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(Music by Forrest Lewinger)
Nestled in the heart of Tokyo’s chic Omote Sando shopping district, Pass the Baton is a boutique that puts a new spin on old things. The shop, founded by the disarmingly stylish Masamichi Tohyama, is at its core a consignment store, but with a much more personal touch. Each item sold at Pass the Baton has a backstory – a brief history of the item written right alongside its price – so that customers can have a better understanding of the journey each individual item has traveled and, in turn, feel more connected to the past. In a time when we’re so “inundated with things,” Masamichi Tohyama asks us to slow down and cherish the things we already have. Through these stories, Tohyama breathes new life into antique treasures that may have otherwise been forgotten. How do we value, what we value, after all?
Takeshi Fukunaga is a NY-based filmmaker, specializing in directing and editing. His works have been featured in diverse venues ranging from Anthology Film Archives and The National Arts Club to Tokyo Fashion Week.
88 comments
Sign in to add your owntripperdungan says:
I've heard of other thrift stores like this. I love the concept. I wish every thriftstore had a star wars style hologram message telling where each item came from.
1 year ago
bythebead says:
First of all, I am a Japanopihle! I lived in Japan for a few months for business. One of my greatest pleasures was visiting a local thrift shop frequently and finding the most incredible items. I think I came back with at least a suitcase more than when I arrived. Interesting article!
1 year ago
loreleiParlor says:
beautiful! i love the thought of stopping processes and being in a community completely reliant on recycling objects which have already been created. Great article/video!
1 year ago
NameThatCandy says:
I would love to shop there!! Thanks for posting this video!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Amazing shop.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Very interesting concept!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
Such a nice touch. It's great to know the history of items you buy.
1 year ago
VioletDreams says:
Very nice man. Very caring of his store.
1 year ago
DruthersBizarre says:
This is such a sweet idea. I would really like to develop this concept to fit my brick and mortar. Thank you for the wonderful article and video.
1 year ago
MyWisteriaCottage says:
This is a lovely shop and idea. thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
makitaniguchi says:
I went to Omote Sando in the Harajuku district of Tokyo four years ago. that place was like a crafter's heaven. such a wonderful atmosphere; lots of energy, raw young talent. it would be a dream to go back and visit this place. thank you for publishing this. it made my day.
1 year ago
OpulentOddities says:
beautiful.
1 year ago
planetlovevintage says:
What a fabulous idea! Great article!!
1 year ago
26Sorts says:
Wish I would have known about this shop a year ago when I was in Tokyo! Such a stellar idea to include a bit of the history behind each item. Just lovely!
1 year ago
SeedSewn says:
What a beautiful store! Wish there were more like it.
1 year ago
sorastudio says:
Lovely shop & concept :) I miss shopping in Tokyo!
1 year ago
DessertWine says:
The stories are the most amazing part of each find!! Fantastic idea!!
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
I love this idea. It'd be nice to know if my vintage clothes had bad karma or a curse before wearing them! Love it!
1 year ago
devitjandra says:
I'd love to visit the shop and read all the stories behind the items. Awesome!
1 year ago
destock says:
Wow, I want to go there ! This is the kind of store where I would lose track of time completely. Great video !
1 year ago
CuffandCollar says:
I would love to go there some day, thanks for sharing this
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
OMG, spied some wonderful vintage Hawaiian collectibles in Pass the Baton! Of course that makes sense due to the Japan-Hawaii relationship. Great job, beautiful shop!
1 year ago
atelierpompadour says:
absolutly great and clever!!
1 year ago
vKnit says:
Love this! thank you for sharing :)
1 year ago
PeachyKeenCreations says:
I love the concept! Thanks so much for sharing! Love Mr. Tohyama. :)
1 year ago
ellefbijoux says:
LOVE THE COncept...... :) and love his look too:)
1 year ago
lobsterandswan says:
I hang on with bated breath for each new 'no place like here' video and this one has such a lovely concept amazing place!
1 year ago
ReEnhabit says:
AMAZING! I have learned a little something I will use in my own shop from listening to Mr. Tohyama. He was able to articulate and relate what I am trying to achieve thru both photo's and my brick and mortar store - it's about the story. It is about sharing the experience over and over again. Pass down, pass it along. Love the name- Pass the baton. Brilliant!
