The French-born Kangoo assists your hobby and lifestyle. vol.02 / Hiroshi Kodama NOTEWORKS
RENAULT is a popular car brand born in France. The Kangoo, with its rounded, pop design and excellent load capacity, is a representative model of the brand. We spent a day with Kodama, a woodworker at "NOTEWORKS," a store and atelier in Wakabayashi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, where he works with this car. We will show you the charm of the Kangoo through Kodama's daily life.
. Born in Miyazaki Prefecture. In 2006, he started "NOTEWORKS" with his childhood friend Daisuke Kawakami. In 2010, they opened "NOTEEORKS LABORATORY," a store and studio in Wakabayashi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. It has become a popular store that is constantly receiving orders, and he spends his time making products every day.
It is natural to make something that has not existed for a long time .
Setagaya is Tokyo's most popular bedroom community. The slow pace of life in Setagaya is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, and as you walk the streets, you can catch a glimpse of the real lives of the people who live in Tokyo.
Operating at its own pace as if blending into the cityscape is "NOTEWORKS," which produces custom-made picture frames and furniture, as well as interior construction. In this interview, we closely follow a day in the life of Kodama Hiroshi, a woodworker at NOTEWORKS. He tells us the story of how his hobby of making picture frames developed into a career, what he values in the production of his products, and the cars he "loves.
I come from a rural town in Miyazaki , so it was natural for me to make what I didn't have by myself. My family was a farmer, but my father used tools he made himself, and when I skated with my friends and seniors, we all brought our own curved boxes and played with them.
Mr. Kodama talks about his roots. After moving to Tokyo, he started working part-time at a furniture recycling shop, where he made picture frames from scrap wood.
People often ask me, "Why did you choose picture frames? I'm often asked, but I don't know myself (laughs). (Laughs.) Maybe because it looked easy. I thought it would be easy to make. But once I started, I found it to be very deep and difficult. Whether it is a photograph or a work of art, the frame has a huge impact. I concentrate on the work while valuing the relationship with the artwork.
Surprisingly, it was a trip to India that turned his hobby of making picture frames into a career.
I happened to meet a guy from Miyazaki there and we hit it off, and for some reason we decided to build a yakitori restaurant together. We built a small hut, and it was a lot of fun. After staying there for a few months, I received a letter and onigiri (rice balls) when I returned to Japan, and I still remember eating them with tears in my eyes. I still remember eating them with tears in my eyes. That made me realize that when I returned to Tokyo, I would definitely do what I loved.
In Tokyo, Kodama rented a house near Shoin Shrine with his childhood friend Daisuke Kawakami, where he spent most of his time creating. Gradually, they began to make large pieces of furniture, which prompted Kodama to take a leap of faith and rent a property along Awashima-dori Avenue, where they began their activities as "NOTEWORKS" in 2006.
I didn't have any specific training, but I used to dismantle furniture at a recycle store, so I had some idea of the structure in my head. I also had a customer, an old carpenter, who used to come to my house and give me tools and teach me basic techniques. I learned while making various things. What I make changes every time, so I am always learning.
Because they are not inexpensive, they are made properly and carefully.
Kodama's studio and store, "NOTEWORKS LABORATORY," is a space where Kodama and Kawakami's favorite things are concentrated. The most eye-catching items are the picture frames hanging on the walls. The frames, made of wood, have a gentle and serene expression, as if to express the character of the creators.
I come to the atelier in the morning, work on my creations as they are, and serve customers when they come in. The majority of my work is to produce items that are ordered. The customer shows me the work they want framed, and I make something to match it. It is interesting to combine the customer's taste with our own ideas. The finished product is the only one in the world, so it is very rewarding.
. I spend most of my time making frames for the shop and for wholesale, so it's hard for me to make frames for the shop and for wholesale quickly. I spend most of my time making frames for the store and for wholesale, but I would like to be able to make a lot more.
When asked about his design inspirations, he replied, "Various things, such as movies and scenery I see in my daily life. However, he is not particular about any particular genre. He says that he is not particular about a particular genre, but is inspired by what he sees in a wide range of media.
. I'm not particular at all (laughs). . So, I mix all kinds of things together. . I basically make what I like depending on my mood at the time. Also, it depends on the tools. It is not that I can do everything, but I do what I can do with the tools I have. I look for what I can do within the constraints. It is one of my pleasures to challenge myself to find out what I can do within the constraints of the tools available to me.
Kodama always says the word "fun. This sentiment is evident in his works, as you can see when you actually hold one in your hands. The frames and furniture have been meticulously handcrafted down to the smallest detail, with a variety of elaborate touches.
