Interview with Izumi Yamashita, owner of Miuchi Zakkaten
A small shop in the Bikan Historical Area: what inspired her to start it
Could you tell us how you came to open a shop in the Bikan Historical Area?
Yamashita
This shop was originally a barbershop run by my father.
About four years after my father passed away, when my mother had come to terms with her loss, we renovated the space and decided to open a shop selling miscellaneous goods.
Why did you start a shop selling miscellaneous goods?
Yamashita
Because I like things that are full of human craftsmanship. Handmade items are less likely to get boring than industrial products, don't you think?
Expensive works of art are fine just to admire, but I thought it would be nice to have reasonably priced things at hand that I could use in everyday life.
For example, Nekonote Woodworking Studio.
You can tell from the works that they love cats.
The detailed expressions on the cats' faces are beautifully captured, and you can see the maker's kindness in the work.
Also, when a delicate person makes something, the work has a sharp, clean look.
Sometimes I'm drawn to sharp-looking pieces myself, while other times I choose something fresh and light.
What I choose changes depending on my mood that day.
I have many interests, so I select and stock things that catch my eye at the time, such as woodwork, glass, and accessories.
The works displayed in your shop are your own personal favorites. How do you choose them?
Yamashita
I go to craft fairs and solo exhibitions, and buy and use works that suit my taste, then choose the ones I like and ask if I can stock them.
Until now, I've been fortunate to have opportunities to meet artists.
It's a shame that events and exhibitions have been reduced this year (2020) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
But during the period of self-restraint, local people visited the Bikan Historical Area and discovered that “there was a shop like this in Kurashiki,” which was nice.
Nearly five years since opening: what makes it worthwhile
I hear it will soon be five years since you opened your shop (as of September 2020). Could you tell us what you’re glad about since opening?
Yamashita
A woman who lives in Osaka bought a pendant, and later her daughter came in.
She said, “I loved the pendant my mother bought, so I came to get one in a different color,” and bought one. I was happy that she had come to Kurashiki specifically to visit my shop.
There was also a time when an artist and one of their fans happened to meet at my shop, and they were both so happy.
I was glad to be running the shop because I was able to bring customers and artists together.
Artists don't always have opportunities to interact with customers, so I hope I can convey even a little of what makes their work special.
And I'd be even happier if more people not only visited my shop but also explored other shops in the Bikan Historical Area and said, “I love Kurashiki.”
What she loves about the Bikan Historical Area
What do you like about the Bikan Historical Area?
Yamashita
I like the maze-like alleys.
When I was a child, I liked finding an alley and taking it up Tsurugatayama rather than going along the main road.
Walking through the alleys has a deep charm that you don't find on the main streets.
Looking ahead
Could you tell us what you would like to do in the future and your aspirations?
Yamashita
It will soon be five years since we opened (as of September 2020), so I'm thinking of holding a small solo exhibition to mark our fifth anniversary.
In spring 2020, I also started an online store.
There are few tourists on weekdays, so I hope that once the COVID-19 situation settles down, people will gradually return.
From the Writer
Miuchi Zakkaten is a shop that connects customers and artists, continuing to thrive in a new form while preserving tradition.
Why not look for a work that catches your eye, or choose a souvenir or gift?
You may discover a wonderful piece that brightens your everyday life.
Miuchi Zakkaten details
| Name | Miuchi Zakkaten |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-12 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086ｰ422-9105 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | Weekdays: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Weekends: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Wednesday, irregular holidays |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | Miuchi Zakkaten Facebook |
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