Inside Japan's Craziest Store | Village Vanguard (Finally)

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 22. 08. 2024
  • Today we are (Finally) doing our walk through Japan's Craziest store; Village Vanguard and we have it all to ourselves! We did a vid a few weeks back ( • Inside Japan's Coolest... ) on ‪@TokyoLens‬ and I promised to come back for a stream.
    Long story short.... we couldn't stream because the theater above the shop apparently has a signal blocker that locked us out... So instead here is a walk through a really cool Japanese shop! Hope you enjoy
    The Shamisen Plushie!! teespring.com/shamisen-tokyolens
    Create Adventures with me on Patreon: / tokyolens
    Come hang out on Instagram! / tokyo_one
    Let's be Twitter buddies!: / tokyo_lens
    Explore Always with Tokyo Lens: bit.ly/ExploreA...
    -----------------------------------------------------
    *GEAR USED [2021] Use These Links to Support The Channel*
    Streaming Gear:
    Gimbal: amzn.to/2Sa40CH
    Streaming Lens: bit.ly/NormLenses
    Streaming Box: amzn.to/3bxWLeT
    Big Cam: bit.ly/TokyoLen...
    Other Gear:
    go-go-go Camera: amzn.to/35R97ZF
    Cinema Camera: bit.ly/NormCineCam
    My Fav 360 Camera:
    www.insta360.c....
    Podcast on: amzn.to/2TcV0IA
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Where to Send Stuff*
    Norm Nakamura - Tokyo Creative Redhorse Corporation Co. Ltd
    9F Tokyo Foresia 3-2-24 Toyosu Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan 135-0061
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Tokyo Lens Podcast:
    itunes.apple.c....

Komentáře • 243

  • @TokyoLensExplore
    @TokyoLensExplore  Před 2 lety +150

    **FUNNY BACKSTORY: So as I am leaving Village Vanguard, the manager tells me that there is a theater above. And they often leave their signal blocker running.... So we got jammed. Literally lol**
    Thanks all for the patience with what turned into the absolute potato-est quality livestream through Shimokitazawa ever lol
    But at least we learned some new Japanese profanities haha

    • @memeranglaut
      @memeranglaut Před 2 lety +1

      Ahhhh. no wonder.

    • @JDigital123
      @JDigital123 Před 2 lety +4

      When you get Potato quality, you make fucking Wendy's Fries!

    • @Kaitlynde
      @Kaitlynde Před 2 lety +1

      Oh man! At least you found out what was causing the signal trouble with the stream. And the backstreet walk was still awesome, so thanks for sticking with it and bringing us along! Looking forward to check out more of the shot this time around too!

    • @mariarea4851
      @mariarea4851 Před 2 lety

      Thanks for the time you have put into setting this up...and trying again today!

    • @nightchicken283
      @nightchicken283 Před 2 lety +1

      Blocked by Blockbuster.. quite literally? :p

  • @emiliyanaleksandrov2528
    @emiliyanaleksandrov2528 Před 2 lety +67

    Bookmarked the shop as "Place to spend my salary" if I get the chance to visit Japan someday. Thanks for showing us around and the extra effort to record after the failed live stream!!

  • @MrSleepyguy
    @MrSleepyguy Před 2 lety +32

    I cannot get enough of watching bizarre and cool Japanese stores, so fun to watch

  • @tobu_98
    @tobu_98 Před 2 lety +10

    I think it's funny how he pronounces "Haribo" kind off japanese like when it's actually german 😁

  • @isaiahsj9276
    @isaiahsj9276 Před 2 lety +18

    Yay! Pokemon Manhole cover hunt. Sharla has two episodes already. The third one should be with you norm.

    • @ivaneames4354
      @ivaneames4354 Před 2 lety +2

      Norm, you should send Sharla one of the mugs with her favourite manhole as the coaster. It would make a nice memento of her quest.

