Full of crepe vendors, fluorescent-lit accessory stores and swarms of people, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street is as iconic as it is claustrophobic. But explore the quieter, more residential parts of the neighbourhood and you will find Big Love Records—arguably Tokyo’s coolest hang—on the second floor of a nondescript building in a residential backstreet. Run by Haruka Hirta and her husband Masashi Naka, Big Love is a record shop and label, and a bar and gallery space, which has particularly struck a chord with Australian visitors due to our obsession with vinyl and their support of local bands.
A romantic at heart, Haruka puts love into everything she does—from curating the music and merchandise for sale in the store, to putting on art shows with people like Cali Thornhill-DeWitt and Sonya Sombreuil (you might recognise the jeans she made for Rihanna). To celebrate the launch of i-D in Japan, we found out more about Haruka and her Instagram feed of art, ikebana, and magical music moments.
Name?
Haruka Hirata.
Nickname?
Ruki, Haru chan, or Icequeen of Tokyo.
Instagram handle?
@haruka_biglove.
Where are you right now?
At my office behind my record store Big Love.
What do you do for work?
I run independent record store/label Big Love Records, and also work for visual artists and some fashion brands.
What song will forever put you in a good mood?
Kimi No Na Wa Kibou by Nogizaka46.
What do you cook when you want to impress someone?
Genovese pasta.
What’s your dream pet?
Ten chihuahua brothers.
What’s something that you’re passionate about?
Falling in love.
What TV show will you never get sick of?
I’m sick of TV.
What’s your secret party trick?
Escapology.
If you had to wear one label for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Saint Laurent, but depends on the head designer at the time.
Who are some of your favourite visual artists right now?
Emma Kohlmann and Sonya Sombreuil.
Where’s your favourite place to hang out in Tokyo?
Big Love (seriously).
What do you love about the internet?
It enables you to peep people acting crazy in real life.
When did you join Instagram?
2012.
Describe your Instagram feed?
Selfies, selfies, selfies, and promotions.
Who are your three favourite people to follow on Instagram?
@e_r_i_e_r_i — sorry that’s it!
Where else can we find you online?
Blogging at Fatale Honeyee, Twitter, and Facebook.
Country or city?
Please; never in the country.
Britney or Beyonce?
Beyonce.
Health food or junk food?
Health food besides french fries.
Heels or sneakers?
Something in between.
Early mornings or late nights?
Early mornings talking about love, late nights complaining about love.
Dating or hanging out?
Dating.
Hotels or camping?
Please! Hotels only—no Airbnb!
Credits
Text Ingrid Kesa
Images via @haruka_biglove