Big Red Underwear
This store is called Red Underpants, and as you can see, we’re not talking lacy thongs, here. It’s in Sugamo, a neighborhood that caters to the post-retirement crowd. Wearing red after you turn 60 is considered auspicious here in Japan, and thanks to this shop, no matter what size or shape you are, if you’re over 60, you can get lucky.

This store is on a street called Koshinzuka, lined with shops that sell goods from a bygone era. If you go on a day that ends in “4” there’s a fab street market with vendors selling everything from custom-blended shichimi spice to homemade squid snacks. If you’d like to visit Koshinzuka Street the next time you’re in Tokyo, a map is on my website, The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had.
•
“Without question, the best book I have read all year.” —Susan Spann, author of the Hiro Hattori mystery series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon!

•

Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly newsletter Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Categories
Jonelle Patrick View All
Writing mystery books set in Tokyo is mostly what I do, but I also blog about the odd stuff I see every day in Japan. I'm a graduate of Stanford University and the Sendagaya Japanese Institute in Tokyo, and a member of the International Thriller Writers, the Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters In Crime. When I'm not in Tokyo, I live in San Francisco. I also host a travel site called The Tokyo Guide I Wish I'd Had, so if you're headed to Japan and want to check out the places I take my friends when they're in town, take a look!
赤の力。。。wow cool! I think I need one of that. I have only black underwear afterall… 😛
your ex-classmate ジュリア
We can go together when you come back in April! It will still be cold, and we’ll need some stamina panties!
This is hilarious! The cultural differences are so baffling and amazing to me. Can you imagine a store like this in the USA? Scandalous lol
Yeah, imagine the Big Red Underwear store wedged in between the Banana Republic and the Game Stop at the local mall!