Popeye Magazine:
Tokyo Life, Fashion, and Culture in Print
March 29, 2025
Popeye Magazine is a staple in Japan, known for its focus on men’s fashion and lifestyle. First published in 1976, it’s said to be the longest-running men’s fashion magazine in the country, and it has remained a go-to source for all things cool and trendy. Even if you don’t read Japanese, it’s still worth picking up, as it’s packed with recommendations for popular brands, eateries, travel spots, home goods, and more.
To be honest, I can’t even remember the last time I bought a magazine back home in the United States, but here in Japan, I’ve built up quite a collection, with Popeye taking up most of the shelf space. The covers themselves are works of art and make perfect coffee table or bookshelf accessories. I still find myself flipping through old issues when I need a burst of inspiration for fashion or home decor. While the magazine is geared toward "city boys," as they call it, they also release a ‘Girlfriend Edition’ every January, and most of their recommendations work for both men and women.
One of my favorite parts of the magazine is the Popeye Notes section at the back, which highlights the latest trending items in fashion. It’s an excellent resource for getting a snapshot of what’s hot or what the editors are currently loving. If you’ve ever wondered how Tokyoites became so fashionable, the answer might just be found in the pages of Popeye.
‘Style Sample’ Issue 874
‘City Boy’s ABC - AW Fashion’ Issue 906
‘Cool Rooms from Around the World and Their Secrets’ Issue 923
‘Our Secondhand Clothing Wonderland’ Issue 896
Above are a few of my personal favorites from my collection. While I don’t buy every issue, there are certain themes I always make sure to pick up each year—Style Sample in February and City Boy Room in March. Both issues offer fantastic inspiration for fashion and home decor, and what sets them apart is that they’re not just focused on Japan. They feature the fashion and living spaces of "city boys" from major cities around the world, giving a broader, global perspective that’s both refreshing and unique.
If you are looking to start a collection of your own, in addition to the newest editions sold at every bookstore, you can find about a year's worth of back issues at major bookstores like Junkudo, Maruzen, or Kinokuniya (make sure to visit the larger locations at major stations, as some smaller branches may not carry back issues). Also, if you're in Jimbocho or Gakugeidaigaku, many second-hand bookstores in those areas also carry used, older editions.
Every now and then, there’s a special overseas edition, like those featuring Portland or Hawaiʻi. These were quite common before COVID, but they’ve become less frequent in recent years.
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