Tokyo Skytree Town, celebrating its 13th anniversary in May 2025, is a popular spot as a Tokyo landmark for locals, international tourists, and visitors from abroad. Here, we introduce new additions to the Skytree's signature Japanese-themed BE@RBRICKs, while speaking with Shigeru Sato, Director of Tokyo Solamachi, about its history and 13th anniversary events.

Opened on May 22, 2012, it has been 13 years. "Tokyo Skytree," one of Tokyo's landmarks, attracts numerous tourists from Japan and abroad daily. It stands 634m tall, the world's tallest self-supporting tower.
On the 4th floor of the adjacent commercial facility, "Tokyo Solamachi," is MEDICOM TOY's directly managed store, "Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store." Here, BE@RBRICKs with Japanese traditional motifs are regularly released, and gift campaigns for purchasers at the store are held periodically.

To commemorate the 13th anniversary of its opening, we interviewed Shigeru Sato, Director of Tokyo Solamachi, to reflect on its history and the changes in its environment.

Tokyo Solamachi
Location | 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Access | Immediately from the Main Entrance of "Tokyo Skytree Station" on the Tobu Skytree Line / Immediately from B3 and A2 Exits on the 3rd Basement Floor of "Oshiage Station" on the Tobu Skytree Line, Hanzomon Line, Keisei Line, and Toei Asakusa Line.
Business Hours | 10:00-21:00
6F, 7F, 30F, 31F Restaurants & Cafes 11:00 - 23:00
*Business hours vary by store.
Regular Holidays | Irregular

Sato Shigeru
Director, Commercial Operations Division Manager & Tokyo Solamachi Director, Tobu Town Solamachi Co., Ltd.
After graduating from Aoyama Gakuin University, he worked in commercial facility consulting and at Sony Corporation before joining Tobu Town Solamachi Co., Ltd. in December 2014, where he currently serves.

──Congratulations on your 13th anniversary. First, could you please introduce Tokyo Skytree Town and Tokyo Solamachi?

SatoTokyo Skytree Town is a large complex facility comprising three parts: the self-supporting radio tower "Tokyo Skytree" boasting a height of 634m, "Tokyo Solamachi" with over 300 stores, and the office building "Tokyo Skytree East Tower®. It had its grand opening on May 22, 2012. The premises also house amusement facilities such as "Konica Minolta Planetarium Tenku," "Sumida Aquarium," and "The Museum of Postal History."

Tokyo Solamachi features a floor layout divided by themes and concepts. It offers a wide variety, including the "Solamachi Shopping Street" that evokes the atmosphere and bustle of the old downtown, the "Fashion Zone" focused on trends, the "Japan Souvenir Zone" where excellent Japanese goods and souvenirs are gathered (where MEDICOM TOY also has a store), and various dining options like "Solamachi Tabeterasu" and "Solamachi Dining."

Additionally, numerous outdoor events are held seasonally. "Taiwan Festival" and "Christmas Market" are prime examples, drawing crowds daily from local residents, nearby customers, and many tourists from Japan and abroad. Targeting all age groups, it is a commercial facility where families, friends, and couples can enjoy a festive mood, no matter when they visit or who they are with.

──What are your thoughts on reaching the 13th anniversary, and could you share any particularly memorable events from the past?

SatoCommunication with the store staff is one of the daily joys of my work. Each store has different operational methods and unique approaches, and learning about them is very educational. Encountering various perspectives and ideas provides many insights that I can apply to my own work. Furthermore, seeing the staff diligently operating their stores with smiles is a source of energy and motivation for us employees.

At Tokyo Solamachi, employees sometimes assist customers on the floors during busy periods. Interacting directly with customers allows us to feel the on-site needs firsthand and reinforces the importance of providing services from a customer's perspective. In particular, interactions with international visitors are valuable opportunities to deepen cross-cultural understanding and offer many learning experiences.

Just the other night, as I was leaving after work, I saw a family from overseas who seemed lost and unsure how to get to their destination. Coincidentally, I use the route to their destination for my commute, so I accompanied them to the nearest station.

During that time, we chatted about their interest in Japan, and the conversation became quite lively. When we parted, the family asked to take a photo with me, and I was very happy and touched to have been a small part of their travel memories. Such encounters and interactions happen quite ordinarily at Tokyo Solamachi.

To reiterate, I believe the professional attitude and smiles of not only the customers but also the store staff, along with their attentive support for customers, are wonderful. We employees are also grateful for the valuable experiences we gain through our daily work.

──Over these 13 years, how do you feel the image of Tokyo Solamachi has changed in the eyes of customers?

SatoTokyo Solamachi, which opened concurrently with Tokyo Skytree, has evolved from its initial bustling phase. In recent years, it has come to be recognized by local residents and nearby customers as a place for everyday shopping. Therefore, I believe its image is maturing from that of a tourist destination to a commercial facility rooted in the community.

Furthermore, the concentration of diverse specialty stores, including MEDICOM TOY, that stimulate customers' sensibilities has been a core focus since its opening. I believe this has broadened the perception of the facility as a place that offers a "shopping experience as entertainment" that goes beyond mere consumption for both domestic and international visitors.

