Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is hosting an event showcasing strollers, both past and present, in the central hall on the first floor of the main building. The event will feature a stroller said to have been used by Yukichi Fukuzawa, as well as materials related to child-rearing. The event runs until August 5th. The "See, Touch, Move, and Experience the Functions: Stroller Exhibition" showcases everything from strollers to the latest international brands. The exhibit features train station ticket gates and steps for visitors to experience the strollers in person, and an in-store rental service is also available. One of the highlights of the event is the special exhibition of the stroller (134.2cm long, 67.0cm wide, 105.2cm high; owned by the Keio University Fukuzawa Memorial Institute) that Yukichi Fukuzawa first introduced to Japan. This stroller, which Fukuzawa brought back from America in 1867, has a black hood and red wheels. Panels also display documents related to Fukuzawa's upbringing, such as the book "Hibi no Oshie" (The Teachings of Hibi) that Fukuzawa gave his children and the guidebook he wrote for his sons while they were studying abroad, as well as family photos. The exhibit explains how, during the Meiji era of male chauvinism and eldest son dominance, Fukuzawa instilled moral values in his children and the importance of equality within the family. Other exhibits at the venue include the latest strollers from Japan and abroad, including the electric folding stroller from the American company 4 Moms Stoller (¥118,519), the umbrella stroller from the Dutch company JOOLZ (¥160,000) with four-wheel independent suspension and air tires, which emphasizes comfort and maneuverability, and the carry-on stroller from France's BABYZEN (¥55,000). Aprica, from Japan, will also be exhibiting. They are introducing the Solaria (55,000 yen), which has a reversible seat that can be washed in the washing machine.
A representative commented, "Sales of strollers at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi are booming, at 120% compared to last year. We feel that the amount of money being invested in children is increasing due to the declining birthrate. Recently, there has been an increase in cases where people buy two strollers per child, so we now have full-flat types that can be used from about one month after birth. We also have types with customizable frame colors and various parts, as well as lightweight types suitable for everyday use in town, so our merchandise lineup for strollers is more extensive than before."
