I'M OK teaches us what we need to know when choosing things. | feature

I want to go with the flow and enjoy the natural evolution of the company.

This paperweight was made by Carl Obock for this exhibition. Limited quantity. ¥53,000+TAX

Can you introduce a product that could be used as a business card for "I'M OK"?

Larry:I guess it would have to be Karl Obock. Some items were made for "I'M OK. This kettle has "I'M OK 1/1" engraved on it. It was a special order item that cost about 1 million yen (laughs).

The kettle made in 1950 was reissued for "I'M OK. ¥980,000+tax

It will be interesting to see who buys this one-of-a-kind kettle (laughs).

Larry:I'm looking forward to it too (laughs). Karl Obock is an artist who made a very significant contribution to Austrian modernism. I used to have some of his vintage pieces, but after he passed away, I learned from an acquaintance that his son had taken over his workshop in Vienna and was working on them. This led me to ask him to make special order items for "I'M OK. I think "I'M OK" is probably the only place in Japan that has such a large selection of "Karl Obock" pieces.

From left to right: Vase ¥80,000+TAX, bookends (pair) ¥75,000+TAX, paperweight ¥62,000+TAX by [Karl Obock].

This is also a key chain made for "I'M OK" by [Karl Obock]. ¥18,000+TAX

You select not only Western products, but also Japanese folk art and crafts. I feel that for Larry, not only the age of the products, but also the country of origin is irrelevant.

Isamu Noguchi's lighting is everywhere in the store. Of course, they are also available for purchase.

Larry:That's exactly right. I would venture to say that I am interested in Scandinavian design and early Japanese modernism. Isamu Noguchi's "AKARI" is a perfect example. I think the appeal of Japanese products is that they are connected to nature.

The other thing is that not a few things are handmade by artisans. In this day and age, mass production has taken root in any city in the world, but handmade products have subtle differences that can only be found in handmade products. For example, Japanese teacups are unique, with each region having a completely different character. When I invite friends over for tea at my home in the U.S., I enjoy serving it in mugs from different regions.

Another characteristic of Japanese products is that there are many products that connect the past, present, and future. I'M OK's products, such as incense made by Korotokudo in Kyoto, which has been handed down for 400 years, and Nambu ironware, are testaments to this.

Richly expressive Nambu ironware is lined up.
From left to right: candle holder ¥3,300+tax, bottle opener ¥1,500+tax, paper weight ¥2,200+tax

Incense from Korotokudo, which has been in business since 1594. ¥2,500+tax

You know a lot about Japanese products, don't you?

Larry:I have been to Japan many times. I have been to all prefectures except Okinawa and Iwate. I'm basically on a product search trip, but I do enjoy food and architecture tours.

I went to a French restaurant in Tokyo yesterday and it was better than Paris. I'd love to hear about good restaurants in different parts of the country (LOL).

I'll see you later (laughs). By the way, while you are stocking products from all over the world, do you ever feel the urge to design your own products?

Larry:I consider myself a curator. I am not a creator. So, even if I create a single work of art, I am sure that in the meantime, other artists with great talent have created 100s of good products. That's why I rarely think of making my own products.

Miniature ceramics by Yuta Segawa, who works in London. All are only about the size of a man's thumb.
Available in Japan only at "I'M OK"; S size ¥4,500+tax, M size ¥5,500+tax, L size ¥6,500+tax

Tape cutter by FUTAGAMI, a brass casting manufacturer established in 1897. ¥13,750+TAX

Pencil sharpener from the Swiss stationery manufacturer Caran d'Ache. For more than 100 years since its establishment, Caran d'Ache has consistently produced pencil sharpeners at its own factory in Switzerland,
Even the smallest parts undergo rigorous testing. Quality is top level in the world. ¥23,000+TAX

So, you would like to present the products made by makers from all over the world.

Larry:That's right.

What are your future plans for "I'M OK"?

Larry:I would like to welcome customers, learn what they are interested in, and then build and develop a relationship with them. Beyond that, I hope to create a community that is unique to this place.

We learn a lot from our customers. We may increase the number of children's products based on the feedback of our customers, and we want to enjoy such natural evolution. This is how OK the store has grown over the past 25 years, and many of the products in this space were purchased under the influence of OK the store's customers.

Larry: The natural flow of encounters with great people and products is what makes for a great company. This is also a policy that Larry values. By the way, Larry's coordination is very nice.

The floral shirt, vest, and scarf are Larry's trademark.

Belt marked "Larry". I found it by chance at a vintage store and bought it.

Larry:Thank you very much. This vest is by Dries Van Noten, but I only wear Dries vests. I have a closet at home that is full of floral shirts and Dries' vests. By the way, the bracelet is from an LA brand called Black Barc, made by a friend of mine. She is a Japanese female designer. I have her products at "OK the store" now.