Official

"I really think so at the end. See you in the Nihonbashi River."

"Operation costs are 2 million yen each year and 13 years in the red, and are taken out of my savings.

　But "Doraku" is that kind of thing."

Mr. Kawasaki, who speaks lightly.

The charisma concierge, the master of Nihonbashi, is not just a matter of course.

　Since working at Nomura Securities, he has been planning a tour of Nihonbashi. As a company employee who has been greeting greetings with long-established husbands of 200 stores for more than 20 years.

　I retired early in 2006 and started full-scale activities as a spokesman for Nihonbashi.

ーーーWhat is the driving force behind that?

Kawasaki: "I am the first 25 years of birth" study time. The next 25 years are "the time to go out to society and become independent." Now, I think it's 25 years to give back to society.　

　I think it's a time when you can shine and play an active part like autumn leaves. So I can't help but have fun every day now. And I would like to pass the baton next and relay it. Also, I don't think it's meaningless."

ーーーーーPlease tell us about your activities so far.

Kawasaki "First, we have guided 7,000 people in four years. But there were only two repeaters. Everyone came to Nihonbashi to connect sightseeing time to Asakusa, Tsukiji, etc. When I asked why, "Nihonbashi has no Edo."

　That's why I've been planning the <Shutter Opportunity Project> <Ukiyo-e Ren Project> <Touch Taiko>, etc.

　The current guided tours are all repeaters. I go to the same place many times, but I'm looking forward to hearing different stories each time and having new encounters. "

・・・ If there is no actual thing left, let's create it. Indeed, it is <the person in charge of Nihonbashi>.

ーーーーWhat kind of places do you care about on the tour?

Kawasaki: "At first glance, it's important to hear one bite.

　Even foreigners don't have to speak if they know the moment they see it or eat it. In the meantime, there will be an era where AI guides. That's why we have to pursue real, surprise, and only one. Otherwise, I think you'll get tired of it first."

・・This is professional, the style of work!

　Just listen to the story, the gem words pop out.

What kind of city is Nihonbashi for Mr. Kawasaki?

Kawasaki “Nihonbashi is a place for lifelong training.” You can meet first-class people, first-class tastes.

　But if you don't be prepared, you won't be able to convince others. Be prepared is whether you are hungry or paid (laughs) You can't survive unless you devise every day. Nothing will change unless you pursue your interests thoroughly and let your opponent go."

ーーーーーWhat do you mean, for example?

Kawasaki "To put it simply, you can get tickets with a premium from all over the country. Everyone, I have an invitation ticket.

　But even if you give it, you can't thank you with money. I'll ask you something and give it back. That's why it's hard (laughs).

・・・ Priceless trust that can be relied upon. This is a proof of the work we have accumulated every day.

The right photo is Mr. On the left is Isao Mochizuki, president of <Mochizuki Tea Candy Honpo>.

ーーーThis is the 170th anniversary commemorative project of Hokusai. What kind of person was Hokusai?

Kawasaki: "Hokusai is also a scientist. It's amazing that I got a spectacle. He is a painter who pioneered close-up and stop motion.

　And no matter how much I was recognized around me, I was not convinced. I think there was a place where the first, the second or less was a lost dog. I think the one who is alone will win at the end."

・・・ ・ ・ When I listen to the story, Mr. Kawasaki can be seen more and more overlapping with Hokusai. But what Kawasaki likes most is actually Hiroshige Utagawa.

Kawasaki: "Hiroshige is a road movie, isn't it? It's an easy rider walk. The line is poorer than Hokusai, but it has an emotion. Both Hokusai and Hiroshige draw wonderfully what they haven't actually been there. It's amazing to be able to draw from a bird's-eye view in an era when there are no drones."

・・・ When it comes to the story of Ukiyo-e and Edo culture, it's easy to understand, and it's already fun. I could see Edo in my head, and I was dragged into the world of delusions.

・・・ I want to be immersed in the Edo atmosphere as it is, but unfortunately it's time.

ーーーWhat do you think of Nihonbashi in the future?

Kawasaki "I think Chuo-ku will be interesting because the population is increasing and foreigners are increasing. Today's teenagers are looking forward to it because there are many young people watching the world.

　I think the way Nihonbashi should be in the future is how to take the lead by capturing such changes. And I think it will be my own way of life."

・・Nihonbashi continues to evolve by preserving the long-established tradition and arranging it.

　Every day serious game there. You are enjoying the battle from the bottom of your heart.

Kawasaki: "But I think I'm just two years away. I'm going to run out in two years. It doesn't make sense if you don't have a relationship with your husband (laughs)."

・・Let's go. Here, I can't help but listen to it.

Do you have any objections from your wife?

Kawasaki: I was listening to rakugo in junior high school, and I thought I would retire in the future. So when I got married, I declared that I would retire when I was 50 years old.

　That's why I didn't say anything when I quit the company at 50 (laughs) I'm still supporting me."

・・・ There is no doubt that Kawasaki's <Ai Nihonbashi> is the gift of his wife's love.　

　Thank you very much for the fun and deep story during your busy schedule.

＊We are looking for co-sponsorship of Ukiyo-e goodwill production costs through crowdfunding. (until May 31)

For more information, please visit the website of the Nihonbashi Tour. →　Click here