Przemek Sobocki is originally from Poland and currently works as an illustrator and art director in Tokyo. He works on advertising, package design, window displays, etc. and has lived in Japan for about 10 years. He is very familiar with the Ginza area and has many favorite spots. He prefers quiet places and showed us his favorite spots in Ginza. Check out how Ginza is perceived through an artistic lens.
SPOT 1. Ginza Itoya
Choose the perfect item for your project from a wide selection of samples.
Established in Ginza in 1904, Itoya is a stationery store with a long history and unwavering popularity. The Ginza store, which reopened in June 2015, has undergone a complete makeover, from the interior to the product displays, creating a sophisticated space. This modern-style stationery store also features a cafe, restaurant, multi-purpose hall, and lounge, and offers a wide selection of home and travel goods in addition to stationery. Przemek is particularly interested in the lineup of "paper," which is essential for his work and the creation of his own artwork. On the 7th floor, there is a paper collection by Takeo Mihoncho, which boasts a selection of over 1,000 types. He says that he sometimes carefully chooses the paper he uses to create his collages here.
A paper sample book categorized by material and texture
There's also an embossing corner on the second floor for cards and letters
Comment: This seems like a new tourist spot in Ginza. Why not enjoy digging for stationery at this casual store in Ginza, where luxury brands abound?
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【Store Information】
"Ginza Itoya"
Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone Number: 03-3561-8311
Business Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun/Holidays 10:00-19:00 (12th floor CAFE only until 22:00 (L.O. 21:00))
Closed: Open Daily
URL: http://www.ito-ya.co.jp/
SPOT 2. Ginza Maison Hermès Forum
Ginza Maison Hermès, known for its design by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is a must-see. While the boutique floor offers plenty of shopping, the gallery on the 8th floor, which is free to enter, is also highly recommended. Przemek often visits the gallery, where light filters through the glass tiles, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere. At the time of this interview, French artist Laurent Grasso's solo exhibition "Soleil Noir" was currently on view. This innovative artist has garnered worldwide attention, but this is his first major solo exhibition in Japan. Even a casual visit is sure to leave you feeling inspired. From February 19th to May 15th, Charles Fréger's photography exhibition "YOUKAINOSHIMA" is also on view.
Comment: Ginza may be a quiet neighborhood, but it's still a big city. If you get tired of walking around the city, it's a great place to rest your feet and escape the hustle and bustle.
【Store Information】
"Ginza Maison Hermès Forum"
Address: 8th floor, 5-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3569-3300
Business hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00 (last entrance 19:30), Sun 11:00-19:00 (last entrance 18:30)
Closed: Irregularly
URL: http://www.maisonhermes.jp/ginza/gallery/
SPOT 3. Ginza Mitsukoshi Living & Art Floor
Designs for both Japanese and Western styles are available.
This floor is home to a wide variety of "living & art" items, from traditional Japanese crafts and tableware to sculptures and household goods. Having studied fashion and interior design in addition to design and illustration, Przemek is sure to be captivated by the space. While shopping for gift-worthy items and beautiful crafts, you'll be inspired to explore new lifestyles. While we tend to focus on affordable and convenient goods, it might be a good idea to try your hand at creating a first-class product that showcases the craftsman's skill. There are also tea ceremony workshops available, so why not give it a try?
Daruma dolls and beckoning cats, unique to Japan, make perfect gifts for friends abroad.
[Store Information]
"Ginza Mitsukoshi, 7th Floor Living & Art Floor"
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3562-1111
Hours: 10:30-20:00
Closed: Irregularly
URL: http://mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/store/ginza/index.html
Comments about Ginza: In addition to the places we visited today, Ginza has many other attractive spots, such as delicious restaurants opening one after another and stylish old architecture. Although it is a city with a strong image of "long-established stores" and "luxury," it may actually be a surprisingly mixed area.
