Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is hosting "Kyoto Week - My Favorite Kyoto" until November 11th, allowing visitors to experience Kyoto culture on all floors. The central hall on the first floor of the main building is hosting an event where visitors can experience Kyoto with all five senses, while the seventh floor of the main building is hosting the "Kyoto Specialties: Rakushu Exhibition" (until November 10th), selling Kyoto gourmet food and Japanese goods. The central hall on the first floor of the main building is hosting various hands-on events that allow visitors to experience Kyoto. Founded in 1887, Benrido, the world's only company with color collotype printing technology and a devoted contributor to the art world, is exhibiting works depicting precious scenes of Kyoto from the Meiji period, allowing visitors to enjoy photographs of Kyoto both now and in the past. On November 8th and 9th, artisans will be demonstrating and selling color collotype printing. Pacific Moon Records is also collaborating with the store. This unique label, showcasing fresh, Japanese-inspired sound creations, will feature live performances by "EnTONE" (from 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on the 8th), a soothing arrangement of koto, shakuhachi, and guitar, and live performances by Masaji Watanabe (from 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM on the 9th), expressing Kyoto through piano tones. The elegant sounds of Kyoto will be spread throughout the venue. Maiko from Miyagawacho, Kyoto, will be visiting the venue to showcase the elegant art of Kyoto (from 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM on the 8th, and from 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM on the 9th), and the maiko will also introduce recommended tourist spots. The venue will also feature an archive of JR Central's "Let's Go to Kyoto" posters, showcasing beautiful autumn-themed art creations that evoke the feeling of a trip to Kyoto. They will inspire a yearning for Kyoto.
In addition, Shohokuen, which has been aiming to create new traditions in Uji tea since its founding in 1645, will also be holding a limited-time cafe (10:00-18:30). Menu items include a matcha and Japanese sweets set (800 yen), and there will also be a first-time matcha experience corner (500 yen / from 12:00 and 15:00 on the 8th and 9th).
At Hajimarino cafe on the 7th floor of the main building, workshops will also be held where you can "experience Kyoto." There will also be a lesson on how to enjoy mackerel sushi and sake by Izuu and Yamamoto Honke (2,000 yen / from 14:00 on the 8th, maximum 16 people), and a Japanese sweets class for parents and children by Tsuruya Yoshinobu (2,000 yen / from 14:00 on the 9th, maximum 16 people).
Regarding this event, Ishiguro Hiroya, the person in charge of planning it, said, "The environment surrounding department store product exhibitions is changing every year. In the past, when logistics and communications infrastructure was immature, department store product exhibitions were positioned as 'a taste of local culture in Tokyo.' But now the external environment has changed dramatically, and delicious local products and crafts can be purchased online or at antenna shops. So, when asked 'what is expected of department stores in product exhibitions?' the answer is 'creating a local atmosphere (worldview)' and 'culturally communicating the values created by the local areas.' In other words, it is important to propose the value of the product lineup, environment, and service from a unique perspective that only Mitsukoshi in Nihonbashi can offer. Our event this time is packed with elements that appeal to all five senses. Please come and visit 'Kyoto in Nihonbashi.'"
