Interview with Izawa Kyoko and Maruki Saori
What is the charm of "Usagiya," which has been closely connected to the community for 30 years? We spoke with Izawa Kyoko, from the Usagiya Department and Brand Management Department, and Maruki Saori, the head of the Usagiya Kurashiki Store, who promotes the joy of stationery.
The reason for opening "Usagiya"
What was the reason for opening the Usagiya Kurashiki Store, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year (2025)?
Izawa
Before Usagiya was established, there was a "retail division" selling stationery on the first floor of the headquarters of the parent company, KURABUN, which was not very large and had the same holiday schedule as the company, being closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
In 1995, we established the first large-scale specialty stationery store in Japan, "Usagiya Kurashiki Store," by making the "retail division" independent.
There were opinions within the company suggesting selling books and CDs together, but ultimately, it was decided to open a specialty store focused solely on stationery.
There may have been various anxieties since it was the first time, but I have heard that the opening day was a great success.
The charm of stationery
In this digital age, what is the unique charm of stationery?
Izawa
Of course, we also sell digital-compatible items like tablet touch pens. However, research has been conducted on the educational aspect, and it has been reported that using a pen to write on paper has a certain positive effect on creativity and memory.
For that reason, I believe analog stationery is necessary for studying.
Additionally, while stationery used to be an everyday necessity, it seems to have become more about personal preference recently.
For example, when reflecting on the day and writing in a diary, using a nice notebook with good paper or a favorite writing instrument can provide a special time and space, and I think that is what stationery offers.
Is "writing instruments" relatively high-end among specialty stationery stores?
Izawa
Yes, that's right. People buy high-end notebooks or personalized writing instruments as gifts, or treat themselves to high-end writing instruments for special occasions, which indicates a trend towards luxury.
Moreover, there has been a fountain pen boom for a while, and many people purchase the "Usagiya Original Fountain Pen," which may have actually increased the recognition of "Usagiya."
Maruki
Recently, glass pens have also become popular.
What is the reason for the popularity of glass pens?
Izawa
One reason is the variety of ink types. For example, in addition to inks from other companies, we have a diverse range of inks, including "Usagiya Original Ink" with glitter, making writing letters and diaries more enjoyable.
Maruki
The ease of washing the ink and using different colors, along with the beauty of the glass pen itself, are also factors that attract users.
The reason for having a café
The Usagiya Kurashiki Store has a café. What is the reason for having a café alongside a specialty stationery store?
Izawa
We established the café "Georges Lapin" so that customers can enjoy stationery at a leisurely pace.
Customers who purchase stationery can enjoy tea while looking at the products they bought in the café. Additionally, fathers visiting with their families can wait for their children to explore the store while enjoying coffee.
We want it to be a space where customers can "not just buy products and leave," but rather "enjoy stationery at a leisurely pace."
Additionally, this location (Kurashiki Store) has many students, and many people study in the café. Before exams, we have many customers, so sometimes we have to impose time limits due to the high number of visitors.
Even so, some customers write messages like "I will do my best as there are only a few days left until the exam" or "Only a few days... only a few days" on coasters under their drinks, and we cherish those messages.
Maruki
We have received feedback from students saying, "I can really study calmly here."
30 years in 2025. Future initiatives
Please tell us about your future initiatives.
Izawa
Since last year (2024), we have been collaborating with local companies. In Kurashiki, we have partnered with Fujito Manju, Tachikido, and Kangetsudo, among others, to create products such as ballpoint pens, letter sets, handkerchiefs, stickers, and masking tape.
This has been a hit, and it has reaffirmed that everyone loves their hometown. We are also collaborating with Marugo and KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. to use local company brands to revitalize the community.
Additionally, we regularly hold various events, and we aim to continue to promote stationery from various perspectives and contribute to the local community.
If you have a message for the readers, please share.
Maruki
In November 2025, the "Usagiya Kurashiki Store" will celebrate its 30th anniversary. I have been visiting Usagiya since I was little, and I have grown up with Usagiya.
I am working every day to ensure that customers can enjoy stationery at Usagiya Kurashiki Store, which holds such sentimental value for me.
Moreover, the energy of the young staff is incredible, and as you can see from the handwritten pop displays in the store, there are many staff members who truly love stationery. I believe you will also come to love stationery together with us.
Izawa
We aim to be a place where customers can enjoy stationery, not just come to buy it and leave.
To achieve this, we will deepen our knowledge of products and improve our customer service through regular tests and training, creating a more comfortable space for our customers.
Maruki
The products we handle at Usagiya can be seen in various places in daily life. I feel that even the same product seems more vibrant when displayed at Usagiya.
While relatively inexpensive products can be found in supermarkets and mass retailers, Usagiya is a space where customers can think, "Is there something interesting here?" or "I want to hear what the staff has to say."
We invite you to come to such a comfortable space, Usagiya. We look forward to welcoming you.
Conclusion
I felt that the words expressed by Maruki during the interview, "Even the same product seems more vibrant when displayed at Usagiya," encapsulate the efforts of "Usagiya."
The love for the products we handle transforms into the actions of our staff who wish to "be of help to others," and this is conveyed to the customers who visit. The space becomes warm and healing, creating a pleasant interaction with our customers.
This may be the reason why "Usagiya" has been loved for many years.
The space "Usagiya" is healing just by visiting. Please come and experience the "excitement."
Upcoming Events
The "Usagiya Pan Marche" will be held at "Usagiya Kurashiki Store" on March 1 (Saturday) and 2 (Sunday), 2025.
This event will feature 14 popular bakeries from Okayama Prefecture, with different stores participating each day. There will also be a pre-sale of collaboration products with local companies and a milk festival, so be sure to stop by.
Articles about Usagiya
Usagiya Kurashiki Store Data
| Name | Usagiya Kurashiki Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 508 Sasao, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-421-8989 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM The order stop for the attached café "Georges Lapin" is 7:30 PM |
| Regular Holidays | Open year-round except for New Year's Day and inventory days |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Usagiya |