1 year ago
SoliDeoGloriaSDG says:
What a lovely concept - wish someone will start something similar here. The shop is filled with incredibly beautiful things!
1 year ago
tippleandsnack says:
Brilliant!
1 year ago
Rewoodtoys says:
This is amazing!!!!! What a wonderful concept. Hopefully we will be able to visit at some point in our future.
1 year ago
FeathersOfArtemis says:
I love it! I used to live in Tokyo and often I was overwhelmed by the mass consumption of the youth that kept me constantly shopping to keep up with the trends. Japan has such a lovely culture yet the newer generation often doesn't understand the struggle that their grandparents went through. Their grandparents wash and reuse plastic wrap while their grandkids are out buying the newest ketai (phone) and a million plastic key chains to go on it. There is definitely a generational divide; not so different from what we have in the US. It is nice to see people being aware of that and bringing more meaning to everyday objects than just promoting constant consumption of goods.
1 year ago
yimmekedesign says:
Mr. Tohyama knows how to make the next person so proud to posses an item which someone else is not able to have in his life anymore. Passing the past on to the future outstretched hands of the next generations eager and willing to pay honest dues and working hard, going home with a much anticipated and loved prize.That's what I call New World shopping.
1 year ago
Mikono says:
What a neat concept!
1 year ago
somethingshidinghere says:
such a charming fella. love the shop!
1 year ago
cram says:
I will put this on my list of places to visit in Tokyo when I go there in a few month! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
lilinspirations says:
Wow! Love that one can know the story behind the item! Would be wonderful to go there one day.
1 year ago
MitosisGlass says:
What a wonderful idea! I love the concept of personal possessions having a story, even before you've gotten them. I can tell you all sorts of stories about my own things at home and where I got them, who gave them to me, etc. and I love the idea that I could buy used items with their own little histories.
1 year ago
TheMillineryShop says:
When I obtain something old, vintage or just pre-owned, I always fill in a possible history of the items in my own head. I can almost believe that the total nonsense I tell myself is the actual story behind the scenes. How clever of Mr. Tohyama to give us those histories which realistically make your purchase truly yours and thus allow those stories to continue uninterrupted..
1 year ago
Willow4u says:
What a great marketing idea!!
1 year ago
smithrj18 says:
Love the shop! Would definitely visit it soon! My husband works for the US Navy and we still have two more years here in Japan and I love going to the thrift stores, collecting a bunch of tea cups! I cant resist at all!
1 year ago
Soles says:
I traveled so far with this video! I really geat the feeling of this shop and I think is amazing!
1 year ago
hapacollective says:
Just lovely, just lovely. A model for our store!
1 year ago
honeycup says:
I absolutely adore this concept!
1 year ago
ARabbitNamedMolecule says:
The concept of documenting the history that comes with each item is a very thoughtful one. I love vintage and used treasures and often times is attracted also to the past lives that these items had been through. The concept used here is very reminiscent of curating a museum. It makes a purchase that extra bit more special that merely buying new things from a store.
1 year ago
KINGxACE says:
What a great concept! It would be so interesting to visit, and to see all the stories that go along for each item.
1 year ago
kateblossom says:
very inspiring- thanks for sharing. I would sure love to drop in this store!
1 year ago
terrihvaught says:
Fabulous!!
1 year ago
ThePeachTree says:
It's wonderful to take the time to set up a past :)
1 year ago
VintageEyeFashion says:
Mr. Tohyama has so eloquently expressed why I love the vintage business.
1 year ago
2007musarra says:
Whaat a great article. If I know the history of the piece I really pass it on to my customers in my discription. I have a customer convo me and say that is what made the piece more attractive to her becuase of the story behind the ring. I love a good story.
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
Mr. Tohyama has so eloquently expressed why I love the vintage business!
1 year ago
NangijalaJewelry says:
Wonderful! An amazing idea.
1 year ago
aschwer says:
What a wonderful idea! This definitely sets it apart..I would rather shop at a place like this than at a typical thrift store. Brilliant marketing!
1 year ago
Namoo says:
Amazing. What a beautiful store with so many stories.
