What if yokai, those mischievous spirits of Japanese folklore, were hiding among us in a shopping district? Welcome to Velle Nord Fuse. It is a place revitalized by yokai and local charm.
Velle Nord Fuse isn’t just a shopping center. It is a hub of community and modern-day folklore. The Fuse area has thrived as a vital spot since 1914. It links Osaka and Nara. Fuse became part of Higashiosaka in 1967.
Yokai Atsume, or Yokai Collecting, began here in 2017. Participants seek out yokai hidden in the shopping area. Gin-san, a sculptor, spearheaded this tradition. He settled in Fuse at 21. Gin-san opened Biribiri Monster in 2023. It is a store that specializes in yokai goods.
The Fuse shopping district spreads like a web. It includes Petit Road Hirokoji and Flower Road Honmachi. Brandori Fuse runs to the north.
Flower Road Honmachi leads to Fuse Ebisu Shrine. It features old-fashioned stores. Many eateries offer light meals. You can eat while you walk. Niku no Yamajin has been around for over 70 years. Mitsuya Kamaboko Honpo sells unique fried fish cakes.
Petit Road Hirokoji was cut in half in 1977. Wayogashi Momoya sells Japanese and Western sweets. Kintaro Pan has been a local bakery for nearly 100 years.
Brandori Fuse has many restaurants. It is famous for its “kaku-uchi” bars. These are standing bars that also serve as liquor stores.
Gin-san loves music. He planned to become a keyboard instructor. But he fell in love with Fuse. He decided to stay. Local leaders asked Gin-san to revive the shopping area. He suggested turning Fuse into a town of yokai.
Fuse Ebisu Shrine is a symbol of Fuse. Gin-san wondered about promoting the people living in the shopping district. He wanted to portray them as unique yokai.
In 2023, yokai figurines of Fuse residents were created. These were sold as capsule toys. You can meet these living yokai.
Fuku Sushi is a sushi restaurant that has been around for 91 years. Marukou Suisan sells takoyaki. That’s PIZZA is a pizza shop run by Kajiwara-san. He honed his craft in Naples. Ebisu Taishin is a secret character in the capsule toys.
SEKAI HOTEL Fuse converted vacant houses into guest rooms. Kezakeza is a nightspot for drinks and music. Sanappe-san and her husband run it.
Gin-san visits yokai birthplaces. He finds new aspects of neighborhoods. Fuse’s yokai are thriving in the shopping district. Walk the streets. Meet the yokai. Experience the extraordinary in everyday life at Velle Nord Fuse.