit, including long skirts, for ultimate comfort without compromising style.
This hoodie can be purchased online, or in-store, including our 3 newest locations! Find your closest store on your next trip in Japan and discover more with our comfort-driven items!
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