Upon entering the western section of Osaka’s Apple Store, one can discover the vibrant district known as “America-mura.” Often likened to Tokyo’s Harajuku or Seoul’s Hongdae, this area in Osaka captivates the younger crowd with its diverse and unique array of shops.
“Discovering America-mura in Osaka, the American Village”
The term “America-mura” translates to “American Village” or “American Town.” It gained prominence in the 1970s when refurbished warehouses began selling second-hand goods imported from the American West Coast, including vintage clothing, records, and miscellaneous items.
Presently, the area is densely populated with second-hand clothing stores, shops, cafes, and galleries, evolving into a focal point for Osaka’s youth culture.
“Exploring America-mura centered around Triangle Park, also known as Sankaku Koen”
America-mura takes the shape of a triangle, earning the nickname “Triangle Park” with Sankaku Koen at its heart. Street performances often grace this area, and during my visit on a Sunday evening, the crowd gathered to witness the lively atmosphere.
“Revisiting America-mura in 2023”
Having explored America-mura during my travels in 2018, returning to the area brought forth a fresh perspective. I ventured into the “Big Step” shopping mall that I passed by previously and visited the “Village Vanguard” store, only to find that Village Vanguard had now closed its doors.
- America-mura visit in 2018: America Mura: Embracing Youthful Vibes in Osaka
During my previous visit in September 2018, preparations for Halloween were already underway. This time around, I observed a similar festive ambiance as the area adorned itself with pumpkin decorations in anticipation of the upcoming Halloween festivities.
While South Korea has seen a declining trend in Halloween celebrations following the Itaewon incident last year, Japan continues to embrace Halloween culture without such setbacks, as evident during my recent visit to Osaka’s America-mura.
“Osaka, America-mura”