"I Love Baths," "My Dress," "Suho's White Horse," and "Guri and Gura."
These are picture books that I loved and read many times as a child. And then, stories that I somehow forgot.
Tsuzuki no Ehonya is a picture book store where you can encounter those forgotten treasures once again.
A warm store surrounded by picture books, delicious tea. At Tsuzuki no Ehonya, a quiet and gentle time flows.
"From 0 to 100 years old, picture books are for everyone."
While talking with the owner, Tsuzuki, you are sure to find your own special book.
"Tsuzuki no Ehonya" Designed for Picture Book Stores
Opened in April 2016, "Tsuzuki no Ehonya."
Originally a family that moved frequently, the Tsuzuki family walked around looking for land to open a picture book store and finally had a fateful encounter in Kurashiki.
This building, located deep in a residential area, is, according to Tsuzuki, "a store and residence designed for a picture book store."
From the large glass-walled interior, you can see many picture books.
It's fun to see the covers facing outward, and I ended up walking around the store.
A cute bright red sign. Designed by picture book author Hata Koshiro.
Inside the store, you can enjoy handmade sweets along with tea.
The "Today's Baked Sweets" during the interview was "Chocolate and Walnut Happy Scones." Sounds delicious!
About 2,000 Picture Books Are Displayed. You Might Find a Nostalgic Book
Inside the store, it is truly a sea of picture books! About 2,000 picture books are always on display.
The angle of the bookshelves and the details are filled with Tsuzuki's dedication, making it the ideal picture book store.
On the columns are cute picture books for babies.
In addition, there are new releases, adult books, seasonal picture books, and long sellers displayed separately.
This is the seasonal picture book corner. In June, there are books about rain, umbrellas, fathers, and teeth.
I recalled those picture books that were read to me at kindergarten and school. I realized that I felt the seasons through picture books.
A corner of nostalgic long sellers like "Curious George" and "The Goldfish Went Away." Goods are also on sale.
Masking tape featuring picture book authors. I couldn't help but buy the tape of my favorite Yuriko Yamawaki.
In the store's gallery, original illustrations by picture book authors are displayed.
The original illustrations of picture books, which are rarely seen, are all powerful and "vivid."
In addition to new releases published every month, various genres of picture books gather at Tsuzuki no Ehonya.
The deciding factor is whether Tsuzuki thinks, "I want to hand this book to someone!"
The picture books that moved my heart, saying, "This book is fun, this book is wonderful," are lined up in the store.
Special Tea and Sweets Brewed by a Tea Instructor
Tsuzuki, who is also a tea instructor.
You can enjoy a relaxing time with carefully selected tea and freshly baked sweets.
During the interview, I had pineapple tea squash and scones.
The pineapple tea is brewed from carbonated water overnight.
The fresh aroma of pineapple with a hint of sweetness. And the color is beautiful.
In the gradually warming season, this refreshing tea is something you want to drink many times.
Scones with chocolate and walnuts, provided fresh out of the oven.
The handmade baked goods are crispy and have a gentle flavor. They are so delicious that you want to try other sweets as well.
A set of Darjeeling and scones. The rich Darjeeling pairs perfectly with the scones.
The menu changes with the seasons, but there are also the following tea options:
- Darjeeling
- Assam
- Earl Grey
- Dimbula
- Candy
- Premium Ruhuna
- Japanese Black Tea
- Blended Tea
Picture Books for Adults. Picture Books That Accompany Each Individual
"There are quite a few people who come to Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store alone," said Tsuzuki.
Rather, many people want to read picture books after becoming adults, it seems.
When they are tired or feeling a bit lonely, many people suddenly want to touch a picture book.
For each of those customers, they choose picture books while listening to their stories.
Like a picture book concierge, they seem to search for the perfect book while being close to them.
"Picture books have the ultimate simplicity," says Tsuzuki.
Both the illustrations and the text retain only what is truly necessary, leaving the rest to the reader's interpretation.
"What exists in picture books is the blank space. Everyone has their own way of feeling and reading. You can project onto any part, and there is no right answer in picture books."
"If I were to take some picture books to a deserted island," I asked them to choose books with a somewhat forceful theme.
Well... after some hesitation, they chose these three books.
- Taguchiru Taguchiru
- The First Question
- Akari
Please check what kind of picture books they are at the store.
I had Tsuzuki read a little from 'Taguchiru Taguchiru.'
Listening to Tsuzuki's clear and beautiful narration, I felt the comfort of being read to and the joy of being read to after a long time.
A Luxurious Time to Face Picture Books Slowly
I have loved picture books since I was a child, so when I entered Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store, I was impressed by how wonderful the store is.
Looking at the covers of the picture books, strangely, the faces of children, the parents who read to them, and the nostalgic faces of teachers from long ago came to mind.
It felt as if the memories of being read to and reading to others came flooding back along with the content of the picture books.
Choosing picture books for someone else, and for myself, is a very luxurious and happy time at Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store.
With delicious tea and homemade sweets, along with enjoyable conversations, please try to find your favorite book.
Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store Information
| Name | Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 694-7 Kawai, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-476-0415 |
| Parking | Available 4 cars |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Wednesday, Thursday Closed on the 21st of every month |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Tsuzuki's Picture Book Store |