1 year ago
BonChatBoutique says:
Wow! One more reason to head to Japan.
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Wonderful - congratulations ! Beautiful shop.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
disarmingly stylish! I can only hope someone would save that about me. The shop is amazing.
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the idea of giving a profile and story with each item. i always wonder the history of the clothes i sell.
1 year ago
tomokotahara says:
I heard about them before and I liked their shop! It is interesting to see about the personal stories with the items.
1 year ago
ManoushMama says:
Knowing a little something about where an object came from or who owned it makes it so much more personal and meaningful...I love that! Everything in life has a story.
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Whenever I buy second hand records I always wonder about their story, where they've come from and who's owned them - how they came to be where they are...
1 year ago
Verdurebydesign says:
I am very conscious about what I buy and repurposing is always our 1st option. To purchase something with a story makes it all the more special. I just love this concept.
1 year ago
pillowfactory says:
great shop, right up my alley
1 year ago
UpscaleDownhome says:
Wow! I loved this story. I love the concept and thinking behind his vision for the store and to tell a little bit about the original owner is priceless. The merchandising is gorgeous. I would love to visit there!
1 year ago
girliepains says:
very nice!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
What a great idea and a great name for a store - I would love to come and browse! I wish you all the best in your store and everything else that you do! Thanks!
1 year ago
inkstomp says:
That was just lovely.
1 year ago
beadz1861 says:
What a wonderful idea : )
1 year ago
MishaGirl says:
I think it's brilliant to include a little note of history with each item. I want to visit this place!
1 year ago
bebeparesseux says:
How wonderful!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
it's important to collect cherished items of the past, just because, in the age of mass production, everything starts looks the same and is devoid of meaning. i just think of all the tools that have been created/designed in the past that is now lost as making is now dominated by automated machinery.
1 year ago
captainlovesfabric says:
Beatiiful! Getting caught up in the romanticism contributes so much to they joy of buying second hand and vintage :)
1 year ago
redhardwick says:
LOVE that store!
1 year ago
backroads says:
Wish I could visit Mr. Tohyama's wonderful store! What a great concept...I love it.
1 year ago
NatalieDrest says:
Wonderful! Now I REALLY want to go to Japan! What a great concept to make recycling upmarket.
1 year ago
illusionedwords says:
I work in an upscale consignment store & always wish we had the back story of items...what a clever idea!
1 year ago
quinnknits says:
Wow, what a lovely idea, I could spend hours in this shop.
1 year ago
go2vintage says:
I'm so glad I saw this! I started my "go2vintage" shop with this in mind! Read my "about" section - I really think the there's a ton of value in continuing an items history - not only for recycling, but for more understanding of culture and who we are (or want to be). I also have had wonderful interaction with the people who are "adding another layer of history" with the items they buy from me. I'm so glad people are liking this concept !!!
1 year ago
TheGraveyardGirls says:
What an amazing shop!!
1 year ago
grandmamarievintage says:
Such a great concept. I would spend hours in this shop reading each and every tag! It is so interesting and wonderful.
1 year ago
minouette says:
I really enjoyed this video. It made me want to return to Tokyo.
1 year ago
ysmeine says:
I love to look for treasures in thrift shops and antique stores. Sometimes it is a simple mug that someone decided was outdated or a fun necklace. Of course I always wonder about who had these items, how they aquired them, or why they chose to get rid of them. Having a tangible story helps you see the item as more than just someones cast off.
1 year ago
Piggy says:
Beautiful store. If only there are such stops in Singapore. Totally agree that we are living in the era of mass consumption and people should treasure old items where each have a story and still very usable..
1 year ago
Caracarmina says:
I would loooooove to visit his store.... looks like a magical place full with treasures... (love his glasses too) great video! and the stories.... :D
1 year ago
Weaselfactory says:
So excited to be in Tokyo this summer. I'm so going to get me one of those cups... If they're still available.
1 year ago
StrayNabeeVintage says:
this is so inspiring, i simply love that there is such and emphasis on the stories that go along with each and every item. because really that is the best part. love the video, so very very clean and expertly executed. bravo!
1 year ago
houdacrea says:
So interesting !
1 year ago