If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling on #vintagetok—the side of TikTok obsessed with finding archival designer goods—then you know that Tokyo has some of the best vintage stores in the world. With shops like Amore and Casanova, Japan’s resale market is filled with a plentiful assortment of high-quality goods; It’s no wonder customers from around the world touch down in cities like Tokyo to shop. This year, there’s one particular boutique that has gained a major following, not only for its impressive collection of archival Chanel and Louis Vuitton bags, but for one employee’s eccentric style. Meet: Yuji Jitsutani from Atlantis Vintage Tokyo.
The luxury boutique is run by Yuji—who serves as international sales manager, handling all non-Japanese clients—and his husband, Tim. Though Atlantis Vintage opened in 2002, it's popularity has recently recently swelled thanks to social media. “Atlantis was one of the first vintage luxury stores in Tokyo known for our focus on vintage Chanel bags,” Yuji tells Vogue. “Back then, the vintage market for high-end luxury was still in its early stages.” Today, the store—which has three locations in Tokyo, including in Koenji, Hiroo, and Ginza—has become both a local’s and tourist’s destination, known for its unique assortment of vintage Chanel, Hermès, and Fendi bags, among many other covetable labels. “What I love about vintage is that it’s truly one-of-a-kind,” says Yuji, who mans the Koenji location. “You can’t just walk into a store and pick it up, especially when it comes to limited-edition pieces or stuff that is so old you just can’t get it anymore. And let’s be real, the price is often way better, too.”
What can one find in the vintage mecca? Atlantis specializes in sourcing rare Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès bags—from classic Chanel double flaps to hard-to-find Murakami x LV bags from the 2000s. “We source primarily from auction houses in and around Tokyo, but we also travel to Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka when needed,” says Yuji. “Additionally, we source directly from Japanese walk-in clients—some of whom are VIPs at Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton—who want to offload older pieces or sell brand new items they have just acquired.” Yuji adds that the stock of goods to be found in Japan is unparalleled; An appreciation for vintage fashion engrained in the culture. “In Japan, reusing, remaking, and recycling have always been part of the culture, dating back centuries, especially when it comes to clothes and bags,” he says.
But customers flock to Atlantis for more than just the special bags—many come to meet and visit with Yuji himself. The shop offers a more curated, hands-on service, and many customers spend months messaging Yuji before even physically coming in; Yuji will work one-on-one with customers to find specific bags, even if it takes a while. “Many of our international clients spend months messaging us through DMs before their trip to Tokyo, sharing their dream bag wishlists and sourcing inquiries,” says Yuji. “The human connections make this work so much more than just a retail experience. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up when they hold their dream bag for the first time.”
Of course, Yuji’s impeccable personal style is another draw. On the Atlantis Instagram and TikTok pages, Yuji will often model the latest stock of bags while showcasing his own unique outfits. “I’m drawn to bold, funky pieces that challenge conventional styling,” says Yuji. “I really love creative styling, like using a kimono belt as a headband or wearing hats in unconventional ways.” Yuji will show off a classic Chanel with a multicolor coat, or sport a denim Vuitton bag with a vintage-style plaid. “Having lived in different countries, I’ve developed a style that fuses Japanese and Western influences, from mode to punk rock,” Yuji says of his wardrobe. “I love blending high-end with casual and secondhand items for a unique, eclectic look. Lots of accessories, too—especially chunky rings and bangles.”
Yuji never expected for his own sense of style to become a focal point of the shop’s social media presence—though he now enjoys connecting with customers that way. “Things started to change on Instagram when my husband began helping with our social media a few years ago. His ideas and sense of style helped us shift our strategy, turning me into a fun, accessible and memorable face for the shop,” says Yuji. “Often in Tokyo, the luxury resale experience can be a little formal, and of course there is a place for that, but that’s not what we are about.”
So, the next time you're visiting Tokyo, pay a trip to Atlantis in search of your dream bag (and wear your best outfit to meet Yuji, of course). “We're really ramping up our focus on rare and popular Y2K pieces, especially early-2000s collections that are making a big comeback,” says Yuji. “Think the usual suspects like Murakami LV, LV denim, any and all Balenciaga Motocross styles, and vintage Fendi styles.” Bonus: Yuji says Atlantis will be having extended holiday hours this year, too—for all of your shopping needs. “Last year, we closed the store on New Year’s (since it’s a big deal in Japan and most shops shut down), but we got a lot of feedback from disappointed customers,” says Yuji. “So this year, we’ve decided to stay open for New Year and I can’t wait!”