Fukuzo Western Goods Store President Tamami Morimoto showcasing a beloved product cherished by Yokohama locals for about 80 years

Fukuzo Western Goods Store, known for its seahorse trademark, will celebrate its 80th anniversary next year since its founding in Yokohama’s Motomachi. To commemorate this, a special exhibition featuring past iconic products is being held at the Motomachi main store until the 20th.

Fukuzo began when founder Fukuzo Morimoto opened the Western goods store at its current location in 1946. Custom-made Western clothing gradually gained popularity, expanding the product range. Starting in 1963, the store began selling apparel with hand-embroidered seahorses, adopting the design as a signature motif since the following year’s zodiac sign was the Dragon.

Beloved by Yokohama locals, including female students attending schools in the Yamate area, the brand became one of the defining labels of the “Hama-Tra” fashion trend that peaked in the 1970s.

Shigeo Nagashima’s Favorite Aloha Shirt

Fukuzo Western Goods Store

The Fukuzo Western Goods Store was a pioneering shop established in the late 19th or early 20th century in Japan, during a period of rapid Westernization. It specialized in importing and selling foreign products, such as clothing, food, and household items, that were previously unavailable. The store played a significant role in introducing Western culture and consumer goods to the Japanese public.

Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan that developed rapidly after the country opened to foreign trade in 1859, ending a long period of national isolation. It became a gateway for Western influence, which is reflected in its historic Yamate district and the iconic Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest in the world. Today, it is a vibrant, modern metropolis known for its Minato Mirai 21 waterfront area, which features landmarks like the Landmark Tower and Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.

Motomachi

Motomachi is a historic shopping street district in Yokohama, Japan, which developed as a foreign settlement after the port opened to international trade in 1859. It became famous for its Western-style boutiques, bakeries, and department stores, introducing many modern goods and fashions to the country. Today, it remains a fashionable and upscale shopping promenade that reflects its unique international heritage.

Motomachi main store

The Motomachi main store is a historic department store located in the Motomachi shopping district of Kobe, Japan. It first opened in 1932, originally serving the foreign merchants and residents of the international settlement. Today, it remains a landmark known for its elegant selection of high-quality imported goods and Japanese products.

Yamate area

The Yamate area, also known as “The Bluff,” is a historic foreign settlement in Yokohama, Japan, established in the late 19th century after the port opened to international trade. It is characterized by its Western-style residences, built for foreign diplomats and merchants, and offers scenic views overlooking the city. Today, it is a charming district with preserved foreign homes, parks, and a museum that showcase its unique international heritage.

Hama-Tra

I am unable to find any information on a place or cultural site named “Hama-Tra.” It is possible that the name is misspelled or refers to a very localized or lesser-known site. If you are referring to the famous water wheels, that location is “Hama” in Syria, known for its ancient Norias.

Shigeo Nagashima’s Favorite Aloha Shirt

This is not a traditional place or cultural site, but a specific aloha shirt famously owned by Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima. The shirt, featuring a distinctive red and white “Liliuokalani” print, became an iconic symbol of Nagashima’s popularity and casual style in 1990s Japan. Its history is tied to his celebrity status, making it a notable piece of Japanese pop culture and fashion history.