Interview with Tsuzuki Teruyo
We spoke with Tsuzuki Teruyo, owner of Tsuzuki no Ehonya, about the shop’s 10-year journey and the feelings that have remained unchanged.
Celebrating 10 years
How do you feel now that you’ve reached your 10th anniversary?
Tsuzuki (surname only)
It feels like it went by in the blink of an eye.
Authors and publishers tell me, “That’s amazing” and “You’ve worked so hard,” but to me, it feels like 10 years passed as I built things up one year at a time.
Since opening, my wish to make this a place where people can spend peaceful moments hasn’t changed. Whether it’s parents and children sharing story time or someone picking up a picture book over a cup of tea, I hope it can be a place to unwind amid the busyness of everyday life.
The joys of running a picture book shop
What has made you especially happy while running the shop?
Tsuzuki
When customers come back later to tell me what they thought of a picture book or share something that happened.
There’s a picture book where you blow “whoosh” onto all sorts of things.
One customer who bought it sent me a video saying, “We were walking among falling cherry blossoms, and my child gathered some petals and blew on them.”
When I showed the video to the author, they were delighted and said, “That’s exactly the kind of experience I wanted people to have.”
Things that happen in picture books become real-life experiences for children.
Being able to witness those moments is one of the greatest rewards of running a picture book shop.
About Ehonyakai
I hear that Ehonyakai will reach its 90th gathering in September 2026.
Tsuzuki
There’s one rule I’ve set for Ehonyakai. I think I’ll stop if it becomes a gathering just for regulars. New people join us every time, so each gathering is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. In the best sense, a fresh breeze blows through.
There’s no set way to introduce a picture book.
One person who initially said, “I’m not sure I can speak,” ended up talking the longest. Anyone can talk about a book they love.
The next 10 years
What would you like to take on in the next 10 years?
Tsuzuki
There are two things.
One is that I’d like to publish a picture book. The other is to offer a course for people who want to start a picture book shop.
Lately, more people who want to open a picture book specialty shop have been asking me for advice during business hours. I’d like to create a setting where I can set aside proper time to share what I know.
Why she has continued in Kurashiki City
You opened your shop in Kurashiki City, where you didn’t know anyone. Why do you think you’ve been able to keep going for 10 years?
Tsuzuki
Kurashiki City is such a warm and welcoming place.
I’m from Aichi Prefecture, and I had no acquaintances or relatives at all in Kurashiki City. But people who were willing to help with events naturally came together.
I think it’s thanks to the connections and warmth of the people here that I’ve been able to continue for 10 years.
From the Writer
What stayed with me after the interview was how Tsuzuki cherishes not only picture books, but also her connections with people.
She takes the time to connect with each person and place a picture book in their hands. I felt that this is why the shop has continued to be loved for 10 years.
Tsuzuki no Ehonya is a place that helps you rediscover the appeal of picture books. It is also a place that brings people and picture books, and people together.
Why not visit Tsuzuki no Ehonya and spend some relaxing time with picture books and tea?
Tsuzuki no Ehonya details
| Name | Tsuzuki no Ehonya |
|---|---|
| Address | 694-7 Kawairi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-476-0415 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business hours | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Wednesday, Thursday 21st of each month |
| Website | Tsuzuki no Ehonya |
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