In addition, the active hosting of events, such as pop-up shops featuring up to 200 brands annually, which are not commonly found in other shopping centers, provides visitors with constant new discoveries and enjoyment. Consequently, I believe it has established a unique identity as a facility where "one can always encounter fresh attractions, no matter when they visit."

──Given its location in Sumida Ward, I imagine you focus on traditional Japanese motifs. What are the recent trends in what visitors seek, and what is Tokyo Solamachi emphasizing?

SatoWe welcome many visitors from both Japan and abroad, and I feel they are looking for unique items and experiences that can only be found at Tokyo Solamachi. Sumida Ward is famous as a manufacturing town, and we place great importance on downtown culture and manufacturing culture at Tokyo Solamachi. Based on these Sumida traditions, we consistently uphold the vision of "New Shitamachi Style," which involves creating new things while embracing tradition, and we are always thinking about providing new experiences and a sense of live engagement.

──The MEDICOM TOY directly managed store, "Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store," also celebrates its 13th anniversary. This store features Japanese traditional motif BE@RBRICKs and other exclusive items, along with gift campaigns.

SatoThe various BE@RBRICKs with Japanese traditional motifs and designs, exclusive to Tokyo Skytree Town and developed since the store's opening, bring enjoyment not only to international visitors but also to us who work here.

As a store that embodies the "Japan Souvenir" floor where it is located, and as a facility that values craftsmanship, we consider it an indispensable store for Tokyo Skytree Town.

──Finally, could you tell us about the main upcoming events planned for Tokyo Solamachi?

SatoDuring Golden Week, we will host various events, including the annual popular "Tokyo Skytree Town® Koinobori Festival 2025" and "Taiwan Festival in Tokyo Skytree Town® 2025," as well as the collaboration event "Matsuken Samba x Hello Kitty Collaboration 'DISCO PARTY'" between Ken Matsudaira and Hello Kitty, which will be held for the first time in Japan.
Following Golden Week in May, we will hold the "Solamachi Street Performance THE Circus" to commemorate the 13th anniversary, followed by the "Solamachi Street Performance Festival" in June. Leading into summer, we will also host events such as "Kimoi Exhibition 2025," "Tokyo Skytree Town® Beer Festa 2025," and "Great Insect Exhibition in Tokyo Skytree Town®," ensuring there is something to enjoy no matter when you visit.

Skytree's Signature: New Japanese Traditional Motif BE@RBRICKs Arrive

BE@RBRICK Maneki Neko Kaiun • Senmanryo Transparent Plated 100% & 400% / 1000%
Size | Approx. 70mm / 280mm / 700mm in height for each
Release Date | Scheduled for release in April 2025 at MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store
Price | [100% & 400%] ¥19,800 (incl. tax) / [1000%] ¥101,200 (incl. tax)
*Due to the nature of the product, fine scratches and scuff marks may be present on the main body. Please understand this in advance.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

BE@RBRICK CRYSTAL DECORATE Maneki Neko Kaiun 400%
Specifications | BE@RBRICK decorated by hand, one by one, by LIGHTS STYLE using crystals.
Size | Approx. 280mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for release in April 2025 at MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store
Price | ¥880,000 (incl. tax)
*This is a limited quantity item. Please forgive us if it sells out.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

NY@BRICK Maneki Neko Senmanryo Black Transparent Plated 100% & 400%
Size | Approx. 65mm / 260mm in height for each
Release Date | Scheduled for release in May 2025 at MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store
Price | ¥16,500 (incl. tax)
NY@BRICK TM & ©︎ 2016-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

BE@RBRICK Maneki Neko Koban Kaiun Ni Gold Plated 100% & 400% / 1000%
Size | Approx. 70mm / 280mm / 700mm in height for each
Release Date | Scheduled for release in May 2025 at MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store
Price | [100% & 400%] ¥24,200 (incl. tax) / [1000%] ¥140,800 (incl. tax)
*Due to the nature of the product, fine scratches and scuff marks may be present on the main body. Please understand this in advance.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

BE@RBRICK Daruma Gold Plated 1000%
Size | Approx. 700mm in height
Release Date | Scheduled for release in May 2025 at MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store
Price | ¥85,800 (incl. tax)
*Due to the nature of the product, fine scratches and scuff marks may be present on the main body. Please understand this in advance.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store 13th Anniversary Gift Campaign Also Held
To commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store, a campaign will be held where customers who make purchases of ¥5,000 (incl. tax) or more at the MEDICOM TOY Tokyo Solamachi Store will receive a novelty gift: "BE@RBRICK Me-gumi Happi Black Plated 100%." Please take this opportunity to visit the Solamachi store and enjoy shopping.

BE@RBRICK Me-gumi Happi Black Plated 100%
Size | Approx. 70mm in height
Distribution Date | Scheduled for distribution in May 2025
*Distribution will end once supplies are exhausted. Please understand this in advance.
BE@RBRICK TM & ©︎ 2001-2025 MEDICOM TOY CORPORATION. All rights reserved.

Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi Store
Address | Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 4F, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Phone | 03-3622-6000
Business Hours | 10:00 - 21:00
Holidays | Open year-round