It is movable and can be made to any size. We created a "beach house" with the atmosphere of a temporary facility.
Interior view of the New York branch. The large windows and high ceilings create a sense of openness.
How did you decide on the interior design of the store?
Honma:When we first talked, I asked for something a little more monumental than the stores we have built in Japan. We especially value the keyword "sea," so we were hoping for inspiration from that. However, I did not specify too many details, and I was looking forward to seeing what Taichi would come up with.
How did you feel about it and how did you decide to express yourself?
Bear:First, I wanted to create something that would serve as a receptacle. This is something I usually take care of when creating spaces. Another thing I wanted to do was to design as if I were making furniture.
Eventually, workshops and events will be held at this location.
Bear:In other words, I wanted to create an interior that happened to be there, but that could have been established even if it were not there. I wanted to express a temporary atmosphere reminiscent of a beach house by superimposing the keyword "ocean" on it. This idea could be realized in a smaller place, or even larger. I think the space gives the impression of such flexibility.
T-shirts sold exclusively at the New York store.
Match-shaped incense, specially ordered by [hibi®], is being given away as a novelty to commemorate the opening.
Kuma is a Japanese national who is in charge of the store for the Japanese brand "Nanamika". You can feel the Japanese flavor in the interior design.
Bear:We are not doing anything too fancy, but since we had a Japanese team working on this project, Japanese elements may naturally appear in the small details. For example, the construction of the shelves and the roughness of the walls. It is not "wa" itself, but you can feel this kind of touch here and there.
In that sense, it seems to be fresh to New Yorkers.
Bear:As I mentioned earlier, I personally am not interested in creating something that can only be established as a space; I just want to create a receptacle. Therefore, it can be said to be complete only when the contents are included. It's like "udon noodles without noodles," so to speak. I always had that image in mind.
The toppings change the look of the dish and make it more and more delicious.
Bear:But the broth itself is also very tasty.
Honma:Come to think of it, the two of us used to have meetings at udon restaurants.
Bear:It was (laughs).
It's like making clothes. By the time it's finished, I'm thinking about the next store.
What kind of place is New York for you two?
Bear:When I live over there, I forget that I am a foreigner. There are so many different cultures and people mixed together. For example, in Japan, there is a foreigner town like Shin-Okubo, but it has the image of a special and independent place. But in New York, Chinatown and Italian Town are part of the city. I guess it is the same with people.
Honma:Although Japan has become much more diversified than in the past, there is still much more to be done. There is a tendency for the entire society to be tinged with a big current. But in New York, there are always 10 or 20 different colors. I also like the powerful and challenging atmosphere. I sometimes feel that if I am quiet like a Japanese person, it is difficult to have a conversation, but I am stimulated by this energy as well.
It has only been a short time since the opening, but how do you feel about the response to this tag team?
Honma:I think that the work that Taichi and I have done together has created new value. To tell the truth, we have never dared to create identical store designs in Japan. Just as the faces of parents, children, and siblings in a family differ, each store has its own individuality. However, we are thinking of carrying the core idea to our overseas stores, which we will increase in the future.
Bear:This goes back to the earlier discussion of receptacles, but basically I want to create a place. Therefore, we did not simply want to create a space where it is easy to look at clothes, but we also wanted to create a comfortable atmosphere. Also, we live in an age when it is easy to buy clothes online, so I wanted to create a place that would serve as a point of contact between customers, store staff, and brands. Moreover, the location of the store was between my home and office, so I was also conscious of whether or not I would want to go there. I myself am most looking forward to seeing what kind of place it will become.
The number of new cases of coronas in New York City has now settled down and economic activities are gradually resuming. Nanamica New York" will be open on reduced hours until the coronas settle down.
