"Meji," a lifestyle store rooted in the community with the thoughts to enliven the town of Fujigaoka

A well-ventilated place for the town

The store is run by Mr. Yoshiaki Katagiri and his wife Hideya. We first asked them about their shop.

- Please tell us what led you to open the shop.

Yoshiaki: "I ran a clothing-only store for about four years, but I felt that the frontage of clothing store was a bit narrow. It takes a lot of courage to enter a shop at first, and if the taste is not to your liking, you may not enter just because of that. I wanted to create a more open space for the town. With sundries, it's easy to visit."

Hidemi: "NEEDLE&THREAD" also received many inquiries about gifts. However, it was difficult to make suggestions when it comes to clothes, partly due to size issues. Also, there weren't many shops you can buy gifts in Fujigaoka, so I opened a lifestyle shop that sells miscellaneous goods and daily necessities."

They can be used for everything from small gifts to gifts with a postmark.

ー What is the concept of "meji"?

Yoshiaki: "Like our select shop NEEDLE&THREAD, our items are for long-lasting use. Also, the idea of a store where people can enjoy encountering items has not changed. We also write detailed pop-ups so that customers can learn the stories and backgrounds of our products as much as possible. That's why some customers spend an hour or two in the shop.

I want to liven up Fujigaoka! Fujigaoka Marche "early bird"

Mr. and Mrs. Katagiri are also the organizers of the Fujigaoka Marche "early bird," which is held four times a year, seasonally. This morning market brings together about 20 stores, mostly from Fujigaoka. It's been held since Meji opened in 2011.

ーPlease tell us how you started Fujigaoka Marche.

Yoshiaki: "I wanted people living in Fujigaoka to know more about the good things about the town. The Higashiyama Line is very accessible, and people tend to go to Sakae or Nagoya, but there are many great stores in Fujigaoka and Meito Ward. Our Marché is not large, with only about 20 stores, but they are all very particular about their products.

We hope to please the people of the town, regardless of age, by having not only stores that are popular with the younger crowd, but also long-established tofu shops, local rice makers serving onigiri (rice balls), and so on. It would be exciting to have a marché near your house, wouldn't it?"

Fujigaoka Marche "early bird"

Hidemi: "People stop by before going out in the morning, buy their lunch, and go home. I would like the Marche to be a part of the daily lives of local residents. I would be happy if this event grows into something that the people of Fujigaoka can be proud of."

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[Fujigaoka Marche “early bird”]
https://www.facebook.com/earlybird.web/