[A City That Suits 【 Nanamika] Vol. 2: A Local Cruise Through Kobe’s Food, Fashion, and Lifestyle.

〈nanamica〉’s classic clothing, designed to blend seamlessly into everyday life, looks just as good in your familiar neighborhood as it does against the backdrop of a travel destination. We’ll explore the appeal of this brand through its stores in various cities. For our second installment, we headed to Kobe, a port city lined with stately stone buildings and imbued with a touch of Western culture. After checking out the latest fall/winter collection at “nanamica KOBE,” we made a special detour to visit a local spot worth the extra trip. Here’s our guide to side trips that will satisfy your curiosity about food, fashion, and lifestyle.

• Photo_Shunsuke Kondo
• Edit_Soma Takeda

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For 15 years, we’ve been rooted in this port town. nanamica KOBE—where you can feel the sea right beside you.

In Kobe, where the sea and mountains lie side by side in a compact setting, Western culture arrived early as a port city, fostering a unique, sophisticated culture. “nanamica KOBE” is located in the “Former Foreign Settlement,” an area that still strongly retains traces of that history.

In particular, the area around Kyomachi-suji, where the store is located, features a row of modern stone buildings and retro structures, with wide sidewalks where the sea breeze blows through pleasantly. Just a short walk away, the Bay Area unfolds before you—an environment that feels like a very natural fit for *Nanamika*, a brand whose roots lie in the sea.

The Bay Area is about a 5-minute walk from “nanamica KOBE.” As you feel the pleasant sea breeze at the harbor, you’ll see “GLION ARENA KOBE,” a new landmark, on your left.

"nanamica KOBE" was established in December 2010. Later, following the demolition of the building, it relocated to its current location in 2015.

A tabloid newspaper that used to publish independently. The photo in the upper left shows the interior of the former “nanamica KOBE” store, which was a beloved fixture from its opening in 2010 until its relocation in 2015.

The first thing that catches your eye when you step inside is the magnificent birchwood platform standing in the center of the store. This is the same structure that was used at the previous location; we’ve carefully repurposed it here.

A birch wood framework that serves as a symbol of the space. Even within the store’s current clean design, the history dating back to its opening and a certain warm, handcrafted feel coexist—creating an atmosphere unique to the Kobe store.

"When it comes to how we display the clothes and the overall atmosphere of the space, we strive to create a sense of comfort that naturally evokes the ocean. One of the interesting things about our company-owned stores is that the color schemes vary slightly from store to store."

So says Mr. Nakamura, manager of “nanamica KOBE.” With a background that includes working as a buyer and store designer at a vintage select shop in Kobe, his sensibility—which values vintage pieces while blending them with contemporary clothing—is deeply aligned with the approach to standard clothing design championed by *nanamica*.

Mr. Nakamura has been working at “nanamica KOBE” for over 10 years. “The more you walk around Kobe, the more you realize there’s a subtle charm that gradually grows on you. It’s not just about the new, trendy spots—the old shops with their traditional, warm-hearted atmosphere are still very much a part of the city. It’s a city with its own unique culture.”

The open interior, with its glass walls facing the street, is flooded with natural light, and the collections from *Nanamika* and *The North Face Purple Label* are displayed in a spacious, uncluttered layout.

Of course, the comfort of the space and the chance to experience the extensive lineup of products firsthand are part of the appeal of visiting the store, but there’s another treat in store here: the store-exclusive items exclusively curated by “nanamica KOBE.”

Top left: KOBE Graphic Tee ¥12,100
Bottom left: KOBE Graphic Cap ¥11,000
Right: Kobe Special Macrame Shoulder Bag + Narrow Rope ¥20,900

These are commemorative items released to mark the 15th anniversary of “nanamica KOBE.” The cap and T-shirt feature artwork by CALMA by Ryo Okamoto, an artist based in Kakogawa, Hyogo Prefecture, who is also active in Kobe.

The bag is a handmade product commissioned from “B:TOGETHER × B:BY PROJECT1000.” Made from upcycled scraps from an Indian knitwear factory, this bag features a rich texture. We customized it with a special color inspired by “nanamica KOBE” and added a leather label as an accent.

The T-shirts with katakana logos worn by the mannequins in the store are part of an archive of non-commercial items produced in the past.

Local items that add just the right touch of artisanal charm and a relaxed vibe to your everyday outfits are sure to leave a lasting impression as special souvenirs from your travels.

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A classic-looking companion for city strolls that packs functionality into its design.

