Building a community hub in our 12th year

Since the beginning of this year, I have written many times about "wanting to create a base."

I wrote this blog on March 6th of this year. It's strange how time flows, as things I never expected happened just 10 days later.

Perhaps things I wished for wholeheartedly and put into words are slowly taking shape. I believe words have power. That's why I am reminded again of how important it is to choose our words carefully.

・・・

AMONG will open a store in Shin-Yokohama.

After 12 years of holding pop-up shops in various locations, AMONG is finally establishing a permanent base. The location is on the first floor of the "Shin-Yokohama Food Center."

It's a very unique place that suddenly appears in a quiet residential area, about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station.

An old building and a new building are connected by a second-floor walkway. It's a bright and open space with a cafe, craft beer, a bakery, a greengrocer, a library, a common kitchen, a deli, gelato, and even a rooftop space.

Mr. Wakabayashi, the representative and architect, apparently conceived and shaped it over more than 7 years.

It will carry on the traditions of the businesses that once operated here and the memories of daily life in the area. And it will be a place where local people, visitors, and shops come together to create new stories.

The more you look, the more discoveries you make, so I hope you explore it! Just walking around makes me excited.

The old building has been reinforced with sturdy steel frames to meet current seismic standards.

AMONG will be located on the first floor of the old building, in the space that was formerly a fish shop.

It's "between old and new" and "between a shop and a public space." Truly AMONG!

We will carefully preserve the splendid signboard of the fish shop.

Firstly, why did I want to create a base?

It was because I wanted to create a place where people could experience what I've written on my word cards.

For the past 12 years, AMONG has held pop-up shops in so many places. We've traveled to department stores, galleries, and markets across the country, handling setup and takedown, and greeting customers at the storefront.

Although there are many challenges, I am encouraged by the encounters, and there is a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It's enjoyable.

However, at some point, I started to have more thoughts.

"Is this really what I wanted to do?"

The reason is simply this, I think:

"I've done enough."

I can confidently say I've done enough. That's why I think I wanted to move on to the next phase.

What AMONG aims for is to live with the feelings I've written on my word cards.

Gathering around a table, laughing and saying "Oishiine!" (It's delicious!), taking a break when you've been running too long, taking a bold step when you're stuck and trying something new. That feeling of taking a deep breath in nature and knowing everything will be alright.

In our often-busy daily lives, moments of relaxation and laughter are absolutely essential.

If I can constantly create my best self, I believe I will naturally move towards the right choices.

I want to find and deliver hints for that. This desire is at the root of AMONG, and it hasn't changed in 12 years.

Up until now, I've delivered this by creating textiles and selling them with accompanying messages. From now on, in addition to that, I want to cultivate a place where people can actually experience it and take that feeling home with them.

 

I would be happy if people felt a sense of calm just by coming to this place. I also want to hold events to improve well-being, workshops using dyeing and fabrics, and talks that offer hints for daily life and travel.

 

AMONG aims to become a textile shop that can offer "living in balance" through experience.

My encounter with this place was also mysterious.

In March, I happened to find this place on a website, and the moment I saw it, even before clicking, I felt, "Ah, this is it." I hadn't thought of a base as a shop, but I still felt a strong connection.

About a week later, I went for my first viewing the day before a pop-up shop started at Matsuya Ginza.

That night, when I consulted a friend who lives in Yokohama, it turned out that her friends were connected to Mr. Wakabayashi, the representative.

Being encouraged with "You absolutely have to do it!" was also a great boost.

Of course, I had anxieties.

But I decided to apply, following the feeling of "This is it!" that I felt when I first saw it on the website. This was a "go for it!" decision.

I applied in early April and received an offer email about 10 days later.

Of course, I was happy. At the same time, I had a strange feeling that I already knew it would happen. And at the same time, I also felt, "It's really decided...!"

Even though I'm nervous and unsettled, I'll move forward.

From then on, it was a whirlwind of days!

Between pop-up shops, I went to real estate agents, searched for a new place to live, handled applications and necessary procedures, and also proceeded with announcements for the 12th anniversary event and preparations for the online shop.

In addition, other paperwork overlapped, so my husband (sho-pee) and I desperately pushed forward, dividing the tasks.

After the May pop-up, I rushed back to Chiba to pack.

I moved to Yokohama on the 19th, and on the 20th, as originally planned, I completed the move-in procedures for the Shin-Yokohama Food Center.

It was a tumultuous month and a half where things moved rapidly, but I'm relieved that we've made it this far without any major issues.

These past few days, I've finally been able to take a breather, clean up, and just relax. The time for tea has finally come. Oh, happiness.

The store's interior will now be handled through DIY.

 

Rather than a grand opening, I intend to start slowly and nurture it little by little.

The exact start date depends on the progress of the interior work, so I'll let you know closer to the time.

We will continue to hold pop-up shops and exhibit at department stores in various locations. I want to carefully nurture both our base and our travels.

Oh, please, no need for opening celebrations, your good wishes are enough! It would make me happiest if you could just drop by when the timing is right.

 

First, I'm happy to officially report this here.

The "Tenki" pattern, given to those facing a turning point, truly brought about a good turning point. If it resonates with you, please check it out. This is the "Tenki" Stole_Night Sky (100% Cotton Chiffon).

 

I'll be writing updates on our progress frequently, so please look forward to them.

That's all for now! (Kurisawa)