How about work clothes as a souvenir from Japan? “Bic Uniform Ueno Store” in Ueno, Tokyo
Category: Goods Japanese culture made in JAPAN
Hi there, I’m Hakoboya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times! ╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
Have you ever walked around town in Japan during the summer and seen people working while wearing clothing with small fans attached to their backs or waists?
This “Fan-cooled jacket” is a heat-beating item that originated in Japan, and in recent years, it’s become popular not only among workers but also as outdoor gear and everyday fashion.
In this article, I’ll introduce “Bic Uniform Ueno Store,” which sells this Fan-cooled jacket as well as other workwear and uniforms that are unique to Japan.
“Bic Uniform Ueno Store,” where you can find a full selection of Japanese workwear and uniforms
“Bic Uniform Ueno Store” is operated by Sanko Hakui, a uniform company with a history of about 60 years. They carry a wide range of products, from uniforms for restaurants and medical scrubs to workwear used on construction sites and elsewhere. The store places great importance on introducing Japan’s uniform culture to people overseas, and its product lineup is characterized by its extensive knowledge and proven track record in the uniform industry.
Furthermore, because the store is located in Ueno, Tokyo—which is easily accessible from Narita Airport—it attracts many foreign tourists. Social media is a particularly common reason for visits; a video featuring a popular cleaning industry influencer from Taiwan introducing the Ueno store went viral, leading to a surge in visitors from Taiwan!
These days, lots of foreign tourists are visiting thanks to Google Maps, reviews, Instagram, Threads, and more!
▲There are lots of good-luck charms on display that were given to me as gifts by customers from Taiwan!
Recommended Items at the Bic Uniform Ueno Store
“Fan-cooled jacket”: A Japanese Innovation for Staying Cool
“Fan-cooled jacket” is the most popular item among foreign tourists. It’s a product invented in Japan that features a small fan (blower) sewn into the lining of the garment, which circulates air inside the clothing to keep the body cool.
Many people who try it on in stores reportedly exclaim, “Wow!”—they’re amazed by the powerful airflow! This unique concept of attaching a fan to clothing is highly regarded for its outstanding functionality and as a quintessentially Japanese product.
Among fan-equipped garments, “BURTLE” products are particularly popular. They come as a three-piece set that includes a fan, a battery, and the garment itself. Since they can be used not only at work sites but also for outdoor activities, summer leisure, and staying cool in everyday life, they make a great souvenir from your trip to Japan.
Nikkapokka (Tobi Pants): Stylish Japanese Work Pants with a Ninja-Style Silhouette
“Nikkapokka,” also known as Tobi Pants, are a unique style of Japanese work pants worn by construction workers and craftsmen. Their name is believed to derive from the English word “knickerbockers,” a type of loose-fitting trousers that became popular in the West in the 19th century. Over time, the style evolved into a distinctly Japanese form of workwear.
Western travelers, in particular, refer to them as “ninja style” or “ninja pants,” and they’re gaining a following for their cool, craftsman-inspired look!
“Nikkapokka (Tobi Pants)” pants have become a staple in the workwear of construction workers—specifically, “tobi” workers (construction workers who build high-rise buildings and erect scaffolding)—because they make it easy to bend and straighten your legs and allow for a wide range of movement. They’re high-performance yet stylish—it’s like killing two birds with one stone!
I recommend them to anyone who wants to incorporate a distinctly Japanese style into their wardrobe.
ASICS High-Performance Safety Shoes
ASICS safety shoes are often purchased by customers seeking the quality of a Japanese brand. These safety shoes feature reinforced toe caps to protect the toes. Their standout feature is the dial-adjustable fit—which replaces traditional laces—making them easy to slip on and off.
They’re popular as Japanese-made shoes that are highly regarded overseas for their professional-grade functionality and comfort. Their sporty, sneaker-like design is a big plus, too!
Being able to actually hold and examine items used on the front lines that support Japanese manufacturing is a unique charm of the Bic Uniform Ueno Store.
Recommended as a unique souvenir! Sushi Chef Set
Some products that really capture the essence of Japan include sushi-themed merchandise and uniforms for Japanese restaurants. Believe it or not, there are even socks designed to look like sushi pieces in a sushi box! When unfolded, they’re socks; when folded, they look just like sushi—it’s a fun item to enjoy either way.
The white coats worn by sushi chefs are also perfect for creating memories of your trip to Japan or taking photos. Pair them with pure white shoes to really capture that authentic atmosphere.
Be sure to check out these unique souvenirs that let you casually experience the style of a sushi chef.
Experience Japan’s Artisan Culture
When you walk through the streets of Japan, you see uniforms in all sorts of places—construction sites, restaurants, hospitals, and more. These uniforms aren’t just about safety and functionality; they also embody a sense of pride in one’s work and the craftsmanship honed over many years.
The Bic Uniform Ueno Store is also a place where you can experience Japan’s culture of craftsmanship and the tools that support working people.
In addition, their custom uniform creation service isn’t just for businesses—they also offer consultations for team wear and items for individuals.
Creating a one-of-a-kind custom uniform would make for a great travel memory.
In addition to the Bic Uniform Ueno Store, Bic Uniform has locations throughout the Tokyo area, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shimbashi, and Ikebukuro.
Pick a store that’s easy to stop by during your trip and experience the world of workwear and uniforms unique to Japan!
Bic Uniform Ueno Store—Details
Address: 3-39-10 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0015
Directions: 5-minute walk from the Central Exit of JR Ueno Station
3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Ueno Station (Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Sundays
*Closed on national holidays, during summer break, and over the New Year’s holiday period
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bic_uniform_ueno/
Other Store Details
Sanko Hakui Shinjuku Main Store
Address: 1-15-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Directions: 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
15-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Weekends 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
*Closed on national holidays, during the summer break, and over the New Year’s holiday period.
*Starting in November, the regular closing day for the Sanko Hakui Shinjuku Main Store will change to Sundays.
Sanko Hakui Shibuya Store
Address: 3-18-8 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 16 of Shibuya Station (Toyoko Line, Fukutoshin Line, Den-en-toshi Line)
2-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shibuya Station
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
*Closed on national holidays, during summer break, and over the New Year’s holiday period
Sanko Hakui Shimbashi Store
Address: 1-18-13 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004
Access: 5-minute walk from the Hibiya Exit (SL side) of JR Shimbashi Station
5-minute walk from Exit 1 (SL side) of Shimbashi Station (Ginza Line)
10-minute walk from the Hibiya Exit (SL side) of Shimbashi Station (Toei Asakusa Line)
2-minute walk from Exit A2 of Uchisaiwaicho Station (Toei Mita Line)
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
*Closed on national holidays, during summer break, and during the New Year’s holiday period
Bic Uniform Ikebukuro Store
Address: 1-13-21 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022
Access: 10-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station
3-minute walk from the Seibu Exit (Exit 38) of Ikebukuro Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line)
Business Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
*Closed on national holidays, during summer break, and over the New Year’s holiday period
Sanko Hakui Official Website: https://www.sanko-hakui.co.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanko_bic_uni/
