I'm feeling relieved now that our hectic Kansai tour in May has come to an end.
(Kansai is a region in western Japan known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It includes cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.We held pop-up shops in Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama.)
We set out on May 15th, leaving Chiba (Chiba Prefecture is a city next to (to the east of) Tokyo) and setting up pop-up shops in Okayama, Osaka, and Kyoto.
On the way, we will spend the night near Lake Hamana and then head to Okayama.
The sky is blue! At this point, we still have plenty of time.
Woah, Okayama, it's so far away! No matter how much I run, I never get there.
Halfway through (around Kobe), my eyes started to roll back.
Finally, we could see "Okayama Exit"! We were overjoyed (and in tears) to see the sign!
When we arrived in Okayama, Shopee's(my husband) fatigue reached its peak due to the large number of one-way streets, complexity, and lack of available parking spaces, and he developed a fever!
The next day, the POPUP started early in the morning, so we managed to load and unload everything together, while Shopee tried to rest as much as possible. I was in charge of the storefront and we managed to get through it.
It was nice to see some unexpected customers at the store.
The reward was that the AMONG items were well received in Okayama, where they were first introduced.
⬆︎Star fruit tote bag The exquisite colors are wonderful.
We somehow managed to complete the two-day POPUP, and the next day Shopee's condition had improved so we headed to neighboring Kurashiki.
The cityscape of Kurashiki was very beautiful and I was able to take a breather (Okayama didn't have time to walk around the city! lol).
Next, we went to Osaka. (It's easy to write that, but it's 230 kilometers. Japan is big.)
At the pop-up held in front of the vegan restaurant "Paprika Shokudo " in Shinsaibashi, a customer from Germany chose a coat.
This "Once in a lifetime_Serene_Small grain" coat is now the last one left.
A two-day weekend at "LOHA Park @ Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park". Heavy rain from the morning of the first day!!
It was tough!! I still had time to take this photo, but after this it started pouring down so I couldn't take it anymore.
Other stores had already closed down. AMONG quickly followed suit and packed up and headed home. I was exhausted. On the way, we toasted with negiyaki and okonomiyaki! At times like this, all we can do is praise each other for our hard work, eat something delicious, and go to bed.
⬆︎The grilled green onions were amazing!
The next day, my cousins came to visit, and I was so happy and embarrassed to see them again after such a long time.
I was also able to stay at a friend's house in Osaka, and I'm so grateful for all the support and healing I received!
Next up was Kyoto. Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto was a breeze! It was so close that I almost passed it by.
Many inbound customers came to the POPUP at the lovely Gallery Nagomi, and the weather was good so the time flew by.
⬆︎100% cotton "Kanna_Sunshine" scarf . This beautiful yellow scarf is very popular. Many people have chosen this scarf as a souvenir from Japan.
The last location on this tour is a POPUP at "Re: Kyoto Expo in Okazaki Park in front of Heian Shrine."
The wind was strong, but for AMONG, it was good weather after experiencing heavy rain! It was totally OK! We enjoyed Kyoto at the market while looking at Heian Shrine.
⬆︎I used the "fish in water" mini shoulder bag during the tour . I used it to carry my cell phone and valuables while I was at the booth. It's light and surprisingly roomy, but compact and very useful.
⬆︎The banana patterned “Mini Shoulder Bag_Shade_Fruit” in the front right of the photo was also well received!
The timing was perfect as we had a meeting with a sewing factory in the middle of the tour (new items are currently in the works! Stay tuned!).
The last stop on the tour is "Kamakura Origami" ! This wonderful shop opened on Saturday, May 17th and is produced by Kawatani Shirts .
I am impressed with the beautiful windows.
The AMONG POPUP SHOP is scheduled to be held until June. The domestically made black and white shirts are simple at first glance, but in fact the stitching and texture are very intricate and beautiful. They go perfectly with the colorful AMONG items!!
📍Access
2-16 Onarimachi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture (3 minutes walk from the west exit of Kamakura Station) Kamakura Origami
⬆︎ AMONG umbrellas are suitable for both sunny and rainy days. They have UV protection so they can be used in both rain and shine!
There are lots of pop-up tours in various locations every day. It was hard work, but I felt a great sense of fulfillment. Coats, scarves, bags, etc. were sent to inbound tourists and the people I met, and I was able to make some happy connections, so I'm glad I took on the challenge.
The mileage was 2,380 km.
Although it's easier said than done, I'm sure I'll be making an appearance in some city again (ouch!).
The next POPUP SHOP will be in Urawa for the first time in a while, and will be open for three days from June 28th (Sat) to 30th (Mon) .
📍Access
Saitama City, Urawa Ward, Kishimachi 4-20-15 2F " space hotcrew "
(The first floor is a socks and household goods store called " Sakicho ". It's about a 9-minute walk from Urawa Station.)
I found out about this gallery when I held a pop-up at Gallery Filmo in Chitose Karasuyama in April and a woman who happened to stop by said to me, "Please do an event at our gallery too!" That's how it all started.
It'll be the first time we've held an event in Urawa in a while 🎶 Please come and join us!
Click here for the latest POPUPSHOP schedule and access details .
I'm looking forward to meeting you in real life! See you! (Kurisawa 🌰)