    • @Dyundu
      @Dyundu Před 2 lety +3

      @@ivaneames4354 Gotta be the Charmander one!

  • @chanced
    @chanced Před 2 lety +24

    I was supposed to spend a year backpacking Japan in 2020, these videos are some of the few things to satisfy my wanderlust until the gates reopen ;) Thanks Norm!

    • @EvanSaltare
      @EvanSaltare Před 2 lety +2

      I was supposed to go to the summer Olympics.

  • @slyfawkes7772
    @slyfawkes7772 Před 2 lety +5

    Galarian Ponyta: "The Unicorn Pokemon." - Norm, 2022

  • @indysaur
    @indysaur Před 2 lety +4

    This kind of store would be dangerous for me books plus all sorts of neat stuff...my wallet would be weeping the entire time. All of those Jiji's would have gone home with me, hah! Thanks for the tour!

  • @personalcontrasts73
    @personalcontrasts73 Před rokem +1

    02:19 I grew up with those koala cookies 😍 loved them as a child and my heart still gets warm when I see them. Happy they are still around!

  • @SmartJapanHacks
    @SmartJapanHacks Před 2 lety +3

    Village Vanguard is my favorite 'book store' in Japan. They really have so much crazy stuff you'll never find anywhere else.

  • @jericojsays
    @jericojsays Před 2 lety +2

    I grew up in Japan. I'm now stateside and I absolutely miss Village Vanguard! It was my favorite store!

  • @accy5034
    @accy5034 Před 2 lety +6

    Whaat, this is such an amazing store😱 I‘d love to check it out when I‘m in Japan one day in my life. It‘s literally one of my biggest dreams.

  • @snowfox94
    @snowfox94 Před 2 lety +5

    I would love an exploring japan podcast with just you talking. Personally I'm a visual podcast watcher. Not really a listener but I enjoy listening to you talk about stuff in japan! Speaking of that...WHY HAVENT YOU BEEN ON TRASH TASTE YET?! where's the petition to get you on

  • @madelon8320
    @madelon8320 Před 2 lety +2

    That was an amazing video! (regardless of it not being live) I kept hitting the pause button like every 2 seconds just to get a good view of all the products 😁 Thanks so much for making this vid ❤

  • @carolinedaviault9931
    @carolinedaviault9931 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow I love this place!! Love the Kirby section and all Totoro stuff 🥰 It probably takes so much time checking every little corner !!

  • @SCKevin_Adventure
    @SCKevin_Adventure Před 2 lety +2

    I really love these explorer type videos, thank you for the tour!

  • @2soralover
    @2soralover Před 2 lety +2

    Waiting for the day that I can visit Japan. Your videos help me in my planning and this store is on the list of places to visit for sure! Thanks always, Norm!

  • @Kaitlynde
    @Kaitlynde Před 2 lety +2

    This premier was so much fun! Thanks for taking us through the shop! The Ghibli and snacks sections are always my fave, but it's cool to see all of the other areas too.

  • @ascensionalliancehawaii

    Japan is magical with so much to see. 😊

  • @mellpink123
    @mellpink123 Před rokem +1

    Super Mario N64 I remember first playing it at the dentist with my older brother younger sister while we were waiting to go in.

  • @Urzard
    @Urzard Před 2 lety +1

    I had to look for that Haribo sugar free review you mentioned and I'm glad I did, what a read!

  • @VerhoevenSimon
    @VerhoevenSimon Před 2 lety +4

    I'd love to see a return of the podcasts, but what I'd love even more is some more colab videos with Sharla! I really miss those.

  • @mattihp
    @mattihp Před 2 lety +2

    14:44 Aleppo soap, the best soap in the world, especially for dry and sensitive skin.

