Great neon signs that make walking around town more enjoyable
Neon signs shining in busy downtown areas at night evoke a nostalgic feeling, and the soft, spreading light exudes an indescribable emotion. In Japan, neon signs have been used for outdoor advertising since the postwar and high economic growth period, and have long been beloved in many areas, with busy downtown areas at night still referred to as "neon towns." In the Reiwa era, their numbers have gradually decreased due to the increase in LED tube lights, which are relatively easy to make and inexpensive, and the decline in glass tube artisans. However, thanks to the recent retro boom, they are once again beloved, especially by young people.
Recently, Japanese city pop has been gaining recognition overseas, and the very existence of "neon," which appears in album cover artwork and lyrics, seems to be attracting attention from around the world. Neon is made by sealing gas in a vacuumed glass tube, which is then connected to a transformer called a transformer to discharge and emit light. Neon gas glows red, while argon gas glows blue, and by coloring the inside of the neon tube, a variety of colors can be produced. Furthermore, neon can withstand exposure to wind and rain, electricity costs are relatively low, and neon tubes have a lifespan of about 10 years, making it a cost-effective option.
As the days get warmer in spring in Tokyo, why not avoid being fooled by neon-like LED tubes and look for neon signs made of real neon tubes? Here we introduce six classic neon signs that can be found in Tokyo, from small eyeglass shops to large-scale advertisements.
Kanai Glasses
Located in front of Otsuka Station, this is a long-established local eyeglasses store founded in 1933. Two large bright red neon signs of round glasses hang on the wall of the store. The red light of the neon signs is beautifully reflected on the buses at the bus stop opposite, and at that moment, the town of Otsuka is enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere. The giant neon eyeglasses sign also creates a part of the town's scenery.
Address: 2-45-4 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku | map
Ami Brand Food Industry
Ami-In delivers fried rice mix, soup, and seasonings. The large neon sign, which was also featured in Makoto Shinkai 's film Weathering with You, can be found as soon as you get off Tabata Station. There are also large signs on the rooftops of company buildings along the train tracks and highways that can be seen from inside the train, so these are also must-sees.
Address: 1-6-2 Higashitabata, Kita-ku | map
Jewel Uhara
Neon signs often display the name of a store or brand, but this jewelry store uses neon to display the tagline, "A store that designs and makes jewelry just for you." The glittering facade is eye-catching, with a variety of other neon signs, including pictograms of jewelry.
Address: 3-27-3 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku | map
Yuboku Shinjuku store
Kabukicho is a place where neon lights shine. On the facade of the Shinjuku branch of the yakiniku restaurant Yuboku, a neon sign bearing the restaurant's name written in free and bold calligraphy hangs. The characteristic fluctuations of calligraphy, such as the expression of the final stroke of the character "⻌" that reaches up to the sky, are beautifully expressed in neon tubes.
Address: 2-26-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku | map
Sake Brewery Chikara Ikebukuro West Exit Store
Sakagura Chikara is a popular izakaya chain in Saitama with its main store in Urawa. On the wall of the Ikebukuro West Exit store, you can see a dynamic neon sign with the store name and cute illustrations of beef, pork, chicken, and fish. After enjoying some delicious skewers and stewed offal, you'll want to gaze upon the fun neon sign while feeling tipsy.
Address: 1-15-3 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku | map
Pon Juice neon advertisement
The giant neon sign for Pon Juice can be seen from the train window around Tenkubashi Station on the Tokyo Monorail. It was installed in July 1975 and has undergone repeated renovations, soon turning 50 years old. You can also look up at it from the road directly below, and if you stand there, your entire body will be bathed in red, and you will be transported to another world.
Address: 15-6 Haneda Asahi-cho, Ota-ku | map
