At B bar Marunouchi (Baccarat Shop Marunouchi Basement)

Forms of Joy, Moments of Joy, in a Space of Joy

Tomoaki MatsudaThis is a wonderful bar, almost like stepping into another world. What was the concept behind its creation?

Hiroshi OgawaThis bar isn't just for selling drinks; it's a place to communicate Baccarat's culture and worldview. As you can see, despite being a bar, there are no bottles of alcohol displayed. Of course, we serve the finest beverages.
Baccarat is not merely a piece of crystal or an object. I describe it as "Baccarat is a form of joy." It is our dream and our role to have Baccarat by your side for all of life's important moments. Therefore, "B bar" is a space where you can experience forms of joy, moments of joy, in a space of joy.
There was an occasion when about six new graduates visited "B bar." One of them was moving away for a job, and they had bought a 5,000 yen glass from the Baccarat shop as a farewell gift. They must have each contributed 1,000 yen. They were truly expressing forms of joy and moments of joy right here, weren't they? It made me very happy.
Then, something else happened the other day. A woman bought a glass and asked me to "engrave his initials on it." She then reserved the bar for a specific date and asked us to prepare that glass. When her companion ordered a drink, it was served in that very glass.

MatsudaHow elegant. And for a woman to do that is quite remarkable (laughs).

MatsudaAs president, you must want customers to actually use the glasses, right?

OgawaYes, another intention behind establishing the bar was to encourage the 50-60% of customers who buy Baccarat as gifts to enjoy using it themselves, to buy it for their own pleasure.
Furthermore, Baccarat products, while beautifully displayed in the shop, are still just merchandise. But when you pour liquid into them, their beauty intensifies as if brought to life. We want people to experience that.

MatsudaWe Japanese tend to display fine glasses and vessels rather than use them. In doing so, we fail to appreciate their true value and quality, don't we?
In the world of shoes, too, some customers buy two identical pairs because they want to display one. While we appreciate the business, shoes are ultimately meant to be worn.
As you wear them as companions for work or travel, they acquire small scratches, each becoming a memory... The philosophy of John Lobb is to continue using a cherished pair, repairing it along the way.

Mr. Ogawa's favorite tumbler, 'Neptune Old Fashion,' ¥28,350 (tax included)

MatsudaMr. Ogawa, when you spend time at the bar, is there anything you particularly value?

OgawaOne aspect is conversation with people. When I come alone, I'm not necessarily thinking about work, but as I smoke a cigar, good ideas come to me. So, I cherish those moments of contemplation.
Also, a cigar typically takes over 40 minutes to smoke. When I come with cigar-smoking friends, lighting a cigar signals, "Let's have a long chat today." If someone finishes early, they might say, "Well, perhaps I'll light another one," and then, "In that case, I'll have another too." Isn't that sophisticated and enjoyable?

MatsudaChanging the subject, about how many artisans does Baccarat employ?

OgawaCurrently, around 650. We have 25 artisans who hold the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF). We have produced 55 MOFs to date, which I believe is an exceptional achievement, almost unthinkable for a single company. Our roots are unwavering, which gives us strength. I believe that after the bubble burst, many brands disappeared because they lacked such deep roots.

MatsudaI agree completely. I think it's the same with shoes. If you have skilled artisans, you can create precise items, but that doesn't guarantee the creation of something truly exceptional. Simply hiring top artisans doesn't imbue the product with the soul cultivated by the brand. I believe that only when the corporate culture aligns with the artisans can truly great things be produced.

From the accessory line, 'Tribal Choker,' ¥33,600 (tax included)

MatsudaFinally, could you share your business outlook for the future?

OgawaIf we're talking about potential, it's "sky high." I believe it's a brand with that much appeal. Like John Lobb, we possess excellent products. Fortunately, Japan has a receptive environment for quality goods, so our role is to convey that to consumers with care and precision.

MatsudaAmbassadors, indeed. I couldn't agree more. Thank you very much for your time today.

Concluding Thoughts on the Conversation with Mr. Ogawa - Tomoaki Matsuda

President Hiroshi Ogawa consistently looks to the future, always challenging himself with new endeavors. I was once again deeply impressed by his approach, and as someone who also engages in traditional brand business in the Japanese market, I found his insights as a business leader to be incredibly valuable.
Furthermore, his diverse interests and his enjoyment of life command my respect as a senior figure.
I understand Baccarat has a baseball team. Since Hermès also has one, I'd love to challenge them on the field sometime! (laughs)

Profile

President, Baccarat Pacific Inc.
Hiroshi Ogawa

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1948. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Law, Department of Law. Joined Esso Sekiyu (now Exxon) in 1970. Participated in the establishment of Baccarat Pacific in 1983, served as Managing Director, and assumed his current position in 1994. He also concurrently serves as representative of the Singapore subsidiary and director of the US subsidiary.
In 1997, he was awarded the Chevalier of the National Order of Merit by the French government.

Baccarat Shop Marunouchi
Kokusai Bldg. 1F, 3-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Tel. 03-5223-8868
Weekdays 10:00–20:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 11:00–20:00
http://www.baccarat.com

B bar Marunouchi
(Baccarat Shop Marunouchi Basement)
Tel. 03-5223-8871
Weekdays & Saturdays 16:00–4:00 AM, Sundays & Holidays Closed