News On Japan

Japanese-Style Town Emerges in Thailand

BANGKOK, Nov 05 (News On Japan) - A new trend has emerged in Thailand, known for its friendly ties with Japan, where Japanese-style townscapes are being faithfully recreated.

In a bustling store in Tokyo that specializes in daily goods and food items, Thai tourists are eagerly filling their baskets with Japanese treats. One Thai visitor commented, “I’ve always wanted to try Japanese gummies since they’re not available in Thailand.” Another held a bottle of air freshener, saying, “I’ve never seen anything like this in Thailand; it’s like an angel descending in your bathroom.”

This Tokyo store, Takeya, has become particularly popular among inbound tourists from Thailand, now the largest group of customers from overseas. The store has Thai-speaking staff and Thai-language signs prominently displayed to cater to these visitors.

According to Shiori Ogawa, a cosmetics staff member, “We see around 17,300 customers each month, and most are from Thailand.”

The demand for Japanese products has also driven the rise of local influencers, such as Aki Yamaguchi, whose videos showcasing lively Tokyo spots have attracted 1.7 million followers, mostly in Thailand. Aki noted that “Thai people love the vibrant atmosphere. Food is key—good appearance, good taste, and reasonable prices at Ameyoko make it popular.”

The increase in Thai interest in Japanese culture is partly due to an uptick in anime viewing during the pandemic, leading many Thai people to develop a deep interest in Japan's cultural landscape. Now, it seems some are no longer content with just watching—new facilities that offer a Japanese-like ambiance are even popping up in Thailand.

According to Aki, “The atmosphere is so authentic that it feels like Japan, especially for those who miss traveling. It brings a sense of comfort.”

One such facility can be found just a 90-minute drive from Bangkok, where a sign reads ‘Bang Saen Fish Market.’ While the name suggests a traditional market, visitors are instead greeted by a setting reminiscent of Showa-era Japan, complete with tile-roofed buildings and familiar Japanese signs—albeit with some humorous mistranslations.

One visitor expressed delight, saying, “The decorations are amazing! I feel like I’m in Japan even without leaving Thailand. It brings back fond memories of my trips to Japan.”

The facility’s creator, Joe, initially opened it as a Thai food court three years ago, but it saw little foot traffic. However, a Japanese-style senbei, ‘Sugoi Senbei,’ became a hit, inspiring him to reimagine the space as a Japanese-themed town. The renovation led to a surge in popularity, with 5,000 to 6,000 visitors on weekends and over 10,000 during holidays.

Even Japanese tourists have started to visit, often pointing out amusing language errors. Joe laughs, recalling mistakes such as labeling watermelon juice as ‘strawberry’ and selling tamagoyaki as ‘unadon,’ but says the store owners are working hard to improve the Japanese feel of the experience.

Joe plans to open a similar facility at another location soon, as Japan’s appeal continues to grow in Thailand.

Source: ANN

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A suspicious object feared to be explosive was discovered at a high school in Sapporo on the afternoon of November 22nd, causing temporary chaos. The object was found to have been brought to the school by one of its students.

China says it will resume allowing visa-free visits by Japanese nationals on short-term trips from the end of this month. (NHK)

Japan is facing a deepening crisis of poverty and inequality, with rising reports of 'invisible homeless' individuals and growing economic hardships among the population. Discussions over reforms to the country's tax and welfare systems have taken center stage, as policymakers grapple with how to provide meaningful support.

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

A Japanese pharmaceutical company has announced the successful commercialization of fiber made from silk produced by bagworms.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Travel NEWS

In this video, we'll head to Nagoya for an overnight trip, checking out some of the popular attractions the city has to offer. (japan-guide.com)

A special lighting ceremony was held on November 20th at Ueno Toshogu Shrine, located in Ueno Park, Taito Ward, Tokyo. The event featured a unique lighting design created by renowned lighting designer Motoko Ishii.

Foreign tourists flocking to Tokyo’s Roppongi have been engaging in dangerous photography, turning the area’s popular photo spots into safety hazards.

A new shopping street, set to be Japan's longest, will open in Tokyo's Asakusa area on November 20th. Spanning 3 kilometers, it aims to surpass Osaka's Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, which currently holds the title at 2 kilometers.

Located in the northern part of the Echigo Mountain Range, this iconic mountain in Shibata is among Japan's '200 Famous Mountains.' It has long been a site of religious significance, with the Ninouji Shrine—designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in March 2024—situated at the trailhead.

An Egyptian man has successfully traveled overland from Cairo to Tokyo without using an airplane, completing a journey spanning nine months and over 46,000 kilometers.

Yamanashi Prefecture announced the abandonment of its 'Mount Fuji Railway Plan,' which aimed to connect the base of Mount Fuji to the Fifth Station via a next-generation tram system.

The Chinese government is reportedly considering the resumption of the short-term visa-free travel program for visitors from Japan, allowing stays of up to 15 days.