Look closely and you never know what you might find. Sendai’s iroha yokocho, a covered mall strung between two streets running parallel to Minami-machi Dori and Aori Dori, is packed with tiny shops of all kinds. Among them sits 15-pitch, a soccer and futsal specialty store run by local fan Tetsuya Takizawa. Passing by, I was drawn in by a hanging Denis Bergkamp Netherlands shirt from Euro 96, a jersey I would've given an arm and a leg for once upon a time. I had an immediate flashback to my middle school years, when, obsessed with vintage soccer shirts, I would spend hours scouring ebay for tokens of the glory days of Europe's flashiest players. Despite hours of work, the Bergkamp shirt always remained especially elusive.
What I’m trying to say is, among 15-pitch’s inventory, they carry a stunning selection of vintage football shirts. But that’s not all; the regular practitioner will be as satisfied with a visit to 15 as the avid fanboy—they stock everything a player could need: boots, shorts, shin pads, warm up tops, warm down tops, and other accessories. The fanboy won’t be left alone with just jerseys either, there are pins, patches, pencils, and all sorts of other emblazoned materials to adorn your walls, clothes, and home. Special attention is, of course, paid to the local team Sendai Vegalta, as well as, curiously, the number 15. Behind the counter are 5 or so shirts with the number 15 proudly facing out toward the entrance. I asked why 15 was such a special number to Takizawa-san, but the answer got somewhat lost in translation.
What sets 15-Pitch apart more than anything, though, is their involvement with the local community. With football shops of this type, it’s very easy to create an atmosphere detached from wherever the store might be, a place you can walk in and find the wares of Europe’s greatest clubs and players, and never be reminded of where you are besides the odd national jersey or local J League club. 15-Pitch, however, seems to make shirts for local recreational and park clubs. The small shop is packed with the kits of 5 a side teams, amateur sides, and even the shirt of 15-Pitch’s very own team.
Takizawa-san is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and is more than willing to help you with any footballing needs you might have—personal or professional. Be sure to stop by and give him a shout-- iroha Yokocho is a great side of Sendai most don't get the chance to explore, and buried within it are secrets like 15-Pitch to brighten your day. 15-Pitch is only a ten or so minute walk from the centrally located Bansuitei Ikoiso Ryokan.