  • @awesomeaudy
    @awesomeaudy Před 2 lety +1

    Been binge-watching all of the posted streams while hanging out at home during half-term break from work. Thanks for the content, can't wait to see what you have planned for the Spring/Summer! 🌸

  • @tnasir4903
    @tnasir4903 Před 11 měsíci

    I love seeing all the Japanese food....fascinating products!❤

  • @nicklasrapp2267
    @nicklasrapp2267 Před rokem

    On one of our trips we went to shimokitazawa and found ourselves in this store without knowing anything about it.
    It brings me joy that you not only went to it in your video about shimokitazawa but also made this video just to show it.

  • @sanashi27
    @sanashi27 Před 2 lety +6

    I like watching videos like this although this makes me miss going out shopping. There's so many cool or interesting stuff in there. I'd probably wanna walk around the aisles with snacks or anime merch lol. I wonder if there were artbooks/fanbooks in there? Too bad the dispenser broke by the way, it seemed cool.
    Thanks for making this vid - it might not be live but it was still fun to watch.
    Also... I'm curious about the stuff you got for the secret thing lol

  • @memeranglaut
    @memeranglaut Před 2 lety +1

    Always awesome to see a VV on video - making me want to visit it next time i am in the neighbourhood

  • @joshuamstark
    @joshuamstark Před rokem

    Dude every time you go to a store and start looking at food I get hungry! Village Vanguard is definitely on the list to go see…

  • @therealcaptain7543
    @therealcaptain7543 Před rokem +1

    i wouldn't mind getting lost in this shop wow, it has so much different stuff.. i would spend quite some time in there 😂

  • @TheDrTwist
    @TheDrTwist Před rokem

    This is my kindof store. I'm such of fan of the wacky Novelty. It, at the very least, makes for very fun window shopping experience

  • @Varzio
    @Varzio Před rokem

    I would walk into that store and probably not come out for the next hour. Just so many things to see!

  • @carriepadgett2743
    @carriepadgett2743 Před 2 lety

    lol omg...right when I was thinking "1994 called, they want their poncho back", you made that dang comment about the socks LOL

  • @lappslapps8058
    @lappslapps8058 Před 2 lety +2

    Hey norm
    Long time listener & viewer luv your content, its been a while since you’ve posted new content and we’ve been a bit worried hope all is well hope to hear from you” real soon”
    Cheers from down under

    • @Pandahippy
      @Pandahippy Před 2 lety

      Was just wondering the same thing. Hope everything is ok with Norm 💟

  • @grizoh4270
    @grizoh4270 Před rokem

    All of that stuff looks so cool and that shamisen plushie is sooo cool ahaha 😆

  • @KitoisBlooming
    @KitoisBlooming Před 2 lety +2

    Hey Norm! I loved this pre recorded live! I like your live livestream but this prerecorded with better quality are my favourite just because I can immerse my self better

  • @R_CA
    @R_CA Před 2 lety

    じゃがチョコ are to die for (really!)

  • @iicydiamonds
    @iicydiamonds Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you for the walk through! This is such a fun and silly store. I could block off an entire day to visit, and still not see it all. :)

  • @Janreytendo
    @Janreytendo Před 2 lety

    Been so happy with the podcast/explore videos announcement, thanks norm u made my day☺️

  • @rgm72chf
    @rgm72chf Před 2 lety +2

    Always exciting to see what a store like this is hiding :D

  • @Mercuryscomet25
    @Mercuryscomet25 Před 2 lety

    Ooooh podcasts would be fab! I loved your podcasts, they were always so relaxing to listen to! Great vid as always Norm. That shop is seriously fascinating so it was good to be able to get a look around!

  • @CMW2020
    @CMW2020 Před 2 lety

    I would love for a video/podcast combination. Your voice is easy to listen to and you are a great storyteller. I often listen to old podcasts or streams you've done while I am working because it helps me stay focused.

  • @bartschulp7692
    @bartschulp7692 Před 2 lety

    Yay! Another fan of the spicy Korean noodles! And yes, those sugar free gummy bear reviews are hilarious!

