``Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten'' was founded in Nara as a wholesaler of linen fabric ``Nara Sarashi'' in the mid-Edo period. For over 300 years, we have been dealing in linen textiles, and in recent years we have been engaged in the manufacturing and retailing of household goods based on crafts, with approximately 60 stores across Japan, mainly under brands such as ``Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten'' and ``Nihonichi.'' Opens XNUMX stores. Currently, he is using his many years of knowledge to revitalize Japanese crafts! With this vision, we have developed into a wide range of businesses, including management consulting for companies and brands centered on crafts, and regional revitalization projects.

Then, on April 2021, 4, we will open the commercial complex "Shikasaruki Building" in Genrinin-cho, Nara, the origin of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's business, and the Nara main store of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten will be born.

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's ``deer'', Sarutahiko Coffee's ``monkey'', and Itune's ``fox''.
Tour the “Deer Monkey Fox Building” where the three animals gather

Genrinin-cho, Nara, located a 7-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station and a 15-minute walk from JR Kansai Main Line Nara Station, is the birthplace of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. Close to the World Heritage Site Kofukuji Temple, the ``Deer Monkey Fox Building'' will be built in a labyrinth of alleys.

It was designed by Hiroshi Naito, one of Japan's leading architects who has worked on Toba City Maritime Museum, Shibuya Station on the Ginza Line, and the Toraya store series. When designing the building, Naito said, ``The first thing I thought about was building a building in the corner of an alleyway where history has been woven, so that it would blend in with the landscape of Nara.Also, this is a place where tradition has been woven, and at the same time, a new era has begun.'' It's about making it appropriate for the place where it's being done." Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, which was born in Nara and has been doing business based in Nara for a long time, is taking on a new challenge in its founding location. And it seems that there are many messages to be conveyed to us from this land.

On the 800st and 3000nd floors of the Shikasarkitsune Building is Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's Nara main store, which has about XNUMX original products made in collaboration with over XNUMX makers, as well as many items from Nara-based artists and traditional crafts. ing. Also on the first floor are the specialty coffee shop ``Sarutahiko Coffee'' and ``Kitsune'' where you can enjoy courses centered around sukiyaki.

When you go up to the third floor, you will find Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's first coworking space, ``JIRIN.'' “Revitalize Nara with small business!” It is also the base of ``N.PARK PROJECT'', which is working on urban development in Nara with the vision of ``Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten'', and plans to hold management courses and talk events planned by Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. Although there is a fee for this space, anyone can freely use it as a working space. I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a relaxing environment while looking out at the five-storied pagoda of Kofukuji Temple and the cityscape of Nara. There is also a library of BACH's selected works by Yoshitaka Haba.

Wishing you a place that will become the starting point for sightseeing in Nara

Passing through the Shikazarugune Building into the courtyard leads to a 130-year-old townhouse, which leads to a space where you can experience the history of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. Formerly the residence and business location of the Nakagawa family, the place where Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten was founded is the former Yu Nakagawa Main Store (Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Nara Main Store), and the tea ceremony brand ``Saron.'' Naramachi store.” In addition, on the courtyard side, there are Tokigura and Nunogura, which are former warehouses that have been renovated, where you can learn about the history of Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten and experience making hand-woven linen products. .

It has a very unusual name, the Shikazaru Fox Building. The name comes from the ``deer'' in the Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten logo, the ``monkey'' from Sarutahiko Coffee, and the ``fox'' from the sukiyaki restaurant Ittsune. This name strongly conveys the unity of the three animals and their enthusiasm for new endeavors.

“To revive crafts, it is necessary to revitalize not only the manufacturing but also the production areas that produce them. Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten has realized ``industrial tourism'' in Nara that attracts people to production areas, and has become a model case. We aim to become a new base in Nara, so that the examples in Nara can be applied to production areas across the country and help connect crafts to the future 100 years from now.We would be happy if many people could visit us as a new base in Nara. ", says President Aya Sengoku.

The environment surrounding Japanese crafts remains harsh, and revitalizing local economies is one of society's challenges. It may be difficult for a single person to solve these problems, but it should be possible if the wisdom and strength of many people come together. As a consumer, I would like to support Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten's efforts to become a bright light of hope for the future of Nara and the future of crafts.

Titles omitted

Completion photo Satoshi Asakawa