Hidden Wonders | The Nostalgic Shopping Street Facing Redevelopment in Tokyo

In a few years, this nostalgic street lined with old-school izakayas, grocery shops, and food stalls will be redeveloped into a disaster-resistant complex.

The yellow shop lantern on the right reads "oden" stew. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)

As I strolled through the arcade, I was immediately drawn in by the mouthwatering aromas. The Tateishi Nakamise Shopping Street, located on the south side of Keisei Tateishi Station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, retains a nostalgic Showa-era (1926–1989) atmosphere.

*Tateishi Nakamise Shopping Street in eastern Tokyo. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

A Stroll Through Time

This shopping street has its roots in the post-war black market and now boasts 42 shops, including izakayas and cooked food stalls. Like the ongoing redevelopment on the north side of the station, this street is set to be transformed into a disaster-resistant complex in the coming years.

*The nearby Keisei Line is also scheduled to be elevated. (©Sankei by Masahiro Sakai)*

A Community in Transition

Tsutomu Nishiwaki, a 79-year-old grocery store owner, smiled as he shared his feelings about the impending change. "While I feel a sense of loss at the thought of it disappearing, my heart is filled with gratitude for our customers," he said.

I snapped some photos, hoping to capture and keep a record of the town's warmth and charm.