Design
March 6, 2015
doinel | Discover the rich stories held within objects.
doinel
Cherish these objects: A happy encounter with items that grow more beloved with use.
Discover the rich stories held within objects.
Just a three-minute walk from Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. Tucked away in an alley to the left, a short climb up Killer Street from the intersection in front of Aoyama Bell Commons, lies the discreet 'doinel'. This is the new Aoyama home of 'biotope', the popular雑貨店 (zakka-ten, variety store) that previously specialized in Nordic vintage in Gakugei Daigaku. In addition to雑貨 (zakka), the new shop offers a wide selection of imported foods, rarely seen in Tokyo, and organic wines.
Text and interview by Fuyuki TogawaPhotos by Mizuho Takada
The 'minimal unit of product' chosen with the owner's discerning eye
The clean, white-based interior is inviting. Upon entering, the front zone features a pleasing display of Nordic vintage items, flexibly transforming into a gallery space to introduce the product's creators at times.
Further inside, rows of wine bottles stand alongside the雑貨 (zakka). These are organic wines from France, made from organically grown grapes with minimal or no added preservatives. They are healthy wines, gentle on the body with a crisp finish. Closer inspection of the shelves reveals details like the grape's origin and varietal, even photos of the winemakers. Some bottles feature hand-drawn labels by the vintners themselves, each unique and a joy to behold. Their beautiful display makes them a perfect selection for a雑貨店 (zakka-ten).
Delicate and beautiful, original gift boxes
When asked why a雑貨店 (zakka-ten) also handles wine, owner Masato Tsukiji explained his deep interest in the 'history and story behind how things are made,' which is always his guiding principle when selecting items for his shop. For Tsukiji, wine is an extension of 'product' in terms of 'manufacturing.' If he finds the maker's individuality or spirit compelling, even from an unknown winery, he feels an irresistible urge to introduce it.
Also eye-catching in the store are the original gift boxes. 'Carta Pura', a German stationery maker, handles Florentine wrapping paper with classic designs. 'doinel' commissions these papers from the Italian manufacturer and has them crafted into delicate, beautiful gift boxes available only here. Whether for wine or a curated selection of small items, these boxes are sure to elicit delight.
From雑貨 (zakka) to foodstuffs: a thoughtfully curated selection
The store also offers a variety of foodstuffs that pair wonderfully with wine. These include preserves and mustards from a long-established French grocer, sardines and olives in attractive packaging, crackers, and organic juices. All are rare finds, not commonly seen in Tokyo's import shops. Of course, the雑貨 (zakka) selection, meticulously chosen by Tsukiji, is also substantial. Items range from robust German gardening tools and biodegradable laundry detergent to bath products made with natural ingredients – a lineup that truly makes you think. While the popular Nordic vintage tableware from 'biotope' is currently available in limited quantities, a new expansion on the second floor is planned for October, which is highly anticipated.
'doinel's' concept is the 'minimal unit of product' – items crafted with care, one by one, using traditional methods and materials rooted in their region, rather than mass production. These cherished objects, which grow more beloved with use, await their next moment in this Aoyama shop, far from Europe.




