The highly anticipated Kashiyuka Shoten Real Store opened its doors on March 12, 2025, at the Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Shibuya store. This unique pop-up initiative serves as the culmination of seven years of exploration by the store's owner, Kashiyuka, who is also famously known as part of the renowned music unit, Perfume.
Spanning across the country since 2018, Kashiyuka has immersed herself in the vibrant world of Japanese craftsmanship, traveling from the northernmost prefectures of Hokkaido to the southern tip of Okinawa. With this experience, she has collected extraordinary products reflective of Japan's diverse culture, featuring one-of-a-kind traditional crafts made by artisans from all over the nation.
The launch of the Kashiyuka Shoten Real Store, which will operate until April 8, 2025, is not merely about selling unique items; it is about celebrating the art of Japanese handcrafting. "It makes me really happy to see the products I've seen with my own eyes during my travels all together. The memories of each artisan and our conversations come flooding back. I hope customers will take the opportunity to feel the charm of handmade products," said Kashiyuka, reflecting on the emotional connection she has with each piece and the artisans behind them.
This initial store's location within the dynamic Shibuya Scramble Square promises to draw locals and tourists alike, eager to experience the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship. Following its time at Shibuya, the store will tour to several other Nakagawa Masashichi locations, including Nara from April 16 to May 6, 2025, Hiroshima from May 14 to June 3, 2025, and Fukuoka from June 11 to July 1, 2025.
What makes this shop particularly special is its careful curation of crafts. Anchored by the collaboration with Casa Brutus magazine, the store features collections from 54 makers, each representing the richness of regional artistry. Shoppers can expect to find everything from elegant ceramics and textiles to unusual crafts, like the 'Tiger Bamboo Two-Tier Picnic Basket' sourced from Taketora, known for its functional beauty and exemplary craftsmanship.
The bamboo picnic basket selection highlights the strength and versatility of traditional materials, beautifully marrying functionality and aesthetics. It stands as just one example of how Japanese artisanal products can transform everyday moments, blending indulgence with cultural authenticity.
Notably, during her extensive travels, Kashiyuka has established meaningful connections with countless artisans, each sharing their stories, techniques, and inspirations. This collaborative spirit is echoed in the range of original products created especially for the pop-up store, which includes stunning items like Kutani ware mugs and Kiryu embroidery tote bags, all showcasing fine craftsmanship.
The grand opening serves as more than just the launch of another retail space; it marks Kashiyuka's personal commitment to elevates traditional Japanese craftsmanship and making it accessible to the broader audience. Each piece sold at Kashiyuka Shoten Real Store not only tells its own story but also contributes to the legacy of the regions and artisans it originates from.
A lasting vision of Kashiyuka is to revitalize interest and appreciation for traditional crafts, particularly among younger generations. By transforming the virtual concept of Kashiyuka Shoten, serialized since April 2018, to its physical manifestation, she aims to spark renewed curiosity about Japan’s rich crafting history.
Reflecting on her seven-year odyssey, the Kashiyuka Shoten Real Store stands as both a reminder of the incredible artistry across Japan and as an encouragement to the community to honor and support local craftsmanship. With each carefully selected item, Kashiyuka invites patrons not only to shop but also to engage with the stories of artisans who dedicate their lives to their craft.
Make your way to the store to explore these extraordinary offerings and to discover the cultural heritage tied to each handmade creation. The Kashiyuka Shoten Real Store is truly set to become a beloved destination for those wishing to experience the beauty of Japanese crafts, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.