  • @Jaziem
    @Jaziem Před 2 lety

    Thanks for going back through again for us Norm. Though now the potato quality makes sense.

  • @tuntuncortez6554
    @tuntuncortez6554 Před 2 lety

    "And a Gameboy note book, so you can keep notes on your games" lmfaooo Hilarious 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💀⚰🤣❤

  • @lannifincoris6482
    @lannifincoris6482 Před 2 lety

    Ok then, thank you so much for this video.
    I wanted to go to Japan in 2020... had to delay to 2021... and then, maybe to 2022 it will become reality. Now I have to go to Village Vanguard to squeeze myself through these shelfs! And buy a Shamisen-Plushie ;-).
    Thank you so much to bring Japan to me, to us, while we are stucked all over the world.
    I hope the future will be brighter for all of us!

  • @AndresMonaco
    @AndresMonaco Před 2 lety +1

    Love those stickers! I spent like 90 bucks on them as fast presents for people when I visited on 2019

  • @johnkies1189
    @johnkies1189 Před 2 lety

    that warped pocket watch clock is still my favorite thing in that shop haha

  • @jameslong3936
    @jameslong3936 Před rokem

    Thanks for sharing!!!

  • @readysetsleep
    @readysetsleep Před 2 lety

    25:42 I highly recommend a rain poncho. I used it for hiking and was really glade since it could just cover my backpack and entire body. The one I bought is just a hood in a sheet, and you just button it up on the sides . Allows you to vent body heat, so you don't end up turning your poncho into a sauna while you are walking in the humid rain.

  • @elflass5544
    @elflass5544 Před 2 lety +1

    Norm, you can't diss the Chicago-style popcorn (cheese + caramel)! The saltiness and sweetness balance each other nicely, even though it sounds like a strange combo. I'm amazed to see Cretor's brand there; i did see Garrett's popcorn in Harajuku when I was there a few years back.

  • @MailMe2Japan
    @MailMe2Japan Před rokem

    I would totally buy souvenirs for my friends in that place. the snacks looked like something great to take into work after an amazing trip to Japan.

  • @anthonycrafton8240
    @anthonycrafton8240 Před 2 lety +1

    All that Pokemon merch I'll never have! No space for all the goodies I'd love to have hahaha. That store really is crazy, wow. I don't even have words for how long I'd be staring at everything in there.

  • @chessoc7799
    @chessoc7799 Před 2 lety

    Could spend ages wandering round there :)

  • @kungfool69
    @kungfool69 Před 2 lety

    The shop looks so much better on pre-recorded. Sorry about the live stream, i was watching and still enjoyed the wandering around!

  • @sendaisweetie5297
    @sendaisweetie5297 Před 2 lety +1

    Nooo you skipped right over the Animal Crossing stuff! XD Looks like a fun store though. Thanks for taking us along.

  • @rizkygabriels9279
    @rizkygabriels9279 Před 2 měsíci

    The Haribo gummi bears review is indeed a fun story to read 😂

  • @RachelJamison904
    @RachelJamison904 Před 9 měsíci

    Omg Brunch Brothers! I love them! I wish I could order to the US from this place! I love it!!

  • @stefanospap6288
    @stefanospap6288 Před rokem

    Village vanguard is so fascinating. The selection is always random but interesting :D

  • @roarmaus
    @roarmaus Před 2 lety

    8:00 Got a peek at the EVOL sign and chuckled...CSB moment: My boss was phoning someone and mentioned, "That EVOL burrito guy..." A customer, overhearing them, muttered, "Well, that's not a nice thing to say!" I lost it...

  • @gjsarsale
    @gjsarsale Před 2 lety

    the minute you said HARIBO gummies i immediately thought of the same sugar-free gummy bear review. HILARIOUS!

