Kojima, the birthplace of domestically produced denim, makes about 40% of Japan’s domestic denim and is known around the world as the “Denim Town” in both name and reality.
Lined with shops, mainly casual brands from Okayama, Kojima Jeans Street is a popular destination that attracts many tourists as a hub for fashion.
I heard that a market called “Kojima Village,” bringing together casual fashion shops from Okayama and other things that “girls love, find exciting, and enjoy,” would be held at the Kojima Civic Exchange Center Lawn Plaza, which could be called the entrance to Kojima Jeans Street. So I went to look for some excitement myself.
The information presented was current when this article was published in July 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Around 30 shops, mainly apparel brands from Kurashiki and Kojima, are taking part! Browse the shops in search of fun and cute finds
“Kojima Village Vol. 2” is the second edition, following the first, held in autumn 2024.
With the theme, “Casual clothing and goods from Okayama brands, food, workshops…etc. We’ve gathered lots of denim and all the things girls love and find exciting.,” around 30 shops will line the venue.
This market features apparel brand shops from Kurashiki and Kojima, along with items that go perfectly with denim and general goods packed with fun and cute finds just to look at. You can enjoy delicious food and spend a relaxing time here.
Pass through the denim tunnel to the venue—the excitement begins
It was cloudy on the day, but the rain that had continued through the previous day had stopped, and the weather was pleasant, with occasional sunny spells. Considering that daytime temperatures have often approached 25–30°C in late May in recent years, I thought it was very refreshing weather for this time of year.
The venue, enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere with pleasant music selected by DJ Katayama playing in the background, was bustling with fashion-conscious visitors as well as many families.
At the venue entrance on the Exchange Center side, a pergola decorated with denim fabric (a garden structure for climbing plants, like a wisteria trellis) formed a tunnel leading into the venue. The denim swaying in the breeze was lovely, as if welcoming visitors.
Beyond the tunnel stood a 《KOJIMA Village》 signboard, making it a popular photo spot. I imagine many visitors took pictures here.
The apparel zone is directly ahead after passing through the pergola. The shop tents are arranged in a circle.
Shops selling goods and food surround the apparel zone, while the area with benches on the east side became a place to take a break, enjoy lunch, or spend some leisurely time around noon.
Artisan craftsmanship!? You’ll want one after another of these stylish Kojima denim items
I had the impression that domestically produced denim was expensive, but “Kojima Village” had plenty of reasonably priced items that even casual visitors could easily pick up, and secondhand clothes from famous brands were a real bargain, starting at just a few thousand yen.
There was so much to tempt shoppers, including denim bags and accessories, jewelry, caps, and hats.
I was also drawn to the sale of fabric scraps and buttons actually used in products, something unique to Kojima apparel makers who handle everything from manufacturing onward. I think sewing enthusiasts would love them.
Discover love-at-first-sight finds while browsing the general goods shops
I checked the official Instagram beforehand, but seeing the items in person at the shops made me want to buy them even more—they were all lovelier than they looked in the photos.
I bought a phone shoulder strap at suerte, a shop selling handmade macrame goods. I tried it on, and it was even cuter than I expected, so I decided right away. It looks like it’ll be perfect for summer outings, and I can’t wait to use it.
I also fell in love at first sight with a pouch at CHI’S Please, a shop selling handmade goods made from brightly colored African fabrics, and bought it right away.
It was so cute that I slightly regretted not buying a couple more.
The joy of a market: savoring takeout treats
One of the joys of a market is sampling takeout treats as you browse, isn’t it? There was one food I was determined to try this time: the “octopus cracker” from RAK_kitchen+.
I was amazed both by the striking appearance of the cracker, made by pressing and grilling a whole octopus, and by its size. I took a photo with my phone next to it. Can you tell how big it is?
For souvenirs, I bought a Basque cheesecake from mon lapin, which I’d tried before and become a huge fan of, and a “legendary cream bun” from boulangerie blanc.
The legendary cream bun is available only from October to May, so I was thrilled to get one just in time.
It was a thoroughly satisfying day full of exciting discoveries. Be sure to check out the official Instagram, too.
True to the event’s theme of “bringing together things women love,” the venue was filled with stylish and cute items.
The venue-exclusive original items were also wonderful, and I found more things to get excited about here. There were caps and denim bags featuring the event logo. The T-shirts were especially popular, and apparently all but the two worn by mannequins had sold out.
Although the market mainly featured women’s items, there were also secondhand brands in men’s sizes, and male visitors seemed to enjoy shopping, too. I wonder if they found any hidden gems.
I had so many things I wanted that before I knew it, my hands were full of shopping bags.
Even after buying so much, I still find myself thinking I should have bought that other thing, or checked out that other shop.
If there’s another event, I’d love to go again.
Be sure to check out the official Instagram.
Kojima Village Vol. 2 Information
| Name | Kojima Village Vol. 2 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, May 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Location | Kojima Civic Exchange Center Lawn (Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City) |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
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