When it comes to harajuku clothing and kawaii looks, my interest lies beyond mere curiosity. With a closet full of pink and baby blue dresses, bows, frills and all things adorably girlie, it can only be labeled an obsession. How lucky then am I to have discovered such a cool kawaii store by accident in San Francisco?
I randomly discovered the New People Store while walking around Japantown in San Francisco. Though the building itself is nothing to write home about, the window displays are a feast for the eyes. Adult baby doll dresses, anime shoes, harajuku headpieces and more fill their windows. I was already exhilarated by the outdoor experience, but what I found inside was incredible.
Anticipating a little clothing store, I entered the building to find myself inside a true inspired Japanese cafe. It was called the Crown & Crumpet tea salon. Adorable kawaii girls bustled through the little cafe in harajuku clothing, shoes, accessories; smiles included. Did I try the Crown and Crumpet tea salon?
This is about the time I started to feel earth shatteringly depressed that my flight back to NYC would be in a few hours. Though the cafe was the first room I entered, I knew that a kawaii store lay beyond. I was eager to see stores with anime clothing and harajuku looks, so I had to pick my battles. Otherwise this article would’ve extensively covered that cafe too! I squished down the little girl raging in my heart, and continued on up the stairs.
This is what was waiting for me once I reached the top of the platform. Japanese girl heaven.
Kawaii New People Store
Every cute product from Japan you could want to adorn yourself, can be found in this shop. I ran through the store in its intierty three times before I was able to observe individual Japanese products. The first time I may have quite literally, run. I was overwhelmed. By the second time I walked through, I was able to take in how the store was set up. By the third, I could see items.
Whoever builds the displays for this harajuku store obviously cares about it. Their displays are, as you may imagine, very cute. You can shop the store by item type, anime or character theme. There are also sections sorted by color scheme, if you like certain harajuku pastels. It wasn’t until my third sweep through the store that my heart stopped racing. Finally I could take into account specific products. After being asked a second time by the sales associate if I was ok (since I just ran through in big circles three times in a row), I finally began to shop.
Kawaii Products At New People
Harajuku Dresses
One of the best things at New People were the harajuku style dresses for sale. There seems to be a particular focus on white, pink, cream and blush colored dress looks. You’ll find many kawaii style dresses with bow, frill, lattice edge and lace overlay decorations. Here is a sampling of the pink section of clothing I liked. Notice the half moon hat anyone? That was a particular favorite of mine. I wish I had bought it. 🤧
Some of these fun japanime dresses were made in polyester, but not all. If you like better quality fabrics, they had those too. Some kawaii dress styles were made in cotton, linen, and even faux fur. I’ve featured the faux fur dress here. It’s great if you want something different!
Anime Clothing
There are a few places in the store dedicated solely to anime character recreations, school themed ties and bows. I’m guessing that they probably update and change these out pretty frequently. The embroidered black socks were some of my favorites and I enjoyed the Japanese setting of this table. Selfie images included! They’re posted on the computer screen itself.
One very cool thing worth noting were the bows by the front by the register. The school uniform bow accessories are setup in front of a computer. At that computer you can customize neck ties and more to make something unique. That was the first time I’ve ever seen anime bow customization offered in any store. Koodos to them for doing something different.
While visiting this San Francisco New People Store I discovered many funny graphic t-shirts. There was an entire wall dedicated to pizza shirts oddly enough. I also went home with one of these adorable shiba inu printed tops. I mean where else was a going to buy a crop top shiba shirt? I purchased this shirt, and it reads Shiba-Inu, skill: flirt. Perfectly kawaii! It even comes with an HP health ranking of 3 strawberries.
There were also an impressive amount of Japanese socks. Some looked like anime socks, others would’ve just been great for creating kawaii looks. There were ankle, knee high, and over the knee amine socks. They also carry the traditional black anime socks like what I like to use in some of my YouTube videos. You can see from the photo below the plethora of options. Once again this section included a lot of great pastel options. Look at all of those blue, light pink, and lavender anime sock colors.
Kawaii Stuffed Animals
To my utter delight, a few steps inside the store I met with more fun kawaii things. To my surprise I was standing face to face with a stand full of adorable shiba plush toys. I felt as though my own face was being reflected back at me when I saw their slobbery happy tongues. If you like Japan plush toys, there’s no shortage of them at this location. I think if you’re a corgi lover, these could also pass as corgi plushes (tag says shiba though). Also those mini mice are pretty cute!
Miyazaki Products And Toys
Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Spirited Away products are fun discoveries at New People too. Found more so around the checkout counter, you can try rings and Miyazaki film inspired hair accessories. Very cute and amazingly affordable, there were silver and gold accessories sure to put a smile on your face. If funds are limited and you’re an anime lover, I suggest you visit the counter first.
Products I Really Wanted
There were so many things I wanted to buy at the New People Store. Unfortunately for me neither my bank account nor my carryon suitcase could withstand my shopping ardor. Here are a few of the things I desperately wanted but couldn’t bring home with me.
1. Gold Plated Kiki’s Delivery Service hairpin (Kiki riding on her broom with her cat)
2. Adorable shiba inspired plush toys and stuffed animals
3. A gorgeous crane kimono
4. Strapless pastel ruffle trim bralette
5. A gorgeous but comfortable kawaii princess dress
Overall Experience
It’s easy for me to recommend that you visit the New People building in Japantown. It’s a colorful experience without a doubt. I had a great time exploring San Francisco Japantown. However my whole day spent there can’t compare with the one hour I was at New People. If you have a limited amount of time, I would recommend that this be the number one business you visit. Even if it means you don’t get to Japantown or the Japanese mall, it’s an authentic experience. Go early and sit in the cafe (that I didn’t get to enjoy). Tear… I can’t tell you the regret I feel at missing the cafe. Whether you’re visiting or live in California, this building is worth spending a few hours in. Travel lightly so you can leave with all the anime clothing and toys you want!
