It’s rare for Philadelphians to take so keenly to outsiders, but Tomomi and Kosuke Chujo are the clear exception. Since their bar Nihonbashi Philly opened in Tokyo in 2011, the pair have slowly made their way into our hearts becoming unofficial ambassadors of the city.
The Chujos visited Philadelphia last week, heading to playoff games, doing cooking demos and dining around town. They’ve received recognitions from city council, SEPTA, the Eagles and were even honored at the 2025 Billies Awards by Billy Penn.
Kosuke said that he’s always surprised when Philadelphians think he’s a “celebrity.” I don’t make music, I don’t make art, I just make cheesesteaks, he noted.
Still, while much is said about their cheesesteaks, not enough is said about their fashion influence. Over the years, the Chujos have collected over 300 t-shirts and more than 100 hats. The most recent Nihonbashi Philly trip was more than just a visit, it was also a shopping adventure.
Last week, the Chujos purchased:
- Over 25 hats
- 30 T-shirts
- 2 jackets
- 1 pair of shoes
- 16 pint glasses
- 1 bag
- Over 50 stickers
- Over 20 pins
- 2 novelty hair clips
- 5 pieces of local art
We sat down with Tomomi and Kosuke at Ray’s Cafe in Chinatown to learn more about where they shop in the city, as well as some favorite items they picked up along the way.
“We love wearing Philadelphia clothes in Japan,” Tomomi said. “My house is only t-shirts, hats and shoes — only in Philadelphia colors.”
The SEPTA shop
While SEPTA is often beleaguered by locals, it’s also beloved. The Chujos said that they enjoy stepping into the transit museum, which sells merchandise at its official shop. During our get together at Ray’s, Tomomi was sporting SEPTA socks. On this visit, the Chujos purchased a cooking apron with a full SEPTA map on it. Hopefully, wearing it will take their recipes where they need to go.
Red Gravy Goods
Passyunk Avenue is overflowing with cute shops and fun Philly-inspired knick knacks. The Chujos are fond of Red Gravy Goods, in particular. During their week in Philly, the pair ended up buying a tote bag, embroidered with cute Philly-isms — like the LOVE Park logo, a water ice cup and the Liberty Bell. Tomomi also purchased novelty hair clips — one of a soft serve ice cream in a Phillies helmet and the other of a Wawa coffee cup. We can’t help but give a chef’s kiss to these accessories.
Mitchell & Ness
Kosuke Chujo is a big Mitchel & Ness fan. In Japan, the brand is quite popular for its basketball line. However, it’s much, much more expensive overseas. Thus, he likes to hit up the store here in Philadelphia — so much that Tomomi has to cut him off after a certain point of shopping. During this visit, Kosuke bought a Sixers t-shirt with the team’s revived mascot Hip Hop. The entire fit is complete with a matching bucket hat.
Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market was recently voted the number one public market in the country by USA Today readers. Still, while Philadelphians know to head to Reading Terminal when they are in need of some lunch or groceries, we don’t always think to pick up swag. The Chujos bought two artistic Reading Terminal pint glasses that they will use in their bar in Tokyo. Some of the items are designed by local artists. They also picked up a matching t-shirt with an old fashioned train and banner that reads “feeding Philadelphians heart and soul.” “ Every time we go there, we always check and buy some,” the couple said.
The stadium official shops
When Tomomi and Kosuke go to games — whether that be the Sixers, Flyers, Eagles, Phillies or Union — they do not skip the official team store. On their most recent visit to see the Fightins in action, they purchased a custom-made, retro “NIHONBASHI 3” jersey from the All-Star Game collection. While you may expect the number to rep Bryce Harper, it’s actually a tribute to their address in Nihonbashi. To top it off, they also received a special edition Jackie Robinson hat.
Lapstone & Hammer
The Chujos love Lapstone & Hammer in Center City. Last week, Kosuke picked up a special edition pair of Lapstone & Hammer Asics shoes. Dubbed “The Spark,” the sneakers have a diamond knit mesh, black suede design and red dipped lace tips. Because Asics is a Japanese company, the limited edition Philly collaboration felt like kismet. As a bonus, the shoes also came with a custom-printed box of matches and Kosuke purchased a red and white Lapstone & Hammer t-shirt to complete the look. Sometimes, he noted “people teach me how good Japan is.”
Leaving Philadelphia
Tomomi noted that Kosuke often enters a funk when they leave Philadelphia. It’s become their home away from home. “Philadelphia gives him the energy for life, that’s why he wants to come back,” Tomomi said.
“This is a special city.”
Luckily, they teased, they will be in Philly again this summer for America 250 celebrations.
In total, the Chujos took over 100 items back to Japan — some of which they purchased, others were gifted. Sometimes when they are visiting places in the city, someone will come up to them and just give them a hat.
The couple also took back some perishables to Japan — like a whole bunch of Butterscotch Krimpet Tastykakes, which Tomomi will serve at their bar topped with ice cream and sprinkles in a Phillies cup.
Repping Philadelphia through fashion has become an important part of the Chujos’ lives. So much so, they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing another city’s teams.
Once, Kosuke accidentally wore a hat with the initials NY on it. It was for a campaign featuring their local Nihonbashi-Kayabacho neighborhood and riffing on the Yankees logo. He said he would not make that mistake again.
Clearly, from this latest shopping trip, the couple won’t run out of Philly items anytime soon.
