The second-hand clothing store "Adam Smith" opened on March 24th on the first floor of the former Stozen Building in Yokocho, Kuroishi City.

This store was established independently by Toshinobu Yamaya, who worked at a recycle shop. We will sell 300 items such as outdoor wear and vintage miscellaneous goods that Mr. Yamatani himself purchased one by one. The store name is said to be a coined word that combines names and surnames that are common among Americans.

Mr. Yamatani worked for about 15 years at Yorozuya, a recycle shop that operates mainly in Aomori Prefecture, where he was involved in operations such as appraising used clothing. “After I turned 40, I started thinking about becoming independent myself after hearing about people around me who had become independent,” says Mr. Yamatani. It is said that he decided to become independent because his family did not oppose him, saying, "You should try it."

The antique shop “Festina Lente” will open in 2021, and the second-hand clothing store “Garage Paradise” will open in 2022. Mr. Yamaya recalls, "I was able to get to know this place through meeting the owners of two restaurants. I decided to open a restaurant in Kuroishi because the conditions matched my budget."

The store area is 13 tsubo. The place that used to be a warehouse was refurbished. “We had a basement, but we couldn’t use it, so we closed it down and used the unused cold storage as a storage space,” says Mr. Yamatani. The exterior walls are painted blue, and a vintage mirror with the inscription "Purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency" serves as a full-length mirror in the fitting room. Taking advantage of the high ceiling, the product shelves were hung.

“The product lineup is based on my tastes and tastes. I have my own personality, but every day is fun in the store surrounded by my favorite things,” says Mr. Yamatani. “I want to create a store that will please the local people,” he says.

Business hours are from 12:00 to 18:00. Closed on Wednesdays.