From January 10th to March 29th, Shinagawa held a flea market at Ohi Racecourse. With 500+ vendors, practically any good can be found and bought for the right price. It is hailed as one of Japan’s largest and most diverse markets, where you definitely won’t leave empty-handed.
For a community as unique as the one at St. Mary’s [SMIS], Ohi Racecourse Flea Market is a place where all cultures can be strung together in one place. Ranging from antique Japanese vases for potters to vintage Carhartt for fashion trend-setters, the market truly has something for everyone. Chirag, an Indian-native SMIS sophomore who ventured through the Shinagawa pop-up, applauds it for being a place where all cultures are exposed to an international audience. “I was really surprised when sarees and dupattas, traditional handwoven Indian silks, were at one
of the vendors,” Chirag expressed. “I haven’t seen them anywhere in Japan after moving from Chennai. His account of this rare find at one of the vendors, along with the very reasonable price of ¥1800, highlights beautiful cultural aspects that are hard to find anywhere else.
Chirag is one of many who can delightfully find something meaningful at Ohi Racecourse Flea Market. Where culture is key, and tradition is expression, it is highly encouraged that all who have the chance to do so explore the wonders of each vendor. It is truly a place where everything and everyone is welcome; it is a harbor and haven for both shoppers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