  • @sandrac1313
    @sandrac1313 Před 2 lety +1

    Looks like a fun store.😊

  • @koxukoshu
    @koxukoshu Před 2 lety

    7:00 you dredged up some old memory,, i totally forgot about those reviews. now i remember why i thought of loose bowel movements whenever you said haribo

  • @zenbugami
    @zenbugami Před rokem

    Small Ghlibli plushies got me there, especially small Totoro 😯 but I'd like to have small Kirby as well, I really reccomend this game series 😃

  • @icecrystal97
    @icecrystal97 Před 2 lety +2

    I'm going to need half a day to be in this store just to explore everything.

  • @chelseacarpenter2302
    @chelseacarpenter2302 Před 2 lety +1

    Sad that the Livestream turned into mashed potatoes but glad to be able to catch this premiere! I could live in this store I swear haha
    Much love from Arizona ❤️❤️

  • @blackadder1966
    @blackadder1966 Před 2 lety

    I've been to don quijote so I'll try and check this store out in November, flights booked and fingers crossed.

  • @lu7ky
    @lu7ky Před 2 lety

    If any of the other viewers have not yet told you the pokemon unicorn is a regional variant of ponyta its psychic type! Also savon from what I remember of my french is soap, so you were correct there!
    Splatoon is a good game, #3 is coming out for switch. The campaign is good but you really need to enjoy playing online to make the most out of it at full price.
    Thanks for the video, if i could speak & read Japanese I'd be there in a heartbeat! Love store/shop videos, perhaps an old style (run by an older lady in a small town anime stereotype) candystore sometime?

  • @jurrassitol15
    @jurrassitol15 Před 2 lety

    Literally looked up the amazon sugar free haribo gummies reviews…best thing ever!

  • @explorer_bln
    @explorer_bln Před 2 lety +1

    Waiting to be able to explore Japan by myself after all the mess. As long as I enjoy the your videos and streams.

  • @sheilaellvira5198
    @sheilaellvira5198 Před 2 lety

    So many things I would love to buy in there! 😁 I'm not much of a podcast listener but I do love yours. So I'm hoping they don't disappear completely. If you want to make them part of the Tokyo Lens Explore channel that's fine by me! Go ahead, keep your office for editing and napping only! Lol

  • @BananahTV
    @BananahTV Před 2 lety

    Enjoyed the video! Nice start to the day. I hope you have a great night!

  • @ryokophreak
    @ryokophreak Před 2 lety +1

    Oooh! I have got to visit this place on my next trip. :D

  • @AdManOfChaos
    @AdManOfChaos Před rokem

    Watched this video a while ago. I do love fun stores.

  • @Chatana23
    @Chatana23 Před 2 lety

    Omg! Nerds sour gummies?!?! I need to try those! That store is mad crazy big. I would ruin myself over there! Thanks God, I didn't knew about that place when I went in 2017. Everytime you move the camera, there's something I went lol! That carry snack tub reminded me of Homer Simpson lol! Definitively not japanese that thing lol! Thank you so much for sharing this video since no live there. Kiss & hugs from Montreal

  • @breanarich2901
    @breanarich2901 Před 2 lety

    I totally agree with you! And 64 for life still to this day I’ve never played it more fun captivating game system than 64

  • @saberkite
    @saberkite Před 2 lety

    Wish I knew about this place when I visited Tokyo. Donki in Shibuya was already a black hole for me, then I found a Daiso nearby... Loving these explore videos, Norm. Stay safe.

  • @spiritofjapan
    @spiritofjapan Před 2 lety

    Village Vanguard is an incredible place to explore! Cool video!

  • @dannivizion
    @dannivizion Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the vicarious shopping trip. I think I'd spend way too much money in that store if we had one.

  • @user-ge8yn4ql4i
    @user-ge8yn4ql4i Před 2 lety

    Village Vanguard is a fun store. I need to go back.

  • @away7670
    @away7670 Před 2 lety

    Three cheers for EXPLORE!!!!

  • @theresa_lili
    @theresa_lili Před 2 lety

    I really think someone would/could make a living being a personal shopper for people in the US. A poop mug, and then critter slippers....ah what fun!!

