Matsuno Hiroshi is the owner of Matsunoya, a hardware wholesaler located in the wholesale district of Bakuro-cho, Tokyo. Matsuno, who likes people, cities, and interesting things, heads to his familiar areas of Asakusa and Bakuro-cho with his long-time friend, stylist Masako Ito. Part 2 of our tour of East Tokyo.

■ Chatting with the beautiful shop owner in an open space. Gallery and shop "Kumi Tokyo"

Our tour of Matsuno's hometown of Bakuro-cho continues. We visit Kumi Tokyo, a gallery and shop that sells everyday items and tools that enrich your daily life. Owner Noriko Konuma renovated the old warehouse building of her grandfather's company and opened her shop in 2015. Konuma studied art history at university and studied curation abroad in the UK. With this background, she naturally found herself surrounded by fellow creators, and it was with these people that she "teamed up" to create the gallery and shop "Kumimu Tokyo." The open space with large glass windows makes anyone, even someone like Matsuno, want to take a peek inside.



Hiroshi Matsuno (hereafter, M): "Kumu Tokyo" always hosts interesting solo and special exhibitions. The succulent installation from last fall is still on display, so let's go to the rooftop.

Masako Ito (hereafter, I): Wow, that's amazing! I love that it's right on the roof of a building. This building is so beautiful.



M: Apparently, this used to be a warehouse for the company run by the owner's grandfather, and during his great-grandfather's time, they made handcarts. That's why the ceilings are so high. Since I'm on my way to a shop I often visit, I spend almost every day chatting with the owner and staff, or rather, exchanging information (laughs). The brass series from FUTAGAMI, designed by Oji Masanori, is apparently popular. The wooden vessels made by the owner's husband, Onuma Tomoyasu, are also nice.

I: I'm interested in the accessories by Yamazaki Junko (JEUJYEI), which use lace and fabric. The unique atmosphere of the shop is also nice. I didn't know there was a gallery and shop like this in Bakuro-cho.

M: Creating a place that is open to the outside world, like Kumimu Tokyo, will bring new people to the town. I think it's important for people to attract more people in this way, which will ultimately liven up the town.





[Store Information]
1-13-16 Higashikanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
03 (5825) 4233
Business hours and holidays may vary depending on special exhibitions, so please check.
http://www.kumu-tokyo.jp/

■From lunch to live performances!? "Kitade Shokudo," the Brooklyn of Bakuro-cho

Continuing east along Bakuro-cho, you'll come across "Kitade Shokudo," a diner with a stylish sign. Opened in 2013 by longtime Brooklyn resident Kitade Shigeo, the diner is modeled after a Brooklyn loft and features bare concrete walls, handmade tables, shelves, and antique chairs, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They serve a wide variety of Japanese and Western dishes, including tacos made with homemade dough, hamburger steaks made with Iwate-produced shorthorn beef, black curry with stewed beef tendons, and soba salad. Matsuno-san often drops by Kitade Shokudo for lunch or a drink, and apparently even hosted a live performance with his own bluegrass band!

M: That's great, Kitade Shokudo! I knew the owner, Kitade-san, through an acquaintance, and he even came to Matsunoya to say hello when we opened. I wondered what kind of guy he was, coming back from Brooklyn, NY (lol), but when I met him, he turned out to be a really nice young man. I decided I had to support him, so I started going there, and it's a great place, so the customer base is steadily increasing, and apparently it's hard to get a reservation in the evenings.

I: There's a place like this in Brooklyn. It's nice with big windows and a high ceiling. I don't come around here often, but come to think of it, I came here to buy paint for the walls of my office.



M: Are you buying paint? That's true. There are a lot of stores around here that sell all kinds of supplies. Not only do they sell materials, but there are also craftsmen who make samples, and even factories that will take on small-lot production.

I: It's a very convenient town for making things.

M: Young people interested in crafting things noticed this and started flocking here. And once they established themselves, unique cafes and bars began to pop up. Then, not only did local residents come, but people from far and wide came to visit these establishments. This has unconsciously become a way to revitalize the town. A town is made up of people, not buildings.

I: That's so true. From Asakusa to Bakurocho, after learning about the town's history and the origins of the shops, this area looks different to me somehow. Thank you for today. By the way, would you like some red wine?

M: Hurry up, of course I'll drink. I'll get a highball!






【Store Information】
Kitade Shokudo
1-13-5 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am - 3pm (last order 2:30pm), 5pm - 11pm (last order 10pm)
Saturday 11:30am - 11pm (last order 10pm), Sundays and holidays 11:30am - 10pm (last order 9pm)
Closed every Thursday
http://www.kitadeshokudo.com/



【City Guide】
Hiroshi Matsuno
Owner of Matsunoya, a hardware store. His works include "Aramono Zukan" (Illustrated Guide to Hardware) (Shinchosha). He is currently exhibiting his works at the "Zakka Exhibition" (Until June 5th) special exhibition at 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT in Roppongi. Based on photographs of a hardware store from the Meiji period, this installation, featuring Matsunoya's baskets, sieves, brooms, bags, and other items loaded onto a two-wheeled cart, is well worth a visit.
http://matsunoya.jp
Masako Ito
After studying design and Western clothing at Bunka Fashion College, she became a stylist for everyday items such as cooking and general merchandise. She has published books on a variety of topics, from clothing and cooking to travel and city walks. Her recent works include "Bentocho 100" (Magazine House), which brings together the joys of making and eating bento lunches, and "Why not try sewing a white shirt?" (Chikuma Shobo), which features handmade white shirts in various patterns.
From Asakusa, where Edo culture lingers, to a specialty coffee shop in the wholesale district of Bakurocho. Hiroshi Matsuno x Masako Ito: A leisurely stroll around the city - Part 1 [Click here for East Tokyo Time Travel Vol. 2.]