Interview with Eri Imoto, owner and accessory planner of "MAMAN"
I spoke with Eri Imoto about what she wants to connect through accessories made with stones from Kitagi-shima.
The feelings connected by "Re:ef"
What are the feelings that Eri wants to connect through "Re:ef"?
Imoto (honorifics omitted)
It all started with my grandmother's wish to "return to the island."
For me, Kitagi-shima is the place where my father's family home and my grandmother's house are located.
My grandmother lived on the island for a long time, but considering her health, she left the island and started living on the mainland, and later entered a facility.
During the winter of 2021, when we could no longer meet due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her condition was worsening, I was interviewed about accessory making for an NHK Okayama television program titled "In Love with Stone: Gifts from Kitagi-shima."
Through that program, I got the opportunity to present my grandmother with an accessory.
Although my grandmother was doing well in the facility, she often said, "I want to return to the island."
So, I thought that if I gave her an accessory made with Kitagi granite, which is a symbol of her hometown, it would help her remember the island.
In the end, due to the pandemic, I couldn't meet my grandmother directly and conveyed my feelings through a video.
After that, my grandmother's health declined, and she passed away three months later.
Without being able to return to the island.
I built her grave in a place where she could see the sea, which she loved.
I believe my father, who grew up on Kitagi-shima, also has such feelings for his hometown.
The program aired over two years ago (first broadcast date: April 9, 2021), but even now, there are people who watch that program and come to buy my accessories.
I often get asked, "Why accessories made of stone?" and I frequently share the stories of Kitagi-shima and my grandmother.
Those who bought my accessories or learned about them sometimes say, "It reminded me of my hometown," or "My grandmother also lived on an island..."
Some even say, "I will give this as a present to my grandmother."
In this way, I want to connect things that remind people of their hometowns through accessories.
What do you value when making accessories?
Imoto
At first, I thought that even people who know about Kitagi-shima's stones have a strong image of them being used for tombstones, so I wanted to present Kitagi granite in a bright way to young people.
However, my feelings have changed quite a bit now.
By talking with those who hold my accessories, I have become able to imagine the feelings they want to connect.
When I decide to participate in events or exhibitions, I actually go there and create with an image that fits the place.
I ask about the age range of the visitors and look at the art displayed there to ensure that the accessories do not feel out of place with the atmosphere.
For example, when I exhibited at the "Takahama City Ceramic Village Kawara Museum" in Aichi, I had a traditional image in mind since it is a town of tiles.
Some of the other artists exhibiting alongside me create works using natural materials like soil and water, so the accessories I made at that time were more artistic than cute.
I believe that creating in this way, tailored to each location, resonates more with the hearts of those present.
You also hold workshops, right?
Imoto
Regarding the accessory-making workshops, I change the content each time depending on the location.
For example, at the "Chikyo Museum" in Kasaoka City, I received a request to collaborate with Japanese painting pigments, so I extended the time.
While the goal is to spread Kitagi granite, the workshop times and what we create vary each time, and the target audience ranges from small children to adults.
I want people to wear the accessories after making them.
If they are too easy to make, they often end up not being worn later.
I hope to create deep workshops that can be kept as talismans.
Deepening the bond with Kitagi-shima
Do you visit Kitagi-shima?
Imoto
As a child, I used to go about four times a year during summer vacation and New Year's.
Since my grandmother left Kitagi-shima, I haven't had many opportunities to go, but now I go there occasionally.
It's since I started making accessories.
During the television program interview, I entered the house where my grandmother used to live for the first time in a long time.
I felt it was lonely if no one was coming in and out.
After my grandmother passed away, I started feeling that even more, and now I want to go at least once a month.
Even if I have no particular reason, I want to go see the sea.
I think I go there to remember why I started making accessories, to connect those feelings.
Actually, I took a training course to become a guide for the "Stone Islands," and I became able to guide on Kitagi-shima.
As part of the training, I was supposed to guide once, and in July 2023, I went with 25 customers from MAMAN.
What are your recommended spots on Kitagi-shima?
Imoto
My recommendation is to first visit the old movie theater, Kougeki-jo.
You can watch a short movie that explains the history of Kitagi-shima, and I cried when I saw it.
The people from the island at the time of filming appeared in it, and their way of speaking was just like my grandmother's.
I thought again, "These people are still doing well, so we must carry on their legacy."
I wanted everyone to see it, so I included it in the course during the guiding in July 2023, and it was well received.
I think that if they see the movie first and then tour the island, their feelings will change.
After that, my recommended course is to walk from Kougeki-jo to see the Disappointing Stone, which is said to have missed going to Tokyo, and the Lake Stage, where Nakanishi Keizo was supposed to come but couldn't due to the pandemic, Kitagi Venice, and then I want them to see the sea.
Walking takes quite a bit of time, but if possible, I recommend the sea in the area where my grandmother lived, "Sotoasakai," as it is very beautiful.
Do you have any future plans?
Imoto
I would like to hold workshops and pop-ups in various places across the country, such as in corners of stores.
I want to go there myself, hold workshops, and let people see and touch the accessories.
I would like to visit any place, whether it be a museum, community center, beauty salon, or car dealership, if there is an opportunity.
And I would be very happy if people could learn about Kitagi-shima through the accessories and come to visit.
Even if it's not Kitagi-shima, I hope it reminds people to "try returning to their hometown" or "go visit that person they haven't seen in a while."
I think that when I tell them, "I bought this accessory thinking of you," the person receiving the gift will also be happy.
From the Writer
I met Imoto just as she was starting to make accessories with Kitagi granite.
It has been almost four years now.
What impressed me was her story about how the number of times she visits the island has increased since she started making accessories.
I was delighted to see that Imoto is deepening her connection with Kitagi-shima through accessory making.
There may also be a Kitagi-shima tour for buyers of her accessories in the future.
I look forward to seeing how things develop from here.
MAMAN Information
| Name | MAMAN |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-7 Yobanchō, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-2424-1390 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Regular Holiday | Wednesday Temporary closures may occur |
| Payment Method |
|
| Website | MAMAN Online Shop |
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