[Meito Ward] A Miscellaneous Goods Store OBON

This time, we would like to introduce you to OBON, a variety store with an impressive blue door located in Yomogidai, Meito Ward.

"OBON" was named from the idea of "hospitality by putting your favorite on the tray". As the name of the store suggests, there are cute miscellaneous goods, as well as goods that are useful for daily life.

The location is Yomogidai, a quiet residential area. A 15-minute walk from Issha Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line.

There are two parking lots in front of the shop.

A row of cute children's chairs. Excited even before entering

The bright and open store is packed with miscellaneous goods. There were so many products lined up on the ceiling and floor that I couldn't help but say "Wow, how cute!"

OBON is run by the owner Takagi and his wife. This time, we interviewed the owner, Mr. Takagi.

A variety store that locals can enjoy

-Could you tell us about the concept of the shop?

The concept of the shop is "I want local people to have fun. I hope everyone can enjoy themselves, regardless of whether they are families, adults or children, men or women." Mr. Takagi.

His wife also has experience working at general stores and second-hand clothing stores, so it seems that each of them selects with the customers in mind.

Mainly Ms. Takagi selects accessories, clothes, tableware, etc. Mr. Takagi selects other than that. In addition to Asian goods stores, accessories, tableware, bags, small furniture, and toys that children will love, there are all sorts of products lined up. It seems that they also consult with each other, "How about something like this?"

I want to be able to enjoy shopping leisurely even with children

The owner of the shop has a warm image even when listening to the story, but it's been 6 years since the couple started the shop. At that time, the children were small, so they made a space for kids.

Mothers and fathers with children may not be able to take their time shopping because they are worried that their children will not touch or break the products.

When my children were small, I could only go to general stores when I was able to leave my child, so I was deeply moved by this wonderful idea. "It's a small shop, but I wanted people of the child-rearing generation to come here with peace of mind, so I created a kids' space," says Mr. Takagi.

The kids space is behind the clothes section. It seems that the picture books and toys in the kids space are left to play freely. It seems that there are many children who say "I don't want to go home yet" when their parents say "We're going home".

It seems that there are many families around Yomogidai, and there are many people who have been transferred to work.

The line that always comes out of the mouth of the owner, Mr. Takagi, "for locals" is impressive, and "for locals" is at the root of any question.

If everyone living in the local area was aiming to be happy, have fun, and be healed, this kind of treasure chest shop would have been completed.

There are plenty of stylish and functional household goods that everyone will love.

There are also retro toys that children will enjoy, and there are products that not only children but also adults will feel nostalgic and warm. There is a reason why this store is loved by the locals.

OBON recommended products

– Please tell me the recommended products

Mr. Takagi, the owner of the shop, said, "Hmmm?" All of them seemed to be recommended products, so he was considering a lot.

Many of the products are made by artists, but for some reason, many of the artists are locals.

When Mr. Takagi contacted them about stocking the products, they said they were from Meito Ward, or Mr. Takagi was approached by local artists. It feels like a mysterious connection.

And the recommended products that he squeezed out are handkerchiefs made of gauze material and blankets that are big enough to be swaddled.

This is a block print by a Japanese artist called wo chapati (@hanji_twochapati on Instagram) who traveled back and forth between India and used an original illustration by a local craftsman.

It is made by hand using a traditional Indian method called "block printing". It's an Asian color that you won't find anywhere else.

The recommended products were “products that both adults and children can love,” following the concept of the store.

-Please tell us about your future prospects.

"I can't hold any events due to the COVID-19, so I'd like to participate in events again when things settle down," said Mr. Takagi. It seems that there was a time to participate in the event before COVID-19, but now it seems that it is restrained.

Another line that I thought was Takagi-san's typical reply was "I want to please the locals".

Until now, he has basically opened a store at local events, and the idea is "I want the local people to be happy." I was somewhat healed by Mr. Takagi's answer.

It seems that before COVID-19, he participated in the "Nishiyama Marche" in the local Nishiyama shopping district, and the event "Torinos Marche" by Torinos (a  renovation company) in the neighborhood. I'm looking forward to the reopening.

When I opened the bright blue door, there was a world like a colorful treasure chest. The interior of the store, where the eyes of not only children but also adults are sparkling, was full of the owner couple's desire to "make the locals happy."

This feeling of the shopkeeper is sure to be healed not only by locals but also by non-locals. Enjoy shopping at OBON, a variety store that looks like a treasure chest.