The "Heartbeat Shopping Recommendations" exhibition is currently being held in the central hall on the first floor of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Building. The exhibition commemorates the 10th anniversary of the magazine "Heartbeat of Life" (Shufunotomosha). A commemorative reception party was held on September 23rd.
In the magazine, "Heartbeat of Life" refers to "the habits unique to each individual, the things that form their roots." By showcasing each person's unique habits and objects, such as "taking walks," "baking bread," or "spending weekends by the lake," and how each person interacts with them, the magazine offers hints for living a richer life.
The theme of the current event is similar: a curated selection of items, from food to clothing and miscellaneous goods, that enrich the soul and fill the heart with a unique joy.
Exhibitors have appeared in back issues of "Heartbeat of Life," and many customers who have been fans since the magazine's publication are visiting the venue. Of course, the exhibitors were also looking forward to meeting fans of their work. Yuji and Toku Shimura, designers of Old Man's Tailor (R&D M.Co-), a brand that mainly deals in linen products, revealed, "Some people saw our magazine and came all the way to Nihonbashi from the countryside for this exhibition." Hiromichi Shimokawa, designer of the accessory brand himie, seemed to enjoy the difference in customer demographics, saying, "Nihonbashi is unique in that it has so many discerning customers." Mayumi Mizukami, designer of TRAM, also mentioned that for her brand, she selects furniture and accessories that "develop a unique character with use" and "fit into Japanese lifestyles." Perhaps such thinking also shapes each person's own "navel." At the reception held on the first day of the event, Noriko Ichida, director of "Kurashi no Navel," gave a speech. "We've been able to celebrate our 10th anniversary thanks to everyone who shared their belly buttons with me," she said, expressing her gratitude. She then introduced special guest Yoko Kirishima, a writer who has previously appeared in the magazine. Kirishima smiled and said, "For me, belly buttons are something that are at the center of my being. When I received the request to write an article, I felt like something had hit me right in the center of myself, and I was so happy." The exhibition will run until September 29th. The buyer in charge is inviting visitors to the exhibition, saying, "We've collected items that transcend gender and age groups, and that anyone would want to pick up because they 'love this.' We hope that people who can relate to each product will enjoy it."
