photo: Koichi Futatsumata

[To Berlin and Prague]

Last month, I took a spontaneous trip to Berlin. It wasn't for work.

I realized a significant portion of the products I owned were German, and beyond the sheer power of its design and art, I'd always been drawn to the very atmosphere of Berlin, a city shaped by a history of glory and misfortune.

I thought this time, with the World Cup long over and the initial fervor cooled, would be perfect for a more in-depth look.

photo: Koichi Futatsumata

I decided to stay in the same hotel for nearly two weeks. Rather than rushing between places on a tight schedule, I wanted to immerse myself in the city.
Although I did take a trip to neighboring Czech Republic (Prague) during that time, I spent most of my days in Berlin, walking around more than I ever do when I'm in Japan.

photo: Koichi Futatsumata

photo: Koichi Futatsumata

[An Island Unto Itself]

By the way, did you know that during the East and West German era, Berlin, which was "within East Germany," was divided into East and West? This meant West Berlin, while part of West Germany, was an isolated enclave surrounded by East German territory... (For historical details, see Wikipedia).
To my embarrassment, I had no idea until the Berlin-based artist hanayo and her daughter Tenko, who kindly hosted me, told me.

photo: Koichi Futatsumata