Don't Miss the Monthly "Market" Events

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a Nara-based company with a 300-year history, deals in hand-spun, hand-woven linen products. "Dai Nippon Ichi" is an exhibition of雑貨 (zakka), fashion, and interior goods from traditional craft manufacturers nationwide, launched in 2010 to fulfill their vision of "Revitalizing Japanese Traditional Crafts!" with an eye toward the next century. This marks the opening of their first permanent directly managed store at Isetan Shinjuku.


At "Dai Nippon Ichi Isetan," customers can find a permanent selection of products from brands that have participated in "Dai Nippon Ichi" so far, including "Kisara," which offers lifestyle goods, "Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten," selling daily necessities, and the sock factory brand "2&9." Furthermore, monthly "market" events will feature regional specialties alongside products from various brands, offering a chance to experience the cultural context and heritage behind these continuously passed-down traditional crafts.



From August 29th (Wednesday) to September 25th (Tuesday) after the opening, the "Hasami Market" will be held, featuring the pottery brands "HASAMI" and "Baba Shoten," presented by Maruhiro Co., Ltd., based in Hasami Town, Nagasaki Prefecture. Not only will all products from "HASAMI" and "Baba Shoten" be available, but regional specialties from Nagasaki, such as castella cake, Goto hand-pulled udon, and flying fish dashi soup, will be offered in sets with the ceramics.


Following the "Hasami Market," a "Imabari Market" featuring the weaving studio Kobo Oriza from Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, which produces the stall brand "ITO," is planned from late September. In late October, a "Kutani Market" will feature Kutani ware from the kiln Kamide Chōemon Kiln in Nomi City, Ishikawa Prefecture. These events are not to be missed.


The number of people involved in traditional crafts has decreased by 70% in recent decades. "Dai Nippon Ichi" offers an opportunity to encounter objects that allow us to re-experience the beauty and wonder of techniques passed down over long periods, potentially fostering the continuation of traditional crafts.