The balance between tension and comfort. The perfect balance of tension and comfort.
What is behind your desire for customers to enjoy shopping in a relaxed atmosphere?
Kojima: I think it is the same for everyone, but when you buy clothes at a store, it is very important to try on the clothes. It is in the fitting room that you decide whether you will buy the clothes or not. I want customers to cherish the time they spend in the fitting room, including the time spent worrying about it. I want customers to take their time and think about it.
I think about it a lot, don't you?
Kojima: That's right. What should I do? I'm over budget, but I want it," he said. We would be happy if they could think about it while relaxing, without rushing to answer. That's why we made the fitting area by the entrance a private space.
Communication between staff and customers is also important, so we have created a counter and benches inside the restaurant and outside on the terrace so that customers can relax and spend time with their companions.
The atmosphere is like that of an art gallery, while at the same time it is a salon-like place to stay.
Kojima: Personally, I also like the moderate tension in the gallery. However, if you impose it, it becomes uncomfortable. That is also the reason why I asked Mr. Futamata to do this. He has skillfully created a balance between tension and comfort, or rather, the perfect amount of tension.
Are you particular about the tables, chairs, and vases in your store?
Kojima: As for the furnishings, I made the selections. I also brought a lot of my personal belongings.
What will it be like?
Kojima: The furniture is a mixture of French, Swiss, English, Finnish, and even Japanese. The earthenware is from old Japan, from the Yi Dynasty and Okinawa Ryukyu Islands. The rugs are from Afghanistan. Since the space was created to my liking, I thought the furniture would also fit what I like.
I like the audio system you have placed in the store.
Kojima: That's an audio system designed by Dieter Rams, and it's from Braun. I thought a lot about the audio system, and at first I wanted to put in old [JBL] speakers and a good selection of records, but the sound would have interfered with the shopping experience if it stood out, so I chose a design that would fit the space first. The background music is jazz and ambient music with no vocals, and the music is selected for a comfortable shopping experience.
