"Kitowa" where you can meet wonderful miscellaneous goods and antiques in a space with plants

​Kitowa is a 7-minute walk from Fukiage Station on the Sakuradori Subway Line.

When you enter the store, plants such as foliage plants, cacti, and bonsai, as well as handmade craftsmen's miscellaneous goods are wonderfully displayed.

This time, I interviewed the owner, Ms. Fumie Obayashi, about the concept of the store and what she is particular about. In the second half, I will introduce the bonsai making workshop I tried..

This signboard along the Iida Road is a landmark.

Things and plants created by human hands
I want to deliver it in people's life

I asked him why she started the shop.

Obayashi: "Ever since I was working at an art museum, I've always liked the works of artists that are created by human hands. I've always liked plants, so I wanted to introduce miscellaneous goods by artists in a space with plants and I opened a shop in September 2012.

From a wide variety of plants, we will make suggestions that match your lifestyle.

The store is lined with plants of all sizes, including palm-sized cacti and large foliage plants.

The foliage plants are not uncommon and are generally easy to grow at home. Bonsai, moss greens, and cacti are purchased from gardeners who specialize in each field.

Hydroponics by Goto Saboten​

Michikusa's moss terrarium. It seems that there are many male customers who come to the store alone in search of moss.

With such a wide variety of plants, it is hard to decide which one to choose, but they provide support from plant selection suggestions to how to take care of it.

Where do customers want to place them? They will ask about conditions such as sunlight, and suggest plants that suit them. And they will give you detailed advice on how to grow and decorate them.

– Can you give me some tips on how to grow plants well?

Obayashi: “Rather than frequency of watering, it is more important to place the plant in a place where it is exposed to air and sunlight. Since you will be better at growing them based on your previous experience, even if the first cactus you bought dies, don't worry about it and try again."

Plum group planting bonsai by moss green ikkei

At the time of the interview, the New Year Bonsai Exhibition was being held, and full-fledged works by bonsai artists were on display.

A work by Mr. Hozuen. Customers who have just started bonsai have requested to see a full-fledged work, so it is exhibited in the store.

Old tools combined with plants.
They can be used for interior decoration as they are.

They also deal in old tools such as fixtures and accessories used in the early Showa period (early 20th century), because they believe that old things and plants together make both stand out. The old tools are selected by Kai Antique and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

The interesting shape of the pulley can be used as a stand for displaying plants, or it can be used as an interior decoration.

Wooden pulley

Parts such as boat nails used in boats