  • @RobbC.
    @RobbC. Před 2 lety

    Star Wars stuff... Pokemon stuff... Super Mario stuff... Sonic stuff... Gameboy stuff... WANT! and WANT some more!

  • @Dyundu
    @Dyundu Před 2 lety +1

    Village Vanguard really reminds me of some of the shops in uptown Ann Arbor, MI around the university, just, y’know, still very Japanese.

  • @katylibarnes9393
    @katylibarnes9393 Před 2 lety +1

    Would love to catch your podcasts on here soon. Thanks for this premiere. I believe I would need to hide my wallet and keep locked in my bag if ever I get into stores like VV or else I'd end up bankrupt.

  • @ItsTacosDude
    @ItsTacosDude Před 2 lety

    This was so awesome! I wish we had places half as cool as this on the states!

  • @Zehith
    @Zehith Před 2 lety

    "Didn't kno there was a unicorn pokemon..."
    Rapidash, from gen 1, in the corner: ....

  • @RekitRachel
    @RekitRachel Před 2 lety

    Id love to hear a podcast about some of your adventures, funny stories, things that happened that maybe didn't get caught on film.

  • @Jazzled
    @Jazzled Před 2 lety +1

    Glad you managed to get back for a walk through even though it couldn't be a livestream. And sorry to hear the soap dispenser didn't hold up 🥲

  • @kcrash279
    @kcrash279 Před 2 lety

    The gel cushions are generally pretty good if you have have no padding.😺

  • @unknowndeoxys00
    @unknowndeoxys00 Před 2 lety

    Idk why, but first minute in and I'm happy to see Giant Microbes merching it up in Japan. I have MRSA and flu plushies, they're quite cute.

  • @furrysophie8997
    @furrysophie8997 Před 2 lety

    I went to a 4D Theater at Universal Studios in Florida like 15 years ago. They were showing a Shrek short. Part of it they drop a spider and you feel it tickle your legs. The seats moved and you could definitely smell the world. I wonder if the theater still exists with a new movie.

  • @mariambelal7153
    @mariambelal7153 Před 2 lety

    💗💗💗💗 waiting and excited

  • @lunacorn8012
    @lunacorn8012 Před 2 lety

    I don’t know why I laughed as hard as I did @14:53 haha 😂

  • @KatherineDon
    @KatherineDon Před 2 lety

    I miss Village Vanguard so much, it is the best store. I would buy that ‘laughing wiggling axolotl’ for sure. I had to take a screen capture to try to figure out what the heck was going on with that thing, and, I need it for my desk 😂

  • @bluebadsquishy
    @bluebadsquishy Před 2 lety

    I had to pause and comment about the Mikan character because it is also my favorite! In Akihabara there is a store called Iyotetsu which is devoted solely to the Mikan character and their goods. During our visit in 2019 I went there several times and tried so many things and I miss that store soooo much. The staff was extremely kind because one morning I made the mistake of thinking they were open when they weren't (they were prepping to open) but the guy didn't say anything and was kind enough to ring me up. (I realized on my way out that they hadn't opened yet when I saw the times on the sign.) I will definitely be going back during our next visit - which will hopefully be in 2024.

  • @allisonrobertson5423
    @allisonrobertson5423 Před 2 lety

    not sure if i'll be able to watch all the livestreams, but i'll be back in a couple of months and then i'll just binge watch them all lol
    p.s.
    take all the time you need

  • @jobos98
    @jobos98 Před 2 lety

    The things in the stores are so cool compared to in the U.S. stores.
    I Especially love seeing the electronic goods stores that you go to from time to time.
    Great video Norm.
    😊

  • @SmallBlogV8
    @SmallBlogV8 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for recommending sugar-free Haribo reviews. That was marvellous reading indeed.

  • @manolo5205
    @manolo5205 Před 2 lety

    Thanks for doing this videos they are so cool