Chapter 9: When I was mistaken for a worker

I didn’t realise the Japanese had a love for thrift stores and vintage clothes until I spent more time in Tokyo. Living near the city exposed me to new subcultures and diverse fashion styles I hadn't encountered before. There’s the cutesy panda-eyed Shibuya Gyaru look, the Lolita French maid-style, Tokyo streetwear, visual kei, and more. But what really stood out to me was their obsession with vintage clothes. While London has its share of charity and second-hand shops, the quality in Tokyo is on another level. I’m just saying!

I spent a lot of time in Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, and Koenji—neighbourhoods famous for their vintage scenes. They offer styles ranging from Americana to Japanese streetwear, punk, edgy looks, and high-end vintage, often featuring rare designer pieces. Exploring these areas and popping into shops like Mode-Off made me appreciate how much Japanese culture values preserving history, fashion, and creativity. Vintage wear has played a big role in inspiring Japanese designers and repurposing high-quality second-hand pieces.

With this newfound respect for thrifting, I indulged in some high-quality second-hand finds myself. One of my favourite purchases was a bright pink trench-style jacket with a silver belt buckle. It was lightweight, hit just above my knees, and fit me perfectly—it even worked as a dress on its own. Surprisingly, it wasn’t expensive!

One thing to note about Japanese thrift stores is the impeccable quality of their pieces. Any defect devalues a vintage item, so what you find is often in near-perfect condition.

During this time, I was going through my "Hello Kitty phase" when anything pink excited me. My friends frequently complimented the jacket, and even the teachers in the staff room approved. I sometimes wore it to work.

But it wasn’t just my friends and teachers who noticed my fashion choice.

One busy Saturday during spring, I was waiting for a friend outside Yokohama Station, near one of the station’s enclosed smoking rooms. In Japan, these glass smoking rooms keep cigarette smoke contained, away from non-smokers, families, and children. It was always strange seeing smokers crowded into these small spaces, with white smoke swirling above their heads like a scene from a dystopian movie.

While waiting, I got a text from my friend saying she was running late, apologising profusely. I didn’t mind since it wasn’t raining. I was relaxed, ready for a fun day of gossip and catching up.

Then it happened. A Japanese man in a black suit carrying a briefcase walked up to me and said, “Sumimasen, nihongo…” It took me a moment to process what he was saying. He was trying to hit on me. He wanted to ask me if I could speak Japanese.

Instantly, my brain went into overdrive, recalling something another Assistant English Teacher (AET) had mentioned weeks earlier. Yokohama Station, much like London’s King’s Cross, has a bit of a seedy reputation. It’s known for being a pick-up spot for certain types of encounters. The comparison to King’s Cross—famous for its history with drug dealers, sex workers, and petty crime—suddenly felt too real.

With that thought blaring in my mind, I jumped back, turned around, and hurried toward the station’s shopping centre to disappear into the crowds. I texted my friend to meet me inside the shops instead.

Thankfully, nothing serious happened. I acted quickly and kept myself safe, but the encounter reminded me that Japan, despite its traditional image of temples, sushi, samurai, and kimono, also has a darker, grittier side. Organised crime, certain vices, and seedy areas exist just as they do in any major city.

When my friend finally arrived, I told her everything. Thinking back now, there’s something almost funny about the whole situation. Wearing a bright pink jacket may have screamed “youthful” or “playful,” but it definitely attracted the wrong kind of attention that day.

I bought the pink vintage coat because I loved it—it matched my extroverted personality and passion for fashion. But sometimes, what you wear can say more than you intend, especially in a city like Tokyo, which has many neighbourhoods and many faces. Some of its faces being not so wholesome.

Please note: Names and places have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals and organisations