Koenji, a neighbourhood on the Chuo line in western Tokyo, is beloved for its post-punk atmosphere, summer festivals and streets lined with vintage stores and underground music venues. Unfortunately, the local businesses that make Koenji its charming self might not survive the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and the recently ended state of emergency, which forced most shops to shut their doors in April and most of May.
Local artists and engineers have teamed up with 24 businesses for the To Be Continued...Koenji campaign, led by music venue Sound Studio Dom. The goal is to raise ¥5,000,000 to fund struggling businesses and open a website for Koenji’s stores to sell their goods online. This way, we can all still enjoy Koenji once we’re allowed to return to our normal lives.
Patrons can donate to receive goods such as T-shirts, tote bags and a Koenji passport, which is redeemable for discounts and special gifts once stores reopen. The campaign is ongoing until the end of June, and so far, ¥3,382,611 has been raised.
Support the fundraiser here.
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