Interview with Tomioka Noriko
ZAKKA MOKO celebrated its 5th anniversary in 2022.
I spoke with the owner, Tomioka Noriko, about her thoughts on opening the store and how she has continued it for five years.
This interview features content from the initial interview conducted in May 2022.
A store handling goods from outside Okayama Prefecture that hardly existed before opening
Why did you start ZAKKA MOKO?
Tomioka
I wanted a place where I could directly handle goods, and that’s what I personally felt.
I have always loved goods, and I used to wear handmade accessories and clothes to lift my spirits.
Especially after having children, I found myself spending more time making myself happy with goods.
It wasn’t directly necessary for parenting, but it was a time I wanted to cherish for myself.
About ten years before opening ZAKKA MOKO, I was buying goods from online shops.
There were shops in Okayama Prefecture, but most of them handled works from local artists.
I wanted works from artists active outside Okayama Prefecture, so I used online shops.
However, when I bought things just by looking at photos online, I sometimes thought, "The color is different from what I expected," or "I wish I could see the shape from the back before buying."
I thought, "It would be nice if there were a place where I could directly handle works from artists living outside Okayama Prefecture..." and that sparked my interest in running a goods store myself.
I remember jokingly telling a friend, "I want to run a goods store," and they replied, "You should give it a try."
As I became engrossed in researching through books and the internet, I started to think, "I want to try it!"
I think it was a very big decision, but did you have any experience in retail or anything similar before?
Tomioka
No, I had no experience at all.
However, I had several favorite artists from that time, so the image of the store became more and more concrete.
When I thought, "All I have to do is research how to procure goods and shape my ideas," I started to feel, "I might be able to do this!"
I think I was also fortunate with the timing of the opening.
The dormitory I chose as the location was available for rent at a low cost because a relative was using it, and my mother was just able to help with the store's operation.
My second child was one and a half years old and needed a lot of attention, but I felt that I could get support from those around me, so I thought, "If I'm going to open, now is the time!"
"If you come to MOKO, there’s something for you"
You have continued ZAKKA MOKO for five years while raising children. What moments make you think, "I’m glad I did ZAKKA MOKO"?
Tomioka
Just the other day, many customers come to choose gifts.
They say, "If you come to MOKO, there’s something for you," and that truly made me happy.
Of course, I’m happy when people choose things for themselves, but I’m also glad that they think, "If I come to MOKO, I will definitely find a gift for someone important."
There is joy in knowing that the goods I think are "nice" are reaching various people.
I think the time spent carefully selecting well-made goods is also enjoyable.
Tomioka
I would be happy if that were the case.
As I gather things that I think are "nice," there are few bright colors, and the goods tend to have gentle tones.
So the wall colors and shelves also create a soft atmosphere.
I would be happy if people felt, "This is a comfortable place."
That said, even now, I still think, "Is this good enough?" when deciding on displays.
What to place where and how to make it look better were things I struggled with quite a bit when I first opened the store, researching through books and such.
Little by little, I made changes, and the store became what it is now.
A place where people connect through goods
Are there things you want to try in the future?
Tomioka
Oh, there are so many things I want to try...
Of course, I want to do exhibitions, and I also want to hold events.
I previously held an event where about 10 to 15 artists and food vendors came, creating a place for connection.
I want to hold events again that are wrapped in a gentle and warm atmosphere, similar to the goods.
Since I am expecting a baby in the fall of 2022, I want to take my time and realize each one slowly.
Finally, please share a message.
Tomioka
I would be happy if you could choose goods while directly handling them and feeling the warmth of handmade items.
Since this is something I cherish myself, I hope that when you visit ZAKKA MOKO, you can take your time and enjoy your stay.
Conclusion
ZAKKA MOKO is a goods store born from Tomioka's straightforward love for goods.
Tomioka's voice and expression when she says, "I choose goods that I think are nice" are very gentle, yet I felt a strong and unwavering will.
The space filled with "likes" that Tomioka has carefully nurtured over five years is connected to someone else's "likes", and I think that chain is incredibly attractive.
I am also one of those who loves handmade goods.
After the interview, I found myself wanting to take another round in the store and left after purchasing a favorite accessory.
I encourage everyone to experience the warmth of handmade goods at ZAKKA MOKO, whether as a reward for your hard work or to choose a gift for someone important.
Data on ZAKKA MOKO
| Name | ZAKKA MOKO |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-5-21 Shimonochō, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-5780 |
| Parking | Available 3 spaces |
| Business Hours | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Closed | Monday, Tuesday, Sunday Check Instagram for temporary closures |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Website | ZAKKA MOKO |
