Beyond the torii gate lies another world

It’s a 7-minute walk from Fuse Station.Just off the bustling shopping street, it stands quietly.The sign simply reads “Kika-ya: Daydream.”But what really catches the eye is the torii symbol painted on the door. It almost looks like some kind of magical barrier.

When you tentatively open the door, the first thing that catches your eye is a row of kokeshi dolls. Then, you’ll see taxidermied wolves and deer sitting there.

Thisisa place filled with slightly unusual treasures. It’s not just a general store.It’s a mysterious space where relics from the Showa era coexist with objects that are somehow surreal and quirky.

I’ve collected my favorites and packed them in tight.

The shop is located on the second floor, up a flight of stairs.It’s packed with items all the way to the ceiling, and no matter where you look, it’s thrilling.

Crammed into every available space are clothes, accessories, dolls, masks, and Showa-era idol magazines. Next to a teddy bear that must have once been hugged by a child sits a model skeleton that, no matter how you look at it, serves absolutely no practical purpose.

The shop is run by a married couple. Their criteria for selecting items is simply “what they like.”From nostalgic items reminiscent of a Showa-era candy store to surreal B-movie horror posters, you can really feel that they’ve stayed true to their own personal tastes throughout.

A Dream That Never Ended

Originally, this shop was first located in Showa-cho, then in Abeno. However, they were forced to vacate both locations due to the buildings’ deterioration.That’s when they chose Fuse.

“We love the atmosphere of this shopping district,” the couple says. They’ve even set up their new home right nearby.You can sense their determination to build both their lives and their business alongside this town.

What’s interesting is that longtime fans have followed them here. It seems quite a few people, after seeing their social media posts, make the trip all the way from other prefectures or even from overseas. A fresh breeze is beginning to blend with the “deep” character of Fuse.

Making a Living from What You Love

Everyone who walks into this shop has a slight sparkle in their eyes.They peer into the gaps between the shelves or let out cries of delight at unfamiliar retro goods.I’m sure it’s not the value of the items themselves that brings this out, but rather the feeling of “I found it!”

You come across something, smile a little, and yet it sticks with you. That “sticking” feeling might just be the very reason this shop exists.

True to its name, “Kikaya: White Daydream,” this shop makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a dream that’s just slightly out of sync with reality. If you’re feeling a little bored with your daily routine, it might be nice to just wander in and pass through the torii gate.