PROFILE:
Przemek Sobocki
Originally from Poland, he came to Japan 10 years ago after a career in the UK. Since then, he has been active in many areas as an illustrator and art director, not only in Japan but also in Asia and Europe. In 2012, he created a buzz by creating window displays for Shinjuku Isetan.
SPOT 1. Ginza Itoya
Choose the perfect item for your project from a wide selection of samples.
Established in Ginza in 1904, Itoya is a stationery store with a long history and unwavering popularity. The Ginza store, which reopened in June 2015, has undergone a complete makeover, from the interior to the product displays, creating a sophisticated space. This modern-style stationery store also features a cafe, restaurant, multi-purpose hall, and lounge, and offers a wide selection of home and travel goods in addition to stationery. Przemek is particularly interested in the lineup of "paper," which is essential for his work and the creation of his own artwork. On the 7th floor, there is a paper collection by Takeo Mihoncho, which boasts a selection of over 1,000 types. He says that he sometimes carefully chooses the paper he uses to create his collages here.
A paper sample book categorized by material and texture
There's also an embossing corner on the second floor for cards and letters
Comment: This seems like a new tourist spot in Ginza. Why not enjoy digging for stationery at this casual store in Ginza, where luxury brands abound?
>
【Store Information】
"Ginza Itoya"
Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone Number: 03-3561-8311
Business Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00, Sun/Holidays 10:00-19:00 (12th floor CAFE only until 22:00 (L.O. 21:00))
Closed: Open Daily
URL: http://www.ito-ya.co.jp/
SPOT 2. Ginza Maison Hermès Forum
Ginza Maison Hermès, known for its design by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, is a must-see. While the boutique floor offers plenty of shopping, the gallery on the 8th floor, which is free to enter, is also highly recommended. Przemek often visits the gallery, where light filters through the glass tiles, creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere. At the time of this interview, French artist Laurent Grasso's solo exhibition "Soleil Noir" was currently on view. This innovative artist has garnered worldwide attention, but this is his first major solo exhibition in Japan. Even a casual visit is sure to leave you feeling inspired. From February 19th to May 15th, Charles Fréger's photography exhibition "YOUKAINOSHIMA" is also on view.
Comment: Ginza may be a quiet neighborhood, but it's still a big city. If you get tired of walking around the city, it's a great place to rest your feet and escape the hustle and bustle.
【Store Information】
"Ginza Maison Hermès Forum"
Address: 8th floor, 5-4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3569-3300
Business hours: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00 (last entrance 19:30), Sun 11:00-19:00 (last entrance 18:30)
Closed: Irregularly
URL: http://www.maisonhermes.jp/ginza/gallery/
SPOT 3. Ginza Mitsukoshi Living & Art Floor
Designs for both Japanese and Western styles are available.
This floor is home to a wide variety of "living & art" items, from traditional Japanese crafts and tableware to sculptures and household goods. Having studied fashion and interior design in addition to design and illustration, Przemek is sure to be captivated by the space. While shopping for gift-worthy items and beautiful crafts, you'll be inspired to explore new lifestyles. While we tend to focus on affordable and convenient goods, it might be a good idea to try your hand at creating a first-class product that showcases the craftsman's skill. There are also tea ceremony workshops available, so why not give it a try?
Daruma dolls and beckoning cats, unique to Japan, make perfect gifts for friends abroad.
[Store Information]
"Ginza Mitsukoshi, 7th Floor Living & Art Floor"
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3562-1111
Hours: 10:30-20:00
Closed: Irregularly
URL: http://mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/store/ginza/index.html
Comments about Ginza: In addition to the places we visited today, Ginza has many other attractive spots, such as delicious restaurants opening one after another and stylish old architecture. Although it is a city with a strong image of "long-established stores" and "luxury," it may actually be a surprisingly mixed area.
PROFILE:
Przemek Sobocki
Originally from Poland, he came to Japan 10 years ago after a career in the UK. Since then, he has been active in many areas as an illustrator and art director, not only in Japan but also in Asia and Europe. In 2012, he created a buzz by creating window displays for Shinjuku Isetan.
