Sugamo

This shopping street is often referred to as 'Obasan no Harajuku'(granny's harajuku). You may well know that Harajuku is the fashion capital for Japanese teenage girls. Sugamo however, is the place to be for grandmothers aged 60 and above.

There is a particular store along this street that sells all things red, especially granny styled underpants. It's been said that red underpants give you strength and vitality, thus making it a popular purchase among senior citizens. The shop signboard in the top photo says, "元気に素敵生活" meaning "live vigorously to a wonderful life". A product endorsed by Elmo would certainly deserve a second look, shouldn't it?

Check out the online store that sells these red underpants. Do not forget to read the page headline and the product writeup at the bottom. Go to this link:

http://www.sugamo-maruji.jp/SHOP/206784/list.html

This is something you could definitely consider buying for your grandmother on her birthday or for Chinese New Year... if you are brave enough.