From France to Germany, flea markets are familiar sights all across Europe. Chances are you have probably been to one and experienced the thrill of treasure-hunting when trying to discover one-of-a-kind pieces of antique art or rare books. Here in Tokyo various flea markets, featuring all manner of precious items including anything from authentic Japanese antique art to western-style antique jewelry, are held on weekends at many different venues and are attracting an increasing number of visitors looking for lucky finds. The Oedo Antique Market, held at the Tokyo International Forum, is the most popular among antique fans for its great selection of rare and special items.
A short walk from JR Yurakucho Station and Tokyo Station, the open square of the Tokyo International Forum, where lush trees create a soothing green space during warm seasons, hosts approximately 200 to 250 antique vendors open for business on the first and third Sunday of each month. The Oedo Antique Market started in 2003 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the start of the Edo period. It is also the biggest outdoor antique fair in Japan. While the majority of offerings are Japanese antique art, visitors can also find a variety of items including western antiques, kimonos, paper art, paintings, block prints, pottery and glass. Eager treasure hunters often form queues in advance of the 9:00 am opening.
Visitors to this event are mostly middle-aged men, but the market is also popular among the elderly and young people of both genders, as well as with families. According to Mr. Asano, the organizer of the Oedo Antique Market, each customer group displays a particular preference. "Middle-aged male buyers are very interested in authentic Japanese antiques, whereas women in the same age group tend to buy pottery and kimonos. Tableware and furniture from Northern Europe and household goods from France are particularly popular among the younger generation, probably due to recent fashion trends. There are also collectors who specialize in rare items such as corporate novelties, books or LP records from the early Showa period."
The market is most renowned for its large number of dealers and wide range of genres. If you are interested in checking out many different items, the third Sunday each month is the best time to go, as approximately 250 dealers are open for business. Additionally, although such markets in Japan are often thought to be the place to find Japanese antique art, this particular fair offers more western antiques than any other similar event in Japan. Most dealers at the Oedo Antique Market are high-quality antique store owners and amateur collectors. It is therefore understandable that the offerings at the market include many superb finds.
In addition to the thrill of treasure-hunting, a conversation with a knowledgeable dealer is also one of the joys of the antique market. "Even if you are not fluent in Japanese, go ahead and start chatting by saying hi or asking any questions you may have," encourages Mr. Asano. Also remember that it is easy to get worked up about finding a rare item, so be sure to take extra care when handling the delicate antiques.
Now that spring is just around the corner, Japan's biggest outdoor antique market offers a great opportunity to find a special treasure while enjoying the gentle breeze of spring.
Oedo Antique Market http://antique-market.jp/eng/index.shtml
**Schedule for next 2 months:
09/04/05(Sat), 09/04/19(Sun), 09/05/17(Sun), 09/06/07(Sun)
