Los Angeles

An embassy is an important measure of its nation's big, swinging...GDP. Showcasing the impressive state of Japanese streetwear, the glorious new outpost for A Bathing Ape/Bape.

Big In Japan since '93, Bape's West Coast debut is an airy, white-tile & stainless-steel behemoth dominated by a mid-store conveyor belt displaying the brand's just-for-LA sneaks -- purple, blue, and orange, representing the Lakers, Dodgers, and Ron Howard. The endless shelves stock the line's full range, from pinstriped and printed oxford shirts, to short-sleeve denim snap-button-ups, to high-end jeans, to Hawaiian-print sweat shorts (perfect for sitting on a Kauai couch). The store also vends tees (including the LA-only ape logo w/ sunglasses, flanked by palm trees), plus zippered hoodies with evil-panda hoods, which make for great conversation starters with suddenly skittish members of the bear trainer community (too soon?).

Also on hand: Bape-branded belts, key chains, clocks, and wallets, in which to showcase your personal big, swinging debit receipts for Japanese streetwear.