In Kojima, the birthplace of domestically produced denim, about 40% of Japan's denim is made, and it is known worldwide as the "strong>Denim Town."
Kojima Jeans Street, lined with shops centered around casual brands from Okayama, is a popular spot that attracts many tourists as a fashion hub.
I heard that a market called Kojima Village will be held at the Kojima Community Exchange Center Lawn Square, which can be considered the entrance to Jeans Street, featuring shops focused on Okayama's casual fashion and gathering "things that girls love, things that excite, and things that are fun," so I went to search for excitement myself.
About 30 stores featuring apparel brands from Kurashiki and Kojima! Let's explore shops in search of fun and cute items
The Kojima Village Vol.2 is the second event following the first held in the fall of 2024.
Under the theme of "Casual brand clothing, miscellaneous goods, food, workshops...etc. Things that girls love, things that excite, all gathered with plenty of denim.", about 30 stores will be lined up at the venue.
This market is centered around apparel brand shops from Kurashiki and Kojima, featuring items perfect for denim, and filled with fun and cute miscellaneous goods shops, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious gourmet food while spending a relaxed time.
Passing through the denim tunnel, the "excitement" begins
It was a cloudy day, but the rain that had continued the day before had stopped, making it a comfortable day with occasional sunny intervals. Considering that in recent years, late May has often seen daytime temperatures close to 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, I think it was a very refreshing climate for this season.
With pleasant music selected by DJ Katayama playing in the background, the venue was filled with a relaxed atmosphere, bustling with not only fashion-conscious individuals but also many families.
At the entrance of the venue on the Community Center side, a pergola decorated with denim fabric was set up like a tunnel leading to the venue. The denim swaying in the wind was very lovely, welcoming visitors.
Beyond the tunnel, there was a board for KOJIMA Village, which became a photo spot, and I think many people took pictures there.
Directly in front after passing through the pergola is the apparel zone. The tents of the shops are arranged in a circular pattern.
Surrounding the apparel zone are shops selling goods and food, and the area with benches on the east side became a relaxation spot where people enjoyed lunch and spent leisurely time during lunchtime.
Craftsman's skills!? The high-sense Kojima denim items are irresistible
While domestically produced denim has a reputation for being expensive, at Kojima Village, there were many reasonably priced items that even casual visitors could easily pick up, and second-hand items from famous brands were available for just a few thousand yen, making them quite a bargain.
The venue was filled with items that sparked the desire to purchase, such as bags, small items, accessories, caps, and hats made from denim.
I was also drawn to the sale of fabric scraps and buttons made from materials actually used in products, which is unique to Kojima apparel. I think it would be irresistible for craft lovers.
Discovering love-at-first-sight items while exploring the miscellaneous goods shops
I checked the official Instagram beforehand, but when I actually saw the items in the shops, they were even more wonderful than they appeared in the photos, heightening my desire to buy.
I purchased a smartphone shoulder bag at the handmade miscellaneous goods shop suerte that features macrame weaving. I tried it on my shoulder, and it was cuter than I expected, so I decided to buy it on the spot. I look forward to using it for summer outings.
At the handmade goods shop CHI’S Please, which features vibrant African fabric, I also fell in love with a pouch and purchased it immediately.
It was so cute that I slightly regretted not buying two more.
Enjoying the market: indulging in takeout gourmet
When it comes to markets, enjoying takeout gourmet food is also a highlight. There was a gourmet I absolutely wanted to try this time: RAK_kitchen+'s "Octopus Senbei."
I was overwhelmed by the visual impact of the senbei, which is made by crushing a whole octopus and baking it, as well as its size. I took a photo next to my smartphone to show its size.
As a souvenir, I bought the Basque Cheesecake from mon lapin, which I had previously eaten and became a huge fan of, and the “Phantom Cream Bun” from boulangerie blanc.
The Phantom Cream Bun is available only from October to May, so I was thrilled to be able to enjoy it just in time.
It was a very satisfying day filled with excitement. Be sure to check out the official Instagram
As the event theme was "a collection of things that girls love," the venue was overflowing with high-sense and cute items.
Venue-exclusive original items were also very lovely, and I found excitement here as well.
The caps, denim bags, and especially the T-shirts with the event logo were very popular, and it seems that everything sold out except for the two that the mannequin was wearing.
Although it was primarily a ladies' market, there were also brand second-hand clothes in men's sizes, and it seemed that male visitors were enjoying shopping as well. Did they find any hidden gems?
I personally had so many things I wanted that before I knew it, I was carrying a load in both hands.
Even though I bought a lot, I find myself thinking I should have bought that, or I should have checked out that store.
If there is another event in the future, I would love to visit again.
The official Instagram is a must-check.
Kojima Village Vol.2 Data
| Name | Kojima Village Vol.2 |
|---|---|
| Date | May 25, 2025 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | Kojima Community Exchange Center Lawn (Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
