Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is hosting "Bhutan Week," an event where visitors can experience the culture of Bhutan, the "Land of Happiness," in the central hall on the first floor of the main building. It runs until the 31st.
This event is based on the store's declaration of being a "Culture Resort Department Store." The first installment of the "Watch Cafe" experiential project, which expands on the concept of "Nihonbashigai Daigaku," a new intellectual experience space established last fall, will focus on "Bhutan, the Land of Happiness."
The venue also features a "Bhutan Cafe," showcasing Bhutanese ingredients and crafts not yet introduced in Japan. The cafe offers Bhutanese-inspired tea and sweets created by chef Yuko Anada. In addition to dishes featuring Bhutanese ingredients such as dried tomatoes and coriander, which are precious Bhutanese ingredients, the cafe also offers pancakes and cookies. While there are no baked goods like these in Bhutan, Anada came up with the idea himself, thinking it would be stylish if baked goods were served in hotels and other establishments in the country. Guests can also enjoy butter tea made with Bhutanese kucha tea, which has a distinctive flavor. The museum also exhibits and sells Bhutanese photographs by photographer Nao Tsuda, as well as Bhutanese crafts designed under the supervision of art director Kazuya Takaoka and product designer Keita Suzuki. The museum also features a selection of books by book curator Masataka Haba, ranging from photo books to practical guides, and introduces activities to protect Bhutan's nature and wildlife. Matsutake mushrooms grown at altitudes above 2,000 meters, tartary flour, and original bento boxes inspired by Bhutan, designed by culinary expert Kentetsu Ko, are also available.
The wooden tables set up inside the restaurant are covered with original paper designed by Takaoka, incorporating motifs representing "earth, water, and fire," and the chairs and tableware are also made in Bhutan, demonstrating the restaurant's meticulous attention to detail. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing meal while listening to performances by Bhutanese artists. During the event, talk shows will also be held with people with ties to Bhutan, including singer Tokiko Kato.
