Large-Scale Filming in the Shopping District: Promoting the Allure of Awa Odori, Vintage Fashion, and Food
Koenji Pal Shopping Street Promotion Association (Minami 4, Koenji, Suginami-ku) launched a promotional video aimed at foreign tourists on its newly established YouTube channel on March 17.
The video was filmed starting from the Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Grand Festival last August and showcases the fervor of the “Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori” — a symbol of Koenji — along with the charm of various shops in the shopping district, such as vintage stores and eateries. Titled “JOIN THE pal,” it comprises one concept movie (main video) and three sub-videos.
The concept movie (main video) tells the story of a protagonist unfamiliar with Koenji who gradually embraces its unique culture through the guidance of friends. The highlight includes a powerful Awa Odori performance by “Aoishinren,” a troupe affiliated with the Koenji Awa Odori Association, captured in the shopping district. Volunteer extras also appeared in scenes depicting shopping within the district.
The three sub-videos focus on the themes of Food & Dining, Fashion, and Culture (Awa Odori). These videos rely solely on visuals to convey their content, without any dialogue or narration.
This promotional video was planned as part of Koenji Pal Shopping Street Promotion Association’s initiatives to attract more foreign tourists and is expected to contribute to an increase in visitors.
Video URLs
Concept Movie
JOIN THE pal Koenji Tokyo | A Day in Pal Street – Where Stories Come Alive
Dining
JOIN THE pal Koenji Tokyo: Dining and Drinks in Koenji’s Iconic Arcade
Fashion
JOIN THE pal Koenji Tokyo: Exploring Retro Fashion and Kimono Culture
Culture
JOIN THE pal Koenji Tokyo: Awa Odori Festival Vibes in Koenji’s Pal District
Comments on the Promotional Video
Koenji Pal Shopping Street Promotion Association – Kazuhiko Kawahara, President
Over time, communities evolve. This video captures the charm of the Pal Shopping District, even aspects we residents were unaware of. We hope everyone will take a look!
Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Association – Takeyuki Tomizawa, Executive Director
This thrilling video beautifully showcases the vibrancy of the Pal Shopping District, a birthplace of Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori, filled with excitement, fun, and delicious offerings.
Cast
Yuuka Kokubun
- Featured in commercials, dramas, and movies, including “The Witch’s Perfume” (2023) and “Mystery to Iunakare” (2022, Fuji TV’s Getsu9 Drama)
Nanoka Fuji
- Appeared in stage plays and TV dramas, including NHK’s morning drama series “Ranman” (2023)
Kosaku Matsuo
- Active in fashion modeling and commercials
Supporting Shops
Concept Movie
Porta Coffee Stand / Toyokiya / Bell Pia / BIG TIME Koenji / i nou / Zephyr Flower Shop / GREAT WHITE WONDER / BE-IN RECORDS
Dining
Porta Coffee Stand / Sakaba Baccho / Nikumakiya Kushiemon / Nga-Til
Fashion
BIG TIME / Higan / ruruLi / Mataki-so / Daikokuya
Credits
FY2025 Regional Tourism Demand Support Project
“Welcome! Tokyo Koenji pal Shopping Street | 歡迎光臨！ 東京高圓寺朋友商店街”
Planning: Koenji Pal Shopping Street Promotion Association
Production: HOT WIRE GROUP Co., Ltd.
Video Production: xalibre Co., Ltd.
Collaboration: Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Association / Aoishinren
About Koenji Pal Shopping Street
Located south of JR Koenji Station, this large arcade shopping street stretches toward Ome Kaido. Visitors can enjoy shopping without worrying about the weather. The area includes stores specializing in Awa Odori goods, vintage shops, and large chain stores, making it a unique spot. It’s also the birthplace of the “Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori.”
In January this year, the Koenji Pal Shopping Street also released an introduction video targeting Taiwan, featuring YouTuber “Alan Channel / 阿倫頻道” and Malaysian Instagrammer “Cheesie,” which garnered great reactions.
Contact / Media Inquiries
HOT WIRE GROUP Co., Ltd.
MAIL: contact@hotwireshop.com
TEL: 03-3313-5589 / FAX: 03-3314-0305