Stop Over Tokyo: "Here we developed our rebellious spirit"

There’s not even space for an “and” between Ami and Aya Suzuki – the twins became known under their artist name Amiaya. Their pink bobs and perfectly coordinated looks are familiar to fashion enthusiasts who avidly study street style images from Paris and Milan after each Fashion Week. The style-conscious sisters, who are at home in Tokyo, are also favored by luxury brands.

At just fifteen years old, Amiaya moved from their mid-sized hometown of Hamamatsu to the 38-million metropolis. “Living away from our family at such a young age was hard,” says Ami. “It felt like a long, dark tunnel.” However, it also helped to develop their rebellious spirit. For Amiaya, Tokyo proved to be a city of dreams where they could pursue their passions. Not content with their success as fashion influencers, they also work as designers and DJs.

The Tim Burton film “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” which features identically costumed twins, inspired Amiaya to coordinate their hairstyles. “We were intrigued by their striking looks,” says Ami. Due to their love of manga and the color pink, they opted for the bright bobs that are now their trademark. Amiaya’s clothing style shaped aomoji-kei, a movement that is simply about wearing what you want.

The vintage stores where the sisters rummage for treasures are just as influential: Itimi in the Shibuya district, Kinsella and Bed in Harajuku, H in Daikanyama. The two also have tips for music lovers: “If you like techno and house, VENT is the place to be,” says Ami. For those more into Depeche Mode or The Smiths, a bar is the place to be: “The atmosphere at Beat Cafe is ideal for a night of deep immersion”, says Aya.

Tokyo is a busy city. Between the masses of people, high-rise buildings, and neon lights, places to retreat to are essential. For Amiaya, this includes Hamarikyu Park, the former private gardens of the imperial family, with a huge saltwater pond. “I also love the cozy library atmosphere of the Open Book bar,” says Ami. “The lemon sour is delicious!” The plush ambience of the Shorakuen Tea Salon, which serves desserts in the shape of Mount Fuji, is another favorite of the twins.

“If you want to travel back in time to nostalgic Tokyo, you should stroll throughHarmonica Yokocho,” says Aya. The maze of alleyways lined with stores and restaurants is particularly atmospheric at night when it is bathed in the light of red lanterns. “Tokyo is a stimulating city, but it’s also safe and a place where you can live with peace of mind,” says Aya. “I don’t think you can find that anywhere else in the world.”

3 Favorite Tips

1) Enjoy sushi with a perfect wine pairing at Saikoh.

2) Relax at SteaMs, a sauna for women only.

3) Drink tea and snack on Japanese sweets at Sasha Kanetanaka.

Hair & Make Up: Mr. Kato
Producer: Carsten Kalaschnikow
Photos: Tak Sugita

About

Amiaya are Japanese twin sisters known for their pink bobs and iconic street style. As DJs and designers, they shape Tokyo’s creative scene and love vintage fashion, techno, and tea culture.