It takes time, but it is not inexpensive, and that is why we place importance on making it properly and carefully. . Nothing has changed in the 12 years that I have been doing this. . The only things that have changed are getting married and having children, and being able to eat what I like to eat (laughs). (laughs) The mindset of "NOTEWORKS" has not changed at all from when we started.
The Kangoo's overwhelming loading capacity allows even large pieces of furniture to be packed with ease.
Recently, "NOTEWORKS" has been slowly becoming a hot topic, with pop-up events being held at select stores. On the day of the event, we were on our way to deliver a product to "BACK DOOR" in Tomigaya, our business partner. The rear seats of the "Kangoo" were folded down to make room for the cargo, and stools, tables, and other items were loaded one after another.
Even a large piece of furniture is no match for the load carrying capacity of the Kangoo.
. it will be able to securely load tall furniture as well. . It will be useful not only for deliveries, but also for procuring materials. It's not only tall, but it's also deep, so I think it will be able to hold long items as well.
Kodama continues, "With this car, I will not only be able to work, but also have a fulfilling private life.
. . it can hold a lot of camping gear, too. And it has a carrier bar, so if there are a lot of people in the car, you can just put the luggage on top. There's plenty of room in the Kangoo. I'd love to go camping and fishing in it!
I like driving short distances , but I like longer distances even more.
The "Kangoo" departed for Tomigaya. Its rounded, soft design looks good in the inorganic, linear urban landscape.
. I drive the car about three times a week. I drive the car about three times a week, when I make deliveries and buy materials. . I also drive it on weekends when I go out with my family. When I think of Renault, the first thing that comes to mind is the Kangoo. I believe it is also used as the official vehicle of the French Post Office, right? I think I've seen it in a few movies."
Kodama says this while driving smoothly. He continues, "I have loved cars since I was a kid.
My father was a car enthusiast, and he drove the same car for a long time. My father always drove the same car. I had a car that I admired from the movies, too, so I decided to buy it for the first time in my life. I thought about getting a big van for work, but I chose my dream (laughs).
. I also love to drive. I once drove from Tokyo to Miyazaki, my hometown, to deliver a product. It took Daisuke and I 18 hours to get there. The cost was almost the same as hiring a vendor, but we were able to relax while we were there and even went fishing in Lake Biwa on the way back (laughs).
As we approached our destination smoothly , Kodama told us why he loves to drive.
When I'm concentrating on driving," he says, "before I know it, I'm in a state of nothingness. Even when my mind is occupied with all kinds of thoughts, I find myself in a state of relaxation. It's a great change of pace for me. That's why I like short distances, but I like long distances even more.
The Kangoo embodies the greatest benefit of owning a car.
Upon safe arrival at the "BACK DOOR," the delivery process begins immediately.
. "I like the Kangoo's double-sided hatchback. It opens as wide as it will go, and it doesn't feel cramped. I think it's easier to get luggage in and out.
Mr. Kodama makes deliveries while driving back and forth between his car and the store. His gait is as nimble as a "Kangoo.
Kangoo" is very light to drive. . The brakes were very effective. The brakes were very effective, and the steering wheel was not heavy, so I was able to drive smoothly. The interior space is spacious, so it is very comfortable, and the field of vision is wide. I think this car is easy to drive, even for women."
In addition, there is this.
I think the biggest advantage of having a car is that when you want to go somewhere quickly and easily, you can do so. The Kangoo is the perfect car for that.
I could be in the same situation as what my parents told me.
It has been 12 years since he started his activities. Every day, Mr. Kodama cuts materials, assembles parts, and gives wood a role as a frame or a piece of furniture, as if he were breathing life into it. What is the secret behind his tireless and dedicated dedication to his work?
. I think I am suited for this kind of work. Of course I am aware that it is my job, but what I do is no different than a hobby. That's why I don't have any stress and can keep doing it.
I remember something my parents said to me once upon a time: "If you work for five years, you get used to it. If you keep working for five years, you will get used to it, and if you keep working for 10 years, you will get used to it. Now I feel that this is true. I'm a bit of a bore, but I'm able to keep going like this. But I think the reason I am able to continue working like this is because I love making things. Of course there are tough and difficult times, but that is normal, isn't it? I enjoy it all the same.
Renault KANGOO ZEN EDC
¥2,599,000～ (Manufacturer's suggested retail price in Japan)
Major equipment
Right-hand drive
4,280mm x 1,830mm x 1,810mm
Direct injection with turbocharger In-line 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valves
Total displacement: 1.197L
Maximum output (EEC): 84kW(115ps*1)/4,500rpm
Maximum torque (EEC): 190N-m(19.4kgm*1)/1,750rpm
Transmission: 6-speed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch)
Fuel: Unleaded premium gasoline
