Iwano Sports, a sporting goods store located in front of Nishida Park under the Hankyu elevated tracks, has closed.
(Thanks to Kaeitsu for the tip!)
A notice indicated the closing date as Saturday, May 31, 2026, but according to the latest update on Instagram,
この投稿をInstagramで見る
it appears the store actually closed on May 12. The affiliated Italian goods shop “douzo iwn Shukugawa” closed on May 5.
Here it is on the map↓
The address is 6-15 Nishida-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo.
Area around Iwano Sports
Across the street is Nishida Park.
Head this way and you’ll reach the Shukugawa area.
Go the opposite direction and you’ll head toward Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi.
About the Store
Iwano Sports was a sporting goods store founded in April 1969.
The store had actually already stopped operating as a full sports shop, but it still carried items like dodgeballs and soccer balls.
They were also running a project called “Omoide Map” (Memory Map).
The project collects memories of the neighborhood from around 1969 and compiles them into a map. It has even been featured in the Kobe Shimbun newspaper.
The map is currently being prepared so it can also be viewed on their website. They plan to continue updating the Omoide Map going forward, and they’re still looking for people to share their memories!
We at Nishitsu also wrote about it before!
A map of the Yasui district from 1969. They want to complete it!
You can check out the Omoide Map here.
Final Thoughts
It’s sad to see a store that has been in business for 57 years since 1969 close its doors. Many of us probably bought balls there as kids when playing at Nishida Park. We at Nishitsu plan to keep following the progress of the 1969 Yasui district map!
※Thank you for the tip, Kaeitsu!!
■■■We want your tips!■■■