As the season changes and cold winds begin to blow, choosing the right outerwear becomes essential for walking around town. This time, from our extensive lineup, we’ve selected two outerwear pieces that feature “WINDSTOPPER®,” which offers excellent wind resistance and breathability.

WINDSTOPPER Duffle Coat ¥132,000

A duffle coat crafted from calze fabric, characterized by its coarse weave created using thick yarn. The deep twill ribbing, made from a blend of British wool, organic cotton, and recycled polyester, gives the fabric a warm, inviting look.

Although it has a classic look, it features a WINDSTOPPER® Liner on the hidden inner side that offers excellent wind resistance and breathability, effectively blocking cold winds. Additionally, parts of the lining that come into direct contact with the skin are made from a twill fabric combining natural-colored organic cotton and COOLMAX® EcoMade, ensuring continued comfort even during long walks.

WINDSTOPPER Short Jacket ¥84,700

A short jacket made from the same Calze fabric. While the silhouette offers a comfortably relaxed fit, the elasticated cuffs and hem create a slightly rounded shape. Like the duffle coat, this jacket features a WINDSTOPPER® Liner and COOLMAX® EcoMade twill lining, ensuring comfort during active strolls around town.

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A Guide to Taking Detours, Starting with nanamica KOBE.

It protects you from the cold wind while letting moisture escape from under your clothes to keep you comfortable. If you had a reliable piece like that, you wouldn’t mind the cold and would naturally find yourself heading out into the city. With that in mind, here are some interesting spots you’ll want to stop by right after leaving “nanamica KOBE.”

SPOT01_THE BOOK END

This is a sister store to “BOOK AND SONS,” a bookstore located in front of Gakugei University in Tokyo, quietly nestled within the “Kaigan Building,” which is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The space, which retains the stately charm of the Meiji era, features a selection of books centered on domestic and international photo collections and art books. The books are beautifully laid out flat so their covers are visible, and visitors can sit on the stools placed nearby to take their time browsing through them. In the back area, bathed in natural light, exhibitions are held regularly, allowing visitors to spend time immersing themselves in culture amidst the beauty of this historic architecture.

SPOT02_DORSIA

Kobe is often called the birthplace of Japanese coffee culture, and its unique coffee shop culture runs deep. For a quick break while exploring the city, stop by a place like this, which carries on the charm of classic coffee shops. Located a short distance from the bustling Sannomiya district, this modern coffee shop was created by renovating a former barbershop. The furniture, reportedly acquired from a long-established coffee shop, exudes a retro Showa-era atmosphere, while the sign and tableware feature illustrations with a lighthearted touch by artist Masanao Hirayama. Inside the shop, where nostalgia blends with modern wit, you’ll also find apparel and stickers that make perfect souvenirs.

SPOT03_Magical Furniture Present.

Located under the elevated tracks of the Hankyu Kobe Line is “Magical Furniture,” a workshop that crafts original furniture and store fixtures. Right across the street, diagonally opposite the workshop, is this shop, which features interior accessories and daily necessities carefully curated through their discerning eye. Inside, you’ll find a wide array of items, from tableware selected from Japan and abroad to ceramics and glassworks by Japanese artists, as well as handy tools like well-designed scissors and carabiners. While by no means flashy, these items embody the warmth of craftsmanship and functional beauty. You’re sure to find something here that will enrich your daily life just a little bit.

SPOT04_NICKJERKY

When it comes to Kobe’s specialty products, Kobe beef is the first thing that comes to mind, but there’s another way to enjoy it from a slightly different perspective. This shop specializes in craft jerky made exclusively from beef raised in Hyogo Prefecture and natural salt derived from boiled-down seawater. Every step of the process—from cutting and salting to aging and packaging—is carried out in the on-site factory. This additive-free jerky, packed with the meat’s natural umami, becomes more flavorful the more you chew it. It’s not only perfect to take home as a souvenir but also a must-visit spot for meat lovers, where you can enjoy it right there in the store with a craft beer in hand.

SPOT05_Souhei Western-Style Restaurant

A Western-style restaurant that has long been beloved by locals—even the staff at “nanamica KOBE” are regulars here. In Kobe, a port city where Western culinary culture took root early on, “beef cutlet” is the quintessential soul food when it comes to cutlets. The beef, encased in a fragrant, crispy batter, pairs perfectly with the rich, deep-flavored demi-glace sauce (Dobby sauce) that has been passed down through the generations. From the signature Beef Katsu Dobby Rice (second photo) to set meals featuring plump, crispy fried shrimp (third photo), this restaurant offers the warm, traditional flavors that satisfy both your stomach and your soul.