2015年3月29日日曜日

Sakura along the Meguro River, 2015


I enjoyed cherry blossoms along Meguro River.
It was a tad early for full-bloom, but the weather was fine and I was satisfied so much.
The little difference here from other famous sakura places is that people are appreciating sakura with a glass of rose sparkling wine.
The combination of pink sakura and rose wine is beautiful.
It’s very much like Naka-Meguro, where stylish people come gather.

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2015年3月24日火曜日

Taking a stroll around “Kachikura,” a hot creative place.


Have you ever heard ‘kachikura’?  It’s the name of a district located eastern part of Tokyo, from Okachimachi to Kuramae in Taito ward. 
Asakusa is also in Taito ward and adjacent to this area

The area used to be a town, where handicraft artisans who succeeded to the traditional craftsmanship gathered.  There are still many wholesalers and shops specializing in fashion items, such as hats, wallets, bags, jewelry and accessories and we feel remains of center of manufacturing here, although it has lost a bit of its past glory.

Recently, this area has been spotlighted again as a new manufacturing place and has attracted young creators.  The history of the craftsmanship might have inspired young talented people and encouraged them to invent something new.  They started their own brands, shops, cafes and galleries and it seems to boost the manufacturing movement here in Kachikura more.

The other day, I went for a stroll about the town.  Hanging out the area, I found many shops and nice fashion items that are based on the traditional craftsmanship. 


My original notebook.  I choose three kinds of paper with different touch and quality, 
bank paper, Manila paper and art paper.  
Whenever I open the notebook, I get so excited and I can’t help writing something.
The vicinity of Kuramae station, I visited Koncent (variety store), Maito (dyeing and weaving), Camera (leather goods and café) and Kakimori (stationary).  Please take a look at my new notebook with flower print.  It’s quite nice and lovely, isn’t it?  I made it at Kakimori that specializes in original notebooks and ink.  They have a variety of sheets of paper and parts of notebook and all you have to do is just choose your favorite materials.  For a lover of paper like me, Kakimori is a must.

When you head for Okachimachi from Kuramae, you’ll find an old building in the back street.  It’s Taito Designers Village.  The building once housed an elementary school has now become incubator offices for young entrepreneurs.  Taito local government started this project in 2004 to assist young designers in launching their businesses. 

Taito Designers Village

On the face of it, the area seems to be a business district but, 
once you are bit away from the main street, 
you’ll find some old Japanese houses like this. 

When you get to Okachimachi station, you’ll come across a unique facility called 2k540.  It utilizes beneath the elevated JR rail line and develops an artisan’s street.  Combining studio and shop, it shows us not only products but also artisan’s craftsmanship. 

2k540 is located between Okachimachi and Akihabara 
and its name means 2 km and 540m away from a starting point 
at Tokyo station. Oh,yes? 
I joined a workshop for gold gilding and made post cards at Nihon Department.  The artist (instructor) walked me through making cards and I made wonderful ones even if it was my first experience.  It was really wonderful time for me.

I made these cards. I think I can’t use them because they are too beautiful. 
Maybe, I will display them on the wall.
                   
Kachikura is very fun to visit and it’s more than I expected. 

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