Interview with Noriko Tomioka
ZAKKA MOKO celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2022.
We spoke with owner Noriko Tomioka about what inspired her to open the shop and how she has kept it going for five years.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in May 2022.
A shop selling goods from outside Okayama Prefecture, something rarely seen before it opened
Why did you start ZAKKA MOKO?
Tomioka (surname only)
I wanted a place where I could pick up goods and see them in person.
I’ve always loved goods, and wearing handmade accessories and clothes lifted my spirits.
Especially after having children, I found myself spending more time cheering myself up with little things.
It wasn’t something I needed for childcare, but it was time I wanted to make special for myself.
I had been buying goods from online shops for about ten years before opening ZAKKA MOKO.
There were shops selling goods in Okayama Prefecture, but most of them carried work by artists who lived in Okayama.
I wanted work by artists based outside Okayama Prefecture, so I used online shops.
But when I bought something after seeing only photos online, sometimes I’d think, “The color isn’t what I expected,” or “I wish I could have seen the shape from the back before buying it.”
After thinking, “I wish there were a place where I could pick up and see in person work by artists who live outside Okayama Prefecture…,” I became interested in opening a shop myself.
I remember joking to a friend, “I want to open a shop selling goods,” and they said, “Why not give it a try?”
As I eagerly researched it in books and online, I started thinking, “I want to do this!”
That must have been a big decision. Did you have any experience in retail or anything like that?
Tomioka
No, none at all.
But even then, there were several artists whose work I loved, so my vision for the shop was becoming more and more concrete.
When I thought, “All that’s left is to figure out how to source the goods and turn my ideas into reality,” I began to feel, “I might be able to do this!”
I think the timing of the opening worked out well, too.
The former dormitory I chose for the shop was used by a relative, so I could rent it cheaply, and my mother was also able to help run the shop at just the right time.
My second child was a year and a half old and needed a lot of attention, but I thought, “If I’m going to open, now’s the time!” because it seemed like I could get help from those around me.
“There’s always something when you come to MOKO”
You’ve kept ZAKKA MOKO going for five years while raising children. What are some moments that make you think, “I’m glad I started ZAKKA MOKO”?
Tomioka
It happened just a little while ago, actually: so many customers come in to choose gifts.
They say, “There’s always something at MOKO,” and that makes me really happy.
Of course, I’m happy when people choose something for themselves, too. But it also makes me happy that they think, “I’m sure I’ll find the perfect gift for someone special at MOKO.”
It’s a joy to see the goods I choose because I think they’re lovely reaching so many people.
I imagine it’s also enjoyable to take your time choosing goods that have clearly been made with care.
Tomioka
I’m glad to hear that.
As I collect things that I think are lovely, I find that I have fewer items in primary colors and more goods in gentle tones.
That’s why I’ve given the walls and shelves a soft, gentle feel, too.
I’d be happy if people feel comfortable here.
Even now, though, I still decide on the displays while wondering, “Is this right?”
I think about what to put where and how to make it look nicer. When I first opened the shop, I spent quite a bit of time worrying about it and looking things up in books.
Little by little, I made changes, and the shop became what it is today.
A place where people connect through goods
Is there anything you’d like to try in the future?
Tomioka
There are so many things I’d like to try…
I’d like to hold events as well as special exhibitions.
I’ve held an event before, inviting 10 to 15 artists and food vendors, and creating a place for people to connect.
I’d like to hold another event enveloped in a gentle, warm atmosphere, much like the goods I sell.
I’m expecting to give birth in fall 2022, so I’d like to take my time and make each thing happen one by one.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Tomioka
I’d be happy if people chose goods after picking them up and feeling the warmth of handmade work.
It’s something I value myself, so I hope you’ll take your time when you visit ZAKKA MOKO.
From the Writer
ZAKKA MOKO is a shop born from Tomioka’s genuine love of goods.
Tomioka spoke about choosing goods she thinks are lovely, and her voice and expression were gentle, yet conveyed a firm and unwavering resolve.
The space is filled with the things she has lovingly nurtured over five years, and her love of them has become someone else’s love, too. I thought that chain of connection was truly wonderful.
I’m also someone who loves handmade goods.
After the interview, I couldn’t help taking another lap around the shop, and left after buying an accessory I liked.
I hope you’ll visit ZAKKA MOKO and experience the warmth of handmade goods, whether as a treat for yourself after all your hard work or while choosing a gift for someone special.
ZAKKA MOKO details
| Name | ZAKKA MOKO |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-5-21 Shimonomachi, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-5780 |
| Parking | Available Space for 3 cars |
| Hours | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday Check Instagram for temporary closures and other updates |
| Payment methods |
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| Website | ZAKKA MOKO |
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