The select shop "iconam" near Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki City Waka Party Town, TEL 0172-88-8924) celebrated its 5th anniversary on February 25th.

The store has about 40 brands of clothes, shoes, hats, and accessories purchased by the store manager Shintaro Mikami. Mr. Mikami, a former bank employee from Aomori city, opened in 2012. “If you change your clothes, your behavior will change. I wanted to wear fashionable clothes and go out in rural areas,” he said.

Mikami-san has been interested in fashion since he was a student. By going around the shops in Aomori city, I got the chance to know not only fashion but also shops and foods that Aomori doesn't know. “I learned a lot from things I didn't know even if I lived locally. It was a chance to reconsider Aomori. It also gave me a chance to think about starting a select shop,” Mikami said.

"I longed for Hirosaki's temperament, where old culture remains and accept new things." Looking back on five years, he said, "A customer who was a student graduated, has become a member of society, and is still able to attend. Even though it is far from ideal, I can have a long relationship through fashion, It's interesting that I can tell Aomori that even people don't know."

Business hours are from 11:00 to 20:00. Closed on Wednesdays.