旦ナビ

「Ceramics, sake, pleasure」

2018.09.01

In this edition, we welcome Mr. Mineaki Hotta, President of Hotta Corporation, a watch dealer and jeweler that will celebrate its 140th anniversary next year.

We went for a stroll in Ginza, with the mission of “Ceramics, sake, pleasure” proposed by Mr. Hotta.

Nichinichi

Our first stop was Gallery Nichinichi, mainly exhibiting works of ceramic artists.

Mr. Hotta likes to appreciate food and sake in his favorite plates and cups. The shop that he guided me to was on the third floor of a building standing on a quiet street behind Ginza Matsuya, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Entering the store, we were welcomed by the soft light coming in from the shoji window and a table made from a 800-year-old Japanese cedar.

The store had just moved in February this year from its former location in Namiki-dori 5 chome where it had stood 13 years, and it appeared to be a secret place known only to the well-versed. However, it is a very comfortable space visited by old customers who have a special passion for Ginza and pottery as well as new customers who are attracted to the store by its postings on Instagram (@ginzanichinichi) which it started after moving. Men and women, young and old come to the store hoping to meet new ceramic pieces that will soon become a part of their everyday life and to enjoy conversation.

There is an exhibition running more than half of the month, and customers can see a diversity of works in ceramics, glass, woodcraft, etc. Sometimes the artist is in the gallery to introduce the works in person. Meeting the artist will certainly bring the works closer.

Up until now, there would be occasions when I would find artisan crafts in my travels, but galleries always seemed to be for connoisseurs and I would rarely go to see an exhibition. However, this recent opportunity to see each work closely, learning about the artist from the storeowner has generated a new perspective within me. It was a most pleasant time with unexpected discoveries.

By casually dropping by the store, you just may find a piece to add to a quality life.

Nichinichi
3-8-15 Ginza APA Chuo Bldg. 3F, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL 03-3564-1221
Business hours: 12:00 -19:00 (12:00-17:00 on the final day of exhibitions)
Closed on Thursdays
http://ginza-nichinichi.co.jp/

Imadeya

Our next destination, after enjoying the different pieces of ceramic, was Imadeya on the B2 floor of GINZA SIX. Mr. Hotta introduced it as “a liquor shop with an extremly rare collection of alcohol drinks.”

Imadeya carries a rich collection of local sake sent directly from each brewery, artisan shochu, Japanese wine, etc. Inside the store, many customers stood in front of the shelves, wondering and making careful selections. Many people make purchases for personal consumption, and others as gifts. The store staff are specialists who will introduce you to the different alcohol drinks they carry

Furthermore, the store has a bar counter where you can try some drinks for a certain cost. All testers are served in wine glasses and more than ten different types of alcohol drinks are offered each day.

The store carries a fine selection of merchandise that can be recommended both to those who enjoy drinking and those who don’t have a particular liking for alcohol. I would propose carefully selecting your bottle in the warm atmosphere of the store, with a wooden interior designed in a traditional Japanese style.

Imadeya
GINZA SIX, B2F, 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL 03-6264-5537
Business hours: 10:30 – 20:30
https://ginza6.tokyo/shops/1000

Sun Motoyama

Our next destination was Sun Motoyama, with a 60-year history of running a boutique in Ginza. But this time we visited Sun Motoyama Art Library on the fourth floor of the Ginza Fugetsudo Building on the corner of Namiki-dori and Miyuki-dori, instead of the new Main Store that carries ladies apparel and jewelry. Sun Motoyama Art Library specializes in men’s clothing and art.

The moment I entered the store, I was fascinated by the attractive colorful Persian carpet, large chair, early Imari ware and furniture from the Yi dynasty.。

I was welcomed into a space where a collection of goods from all over the world was brought together in concert under Sun Motoyama’s concept of “harmony,” while mutually bringing out the beauty of each piece.

This floor has been designed in the image of a man’s hideaway, decorated with high-quality chic furniture, carpet, wardrobe and ceramics.

The piece that was displayed when I visited was an early Imari ware, which is highly appreciated in Japan and overseas and is increasingly chosen as a piece of art rather than for everyday use.

A small sake cup that Mr. Hotta previously purchased was also on display. It has a perfect thinness and sits well in one’s hand. Mr. Hotta enjoys using this piece, feeling its history which dates back to the middle of the Edo period.

The goods selected from worldwide by Sun Motoyama all represent high quality and the beauty of a comfortable lifestyle.

I would recommend spending a relaxed time appreciating art in the unique space produced by Sun Motoyama where one can experience the integration of beauty old and new from east and west.

Sun Motoyama Art Library
Ginza Fugetsudo Bldg. 4F, 6-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
TEL 03-3573-0030
Business hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (Sundays & holidays: 11:00 – 18: 00）
http://www.sunmotoyama.co.jp/collection/interior/