Interview with Izumi Yamashita, owner of Miuchi Zakkaten
A small shop in the Bikan Historical Area. About the motivation to start
Please tell us about the circumstances of starting the shop in the Bikan Historical Area.
Yamashita
Originally, this store was a barbershop run by my father.
About four years after my father passed away, when my mother was able to sort out her feelings, we decided to renovate and start the shop as a zakkaten (general goods store).
Why did you start a zakkaten?
Yamashita
I like things that are filled with human craftsmanship. Handmade items are more enduring than industrial products, right?
While expensive art pieces are nice to admire, I thought it would be great to have affordable items that can be used in daily life.
For example, from the woodworking studio "Neko no Te".
You can tell that the creator loves cats through their works.
The detailed expressions of the cats are beautifully captured, showing the kindness of the creator in the pieces.
Also, when a delicate person creates, the works become sharp and refined.
Sometimes I am drawn to sharp works, and other times I choose refreshing ones.
What I choose can change depending on my mood that day.
I have many hobbies, so I select and display items that I am currently excited about, such as woodworking, glass, and accessories.
The works displayed in this shop are your selection based on what excites you. How do you choose that selection?
Yamashita
I go to craft fairs and solo exhibitions, actually buy and use works that match my taste, and select the good ones to display.
I have been fortunate to have opportunities to meet the creators.
It is unfortunate that due to the spread of COVID-19, events and exhibitions have decreased this year (2020).
However, during this period of self-restraint, I think it is good that local people visited the Bikan Historical Area and learned, "There is such a shop in Kurashiki."
About 5 years since starting the shop. On the sense of fulfillment
I heard that you are about to reach 5 years since starting the zakkaten (as of September 2020). Please tell us about the good things about running the shop.
Yamashita
A customer from Osaka purchased a pendant, and later her daughter came to visit.
She said, "The pendant my mother bought was lovely, so I came to get a different color." I was happy that she came to Kurashiki specifically for my shop.
Additionally, there was a moment when a creator and their fan happened to meet in my shop, and they were both very happy about it.
I felt that I was able to connect customers and creators, and I thought it was great to be running this shop.
Creators do not always have the opportunity to interact with customers, so I hope to convey the charm of their works as much as I can.
And I would be even happier if not only visitors come to my shop but also more people go around other shops in the Bikan Historical Area and say, "I love Kurashiki."
About what I like in the Bikan Historical Area
Please tell us what you like about the Bikan Historical Area.
Yamashita
I love the maze-like alleys.
When I was a child, I preferred to find alleys to climb Tsuru-gata Mountain rather than taking the main road.
Walking through the alleys has a deep charm that is different from the main streets.
About the future
What do you want to do in the future? Please share your aspirations.
Yamashita
Since it will soon be 5 years since we opened (as of September 2020), I am considering holding a mini exhibition to commemorate the 5th anniversary.
From spring 2020, I started an online store.
On weekdays, there are few tourists, so I hope that as COVID-19 settles down, people will gradually return.
Conclusion
The shop "Miuchi Zakkaten" connects customers and creators while continuing to live in a new form while preserving tradition.
Why not try searching for your favorite works or choosing souvenirs and gifts?
You might encounter wonderful works that brighten your daily life.
Data on Miuchi Zakkaten
| Name | Miuchi Zakkaten |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-12 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-9105 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | Weekdays: 10 AM - 4 PM Weekends: 10 AM - 5 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Wednesdays, irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Miuchi Zakkaten Facebook |
