Candy H Milky—Who Fulfils Kawaii Aesthetics

Candy H Milky, the kawaii symbol in Harajuku for decades

Candy H Milky has been symbolic in Harajuku for decades. When my sister met Candy in Harajuku, she was a junior high school student, and Candy was 42 years old in 1993. Their friendship started in the most exciting era of Harajuku, where flagship stores of famous overseas fashion brands were opening one after another in Omotesando. New fashion trend shops were beginning to line up in the area known as Urahara. Around 30 years have passed since then, and my sister met Candy again in a kawaii dress, just like in the past, at the same place where they used to meet in Harajuku in August 2023.

Walking with Candy in the Shibamata area

Due to the story’s momentum, my mother and I also had the opportunity to meet Candy. We saw Candy at Shibamata station in Tokyo, which is also the location of the Candy Candy Museum that he has been operating since 2017. Now, Candy is a 70-year-old man who may seem like an old guy in his speech and actions, but he wears a lot of kawaii, handmade frilly outfits inspired by Candy Candy’s main character.

Candy H Milky (left), and my sister (right)

Shibamata is known for its 柴又帝釈天参道 /ʃibamata taiʃjakuten sandoː/, the old shopping street for 柴又帝釈天 /ʃibamata taiʃjakuten/, a temple located in the Shibamata area. The temple is dedicated to Taishakuten, a Buddhist deity believed to provide great benefits such as luck in competitions, warding off bad luck, and healing from illnesses. The surrounding Shibamata area is known for its traditional atmosphere and old-fashioned shopping street, which is lined with shops selling local specialties such as Japanese traditional sweets and crafts.

As Candy walked down the old street, people at the shops greeted him. He seemed to blend in with the street’s scenery, much like in Harajuku.

Candy guided us to the shopping street, the temple, and the Tora-san Museum. The museum showcases a famous Japanese TV series about a man living in Shibamata, an old and traditional downtown area. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the show, you’ll likely feel a sense of nostalgia and cultural significance.

Candy Candy Experience

The Candy Candy Museum is located on the second floor of Showa Retro Cafe “Sepia”, just a 2-minute walk from Shibamata Station. If you want to feel Showa-era and are interested in toys in the past, “Sepia” is also the best place. They provide Okinawa soba and the coffee shops menu, such as pasta and pilaf.

My sister and mum are in Sepia, a Showa Retro Cafe.

Inside the tiny Candy Candy Museum, you’ll find a packed display of Candy Candy merchandise that Candy has collected over the years. You can enjoy valuable items such as the first issue of “Nakayoshi”, where Candy Candy was first serialized, and anime storyboards.

At the Candy Candy Museum, you can experience what it’s like to become Candy. My 73-year-old mother wore a Candy costume; you can see the photos below. Anyone who wears the costume can look kawaii.