Is this a "Parisian atelier" or a "fairy forest"? From the moment you step into the store, the flower shop "APPRIVOISER" is a completely different world. Many women are sure to be captivated by this mature yet fantastical space. The owner is a cheerful man.

This time, we interviewed the owner, Mr. Kanematsu, who has been running this wonderful shop for 13 years.

He also shared his thoughts on building a house at La Casa, and opened the Apprivoiser Konan store in La Casa Terrace. Looking back on his own experience fascinated by the mysterious power of flowers and greenery, he happily talked about his feelings for the shop, the flowers, and the garden.

The beginning was "Ikebana"

Mr. Kanematsu, owner of APPRIVOISER

After graduating from high school, Mr. Kanematsu decided to attend an ikebana vocational school in Kyoto on a whim. “It was just a coincidence, but now that I think about it, it may have been a pleasant memory of my childhood playing in the garden maintained by my grandmother, who was fond of bonsai.”

It was the Ikenobo, the oldest and largest in Japan in terms of membership. There, he learned three styles: Rikka, the oldest style that has been practiced since the Muromachi period (1333-1573); Shoka, a simple style established in the Edo period (1603-1867); and Jiyuka, a style without a form that took root after World War II (1945-1945).

“Modern flower arrangements may look completely different from ikebana, but the base of my arrangements is a lot of what I learned here. However, I feel that my balance comes from the basics of ikebana, especially the way I put out the branches (laughs).”

Mr. Kanematsu said that he was fascinated by the mysterious power of flowers while facing ikebana for two years. “Even with the same flower material, there is a different atmosphere depending on the season, and I have come to feel that it is beautiful, including the change and ephemerality. Leaves turning yellow, insect-eating...I was completely absorbed in such expressions of the seasons."

Encounter with "Flower Noritake"

"When I was working part-time at a flower shop in my hometown of Nagoya after graduating from a technical school, I had a shocking experience. I saw a photo of an arrangement in 'Hana Jikan,' a magazine that proposes a botanical lifestyle that starts with flowers and greenery. The moment I saw it, I was shocked! I thought, 'This is so cute!' It was a very natural arrangement, filled with natural scenery. I still remember it to this day."

When I read it, it was a local flower shop in Nagoya. The shop that made me want to work there was Flower Noritake, which has been around the TV tower for over 30 years. Their Instagram now has over 60,000 followers, and its popularity is spreading all over the country. A dream for florists. I went to the store immediately, but there were countless people waiting for their turn to work there. So, I decided to go to a flower class there first.

After a year of attending the class, Mr. Kanematsu told the owner that he wanted to work there again. The timing was right and he was finally accepted as a staff member. I worked at Noritake for four years. I still think it is the store that makes the most beautiful products. I love it."

"APPRIVOISER" that creates bonds and becomes familiar

After completing a four-year apprenticeship at Flower Noritake, Mr. Kanematsu opened his own shop in Kasugai City at the age of 30. The name of the shop is a word he found from the story of the Star Prince. "It was because the word was very close to what I wanted to value. APPRIVOISER means 'to create a bond, to become familiar' in French. Through flowers and greenery, I want to build a relationship of trust with my customers."

The interior of the shop, which is based on a deep navy blue wall, has cut flowers that color the four seasons, as well as foliage plants, dried arrangements, flower vases, antique miscellaneous goods, and other items that you will want to get your hands on. He regularly visits France to purchase antique miscellaneous goods. The display that harmonizes these well creates Mr. Kanematsu's unique view of the world.

The cut flowers, which account for 70 to 80% of the company's sales, are procured with an emphasis on seasonality and freshness, which allows the plants to show their beautiful colors. The most beautiful flowers are only available for a week or two. I want to make sure I don't miss out on the best time of the flowers. I also try to have a good balance of flowers that can be the main character, flowers that can play a supporting role, and plants and branches so that I can always create a beautiful arrangement that perfectly fits the customer's order."

Like casting for a drama
"Flower arrangement"

Mr. Kanematsu says that when he imagines arranging flowers, it is like casting for a drama. "I don't think the main character necessarily has to be a flower with a strong presence, such as a rose or lily. It could also be a different plant, but first I decide on the main character, and then I cast supporting characters who will complement it. It's easier to put it all together if I imagine it as a drama (laughs).”

In the case of a gift, he will ask about the purpose of the gift, the recipient's age, gender, and budget, as well as the recipient's requests, if any, and then create a drama that fits the mood of the gift. If there is a budget," he says, "I may decide to use a double cast of popular actors, or to express the grandeur of a movie. I arrange them while looking at the faces of the seasonal flowers lined up in the store that day."

Mr. Kanematsu's arrangements, which emphasize the atmosphere created by seasonal flowers and enhance the main subject while incorporating a playful touch, are sure to have many fans.

"Garden making" that suits today's lifestyle

In addition to arranging gifts, Mr. Kanematsu also works on bridal bouquets and flower arrangements, and holds regular lessons at his shop. There are not only arrangement class, but also a group planting course. “Two years ago, I opened a store at La Casa Terrace in Konan, which led me to become involved in gardening.”

Creating a garden that will make your time at home richer and more enjoyable. Mr. Kanematsu's garden sketches drawn from the perspective of a flower shop seem to be very popular. “First of all, we ask our customers what they want to do with their garden. Do they love seasonal flowers? Do they want to use it as an outdoor space for BBQs? If you do not want to spend a lot of time on management, choose plants that do not require much pruning or that have a good atmosphere even when they grow. However, the garden is an important space where you can relax for a moment, so we recommend adding at least one deciduous tree to the garden, where you can feel the change of seasons and atmosphere.”

The way of dealing with the seasons cultivated through ikebana, the expression of a world view he learned at the florist she admired, and Kanematsu's own sensibility have combined to create an even more attractive and evolving style. The smiling and cheerful expression he showed us throughout the interview showed his deep love for plants. Why don't you visit the shop and see for yourself?