Kyobashi, Chuo-ku.
Kyobashi Station on the Ginza Line and Takaracho Station on the Asakusa Line. Did you know that there is an increasing number of fashionable and exciting clothing and miscellaneous goods shops in this area, which is between Ginza and Nihonbashi? A unique air that is somewhat relaxed even though it is highly sensitive. How do wonderful shops start gathering in this area? In order to find out why, I've been visiting two particularly exciting stores!
mindbendersandclassics
(Mind Vendors and Classics)
http://www.mindbendersandclassics.com/
2-6-8-6F, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
03-3564-1270
At first glance, it's a very ordinary building. On the roof of this building, there is a shop like a treasure chest quietly. Go up the old-fashioned manual elevator to the top floor, and then go to the rooftop by stairs. And what!
A hut like a hideaway appears. A mysterious space like an outdoor like an indoor. The identity of this store that floats in the sky is an antique vintage shop in Europe! We talked to the owner, Mr. Yokomi.
―It's a nice location perfect for an antique shop....！
"This shop has been running as a couple since around 2007. Originally, I was doing this kind of work at U.K. and wanted to open a store in Japan, so I was looking for a place where I could return to Japan and become a store."
―This kind of highly sensitive shop seems to be around Daikanyama, but why is it in Chuo-ku and Kyobashi?...
"At first, I was looking for it in the West. But I couldn't find a striking property, and it gradually flowed east....It's like that. I've heard from my friends that Bakurocho and Kodemmacho are getting more interesting."
―Yes, in the Bakurocho-Kodemmacho-Ningyocho area, there are more and more fashionable cafes and general stores now.
"Because it's a shop dealing with old things, I thought an old building would be good. So, I found this building. Manual elevators are interesting, isn't it? This hut was just built on the roof, but it was originally a gallery. "Renovate what had been vacant since the owner changed."
―What! Was this fashionable space self-renovation?
―A comfortable space created by Yokomi's calm atmosphere. What's the nice clothes placed there?
"Products are mainly French antiques, from the 19th century to the 1950s. At that time, craftsmen made it by hand. If you make something similar now...It's going to be very expensive (laughs) There are men and women in clothes. We don't have much in the shop, but we also have children's clothes!"
―It's really nice clothes. Are you going to buy something?
"I go to buy about two or five times a year. My husband is going right now. Travel all over France by car. Sometimes I buy it at the shop, or go to a local professional."
―Is that right? These attractive clothes are gathered by great effort and physical strength....。 The location of the shop is a bit secret and it's hard to understand, but what is the customer base like?
"Yes, with those who like European antiques...And there's a designer. I made new clothes by referring to the vintage clothes, fabrics, laces, etc. found here."
―I see!
Mr. Yokomi responded gently with a smile from beginning to end. The reason why Chuo-ku is becoming more interesting may be that it is in the part of "I love old things". Please visit Mind Vendors and Classics, a secret rooftop!
Well, many of you may know the following shops.
Galerie non (Galley Non)
2-10-10, Kyobashi, Chuo-ku
03-5159-0351
More than 15 years at Nishiogikubo on the Chuo Line. From young people to Madam, Gallenon continues to be loved by those with good taste. It was about five years ago that I opened a shop here in Kyobashi. Divide Japanese shop curtain from Nishiogi? I thought it was a company originally located in Chuo-ku! When I visited Mr. Shiroshima of Kyobashi store, I was able to hear a very interesting story about Kyobashi!
―Was it the original shop here?
"No, there was an office, not a shop. The fact that we set up an office in this area is easy to access."
―What was the reason why the office changed to a store?
"There are many shops I know about here, but one of them told me that there was an empty building near the office at that time. So move. I opened a shop on the first floor. The top is the office."
―The products are original clothes and selected miscellaneous goods.
"Well, there are both select and original miscellaneous goods. "Selects include overseas music, Lithuanian tableware, African teaspoons, and other interesting things that you can't find anywhere else."
―It looks good as a gift! What's the original?
"There are Hasami ware and Echizen-painted dish sets, etc., but we order original saucers that match them and have craftsmen make them. You can put a cup or use it alone. It's the perfect size and doesn't rattle, and it's hard to get."
―Please tell us about your main original clothes. Non-san's blouse has enthusiastic fans, and it's not uncommon for those who come to buy from a distance.
"The clothes are natural materials and have a design that doesn't get bored by fashion. I'm very particular about tailoring. No matter how good the material and design are, if you feel uncomfortable, you will not be able to wear it for a long time."
―It's a very fine pintuck....！I'm crazy. It would be nice if an elderly woman wore such a blouse mannishly!
―Kyobashi is also long, isn't it? How is it?
"The customers you come here are completely different from Nishiogi. There are many office workers in this area, so how about a store like our house?...I thought, but unexpected people will be able to see you."
―What do you like?
"I'm a foreigner. China and Western Europe. This area is an antique street in the first place, and there are many foreigners who stay at nearby hotels to enjoy it, really. They are looking into our house, don't they?"
―I see! Kyobashi is also the stage of the Tokyo Art Antique (*).
"And there are also creators and advertising agencies who work for large companies in the neighborhood. You can come in easily."
―There are many galleries in this neighborhood, isn't it?
"Speaking of the gallery, there was something fun. We also exhibit and sell the works of artists, but the artist came by chance. I didn't know that I'm dealing with it, and I don't know the artist's face as well. A total coincidence...。 "I have my work!" I'm very pleased. I hear you were having a solo exhibition right there. There's also an interesting coincidence."
―Wow, it's a very nice story!
"We are doing clothing, food, housing, and art. Please come and visit the shop. I think there's something to do (laughs)."
―Thank you very much for your busy schedule.
[* Tokyo Art Antique: An event where you can go around Kyobashi's gallery and antique market without hesitation. For more information, please visit this website.
→http://www.tokyoartantiques.com/】
There are a number of other nice shops in Kyobashi. If you walk a little, you will find the famous Okuno Building! Those who like antiques, those who are looking for something with originality that doesn't hang out with people, those who want to shop in a secret house with a huge shopping building....Please come to Kyobashi for a walk. Exciting and touching a world that I didn't know before...Such an encounter may be waiting for you!
By the way, it is a 30-minute walk from COREDO Muromachi in Nihonbashi to Ginza Sukiyabashi via Kyobashi. It does not pass dangerous places, and it is a reasonable recommended walking route.
When I asked the owner, he told me that he was performing acoustic live such as Bosanoba and flute performances on an irregular basis.
And the young president of the live house, Yuki Kase, is a special appearance! (I'm handsome ♪)
Ueda Leader's birthday live was a great success.
