On Sunday 20 June, the BCCJ team was out in force, presenting a fantastic selection of products provided by BCCJ member firms at The British Market in Minami-aoyama. The market is a monthly event, held at the Minami-aoyama Playhouse at which Vulcanize London showcases the best of British food and drink.
The British Market is organised by Vulcanize London, a Tokyo-based shop that displays and sells products from a variety of British brands, such as:
- Globe-Trotter
- Smythson Ltd
- Fox Umbrellas Ltd
- Hackett Ltd
- Turnbull & Asser
- N. Peal London
- Gieves & Hawkes
- Goat
- Johnstons of Elgin
- Molton Brown
- Nyetimber
Founded in 2002 under the name Vulcanize, the shop name was changed to Vulcanize London to highlight its connection with British brands. In October 2020 the refurbished Minami-Aoyama venue reopened as Vulcanize London @ The Playhouse.
The clothing shop is also a hub of British culture, offering a multitude of services and events. The Vulcanize Academy, for example, has a number of specialists who, familiar with British culture, serve as instructors. Daily cultural events, such as calligraphy or flower arranging classes, are available. Vulcanize Works is a service that offers repairs, maintenance and customisation of British items such as shoes, watches, accessories and cars.
Akihiko Ban, a Vulcanize London representative, spoke to BCCJ ACUMEN about the event and its plans for the future. “This event takes place once a month, and is growing. On Valentine’s Day and White Day this year, we welcomed between 800 and 1,000 guests a day, with a wide variety of British brands on display. Bakeries such as Swan & Lion, Unicorn Bakery, Malins Fish & Chips, and many beer, cider and tea brands are especially well received.
“We are planning to have Scottish smoked salmon, English smoothie brands, scotch whisky, gin, and British cheeses in the near future”.
Vulcanize London will be holding multiple events throughout the rest of the year. They are scheduled for 29 August, 19 September, 17 October, 21 November and 12 December.
A special thank you to all members who dropped by, and to Whisk-e Limited, Swan & Lion, Camping with Soul, Suki Tea and Phoenix House International School for their contributions. If any firms are interested in setting up their own booth or joining the BCCJ’s please contact: info@bccjapan.com
