Being the most populous metropolitan area in the history of the world has both advantages and disadvantages. Tokyo has a spaghetti network of criss-crossing trains and subways that cover nearly every square metre of the city. And it is a great convenience. However, step into one during a rush hour commute and after a few…
Tag: Handmade
Gorgeous Gallery of Handmade Household Goods
Beside the Kaldi shop, overlooking Asagaya’s Pearl Shotengai from the 2nd floor, is a halcyon shop and gallery of handmade Japanese tableware and miscellaneous goods (or zakka, 雑貨). ZAKKA 土の記憶 (Tsuchi no Kioku), or “Memories of the Clay”, is a shop and exhibition space with a constantly changing inventory of beautiful handmade goods. Exhibitions highlighting…
Honey, Damn Good Honey.
It’s time to bee serious. One thing I love is finding a specialist. Especially one who loves what they do. And that’s exactly what I found at Yoshino Junsui Hachimitsuten (hachimitsu ten = honey shop) on Koenji’s north side, nearing the far end of Koshin Dori shotengai. Everything from the owner’s explanation about the varieties…
“KoenjiFes” Street Festival 2015
This past weekend (Oct 31-Nov 1) Koenji played host to its ever-growing street festival called Koenjifes. Just more to add to the towering pile of evidence that Koenjagaya is the coolest district in Tokyo. Koenjifes is a two-day street festival that began just a few years ago in 2011. Up and down the village’s many…
Za Market of Za Koenji
Za Koenji is a public theatre for contemporary performing arts on the north side of the JR tracks near Kannana-Dori. Funded by the city of Suginami and managed by an NPO, the theatre produces, presents and supports a wide range of cultural activities from drama and dance to music and storytelling — and beyond. This weekend its…
A Cloth for All Occasions
I’m not a tailor nor a grandmother, but I appreciate craftsmanship and handmade goods. While there are many places to buy new swaths of fabric, Fujiya on Asagaya’s Pearl Shotengai packs the most punch per square metre. It is a small shop with a prodigious selection. This makes it both fun to explore and easy…
Big Fun in Small German Village
Just south of the midway point in Asagaya’s Pearl Centre Shotengai lays a whimsical little shop called 小さなドイツ村 (Chiisana Doitsu Mura or “Small German Village”). The owner is undeniably passionate about the craftsmanship behind his imported inventory and will merrily demonstrate each item’s unique characteristics. With my purchase of a new Christmas ornament and three advent calendars he offered me…
Koenji Handmade City
The second event in Koenji today is just a few steps down the hill from the Kushi Kushi Battle. Artists and artisans have their creations on display and for sale at Koenji Tezukuri-Shi (Koenji Handmade City / 高円寺てづくり市). The event is organized by Aozora Koten Atelier and has different participants on Saturday and Sunday. So it’s…
Koenjagaya 