SEATTLE — Thrift store Hosekibako is a like time capsule of Japanese culture, tucked inside the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington.
"People get a little confused but it's kind of like a cult thing,” said store volunteer Paul Kikuchi. “Once they find it, they know where it is.”
The entrance is in the alley behind JCCCW. Once inside, it’s easy to see why Hosebikako translates to "Treasure Box.”
"We try to have a combination of small trinkets and stuff that you can have that digging thrift shop experience, but then beautiful wedding kimonos that are one of a kind and really special,” Kikuchi said.
We also found vintage sake jars, mid-century hand-carved good luck pins, traditional Japanese fabrics, obis, and hand blown fishing floats.
"They're really cool pieces and a cool gift for someone,” Kikuchi said.
The prices are as surprising as the selection. An elaborate doll was selling for $12. A light blue kimono was $25. A set of three bowls cost $10.
Shopping at Hosekibako also helps preserves history. All proceeds benefit the JCCCW, and many items pre-date World War Two.
“It’s pieces like this that I think are really interesting to think about - when was this brought over from Japan, where was this during the internment years? Maybe it was brought to one of the camps or maybe it was in storage through those years,” Kikuchi said.
The history extends to the JCCCW building itself – it was once used for temporary housing as people returned from the camps.
"This is absolutely not your average thrift store,” Kikuchi said. "It's a thrift store with a focus."
Hosekibako | 1414 Weller St. Seattle, WA 98144, East Building on JCCCW Campus | Thursday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | (206) 568-7114
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