{"id":1735,"date":"2013-10-04T10:00:03","date_gmt":"2013-10-04T01:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ginzaofficial.sakura.ne.jp\/?p=1735"},"modified":"2015-06-26T17:53:17","modified_gmt":"2015-06-26T08:53:17","slug":"%e7%86%8a%e8%b0%b7-%e9%81%93%e6%98%8ex%e9%ab%98%e5%b6%8b-%e3%81%a1%e3%81%95%e5%ad%90","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/connective\/1735","title":{"rendered":"Michiaki Kumagai\u00d7Chisako Takashima"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Kyukyodo began as a second-class drug seller in Kyoto<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I shop at Kyukyodo frequently. I am told that when writing a thank you note to someone superior to me, I will be fine as long as I use something from Kyukyodo.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Thank you.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Where does the name Kyukyodo come from?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
In the Chinese Book of Songs, there is a poem that says, \u201cWhere there is a magpie nest, there will be a pigeon.\u201d This refers to how pigeons are poor at making their own nests and plant their eggs in magpie nests instead, like having a rented house. In the same way, our shop is the magpie, and we are the pigeons. The lesson to remember that \u201cWe are only looking after the shop that essentially belongs to our customers and the rest of society\u201d is infused in the meaning of the shop\u2019s name.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That\u2019s quite a lot of humility. I\u2019m sure that\u2019s why your shop has lasted for 350 years. Although I understand that the shop did not sell incense and stationery supplies like it does today, but was actually a second-class drug seller at the beginning. What is that exactly?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
It\u2019s like a pharmacy. My ancestors became a second-class drug seller in front of the gate of Honnoji temple in Kyoto.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
The shop originated in Kyoto?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Yes, my original ancestors are from Kyoto. My grandfather was the second born son, so he branched off.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I was positive that it originated in Ginza.
So, when did it start selling stationery?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
The ingredients of incense were being imported from China, which after time extended naturally to importing writing brushes and paper.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I\u2019m really surprised that Kyukyodo, with such a strong image of being a stationery and incense shop, started off as a pharmacy.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Actually, Chinese herbal medicine and incense have many ingredients in common. For example, borneol is an essential ingredient of incense.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
(Sniffing the incense) It\u2019s Ryukakusan (a well-known traditional medicine for sore throat)!<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Yes (laughs). It\u2019s a fragrance that has a cooling sensation. We blend these types of ingredients together to make incense.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
So, incense from long ago is like medicine.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n

Plant, resin and other natural materials that are the raw ingredients in incense<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Kyukyodo continues to preserve incense recipes from the Heian period<\/h4>\n
\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
When they hear \u201cfragrance,\u201d most people these days think of aromatherapy more than incense. So, in addition to incense that we have been selling since long ago, we have also developed aromatherapy-related products.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Was that your idea?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Yes. Aromatherapy is a bit of a deviation from our company image, and there were many pros and cons, but we got creative and developed products like an aroma of sandalwood that is a major fragrance in incense, so that we do not stray too far from our image.
I would be very happy for people to experience the fragrances of incense through aromatherapy.<\/dd>\n
<\/dt>\n
<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
This may be rude of me to say, but I am the type that doesn\u2019t believe in what I can\u2019t see, and I did not believe in the healing power of fragrances. Nevertheless, I am currently experiencing the second worst period of blues in my life (laughs), and aromatherapy I received from a friend helped me relax, so now I think fragrances may not be such a bad idea.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
That\u2019s great! Fragrances supposedly work on the more primitive part of your brain and can relax or lift your mood.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Apparently so. I had never been interested in fragrances up until recently, but now I\u2019ve suddenly started buying things like perfume (laughs). If I like it, I buy it.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
I hope this leads to an interest in the deep world of Japanese fragrances. For example, this is called \u2018neriko\u2019 and is a round pellet of incense made by kneading together a variety of fragrant ingredients. Aristocrats in the Heian era used to make their own original fragrances and infuse their smoke into their kimonos for enjoyment.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
It looks a bit like seirogan (gastrointestinal medicine made of natural ingredients).<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Someone might think that seeing it for the first time (laughs).<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
So, this is the scent of the Heian era\u2026 I feel like I\u2019ve been transported back in time (laughs).<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
There once was a man called Sanetomi Sanjo whose family was in charge of preparing incense for the Imperial court. Then, in the early Meiji period, he was named Grand Minister of State and became very busy, so he entrusted his incense duties to Kyukyodo which was highly trusted at court. After that, the incense recipes that had been preserved by the Sanjo family since the Heian era were passed on to Kyukyodo.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That\u2019s amazing! What is this piece of wood?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
That\u2019s a fragrant wood called aloes-wood. It\u2019s considered the king of fragrant woods.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
!\u2026 Why is this wood so fragrant?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
It\u2019s unusual, isn\u2019t it? That\u2019s a natural fragrance. It\u2019s a special kind of wood found in Vietnam and other parts of southeast Asia. Is extremely precious, so one gram costs about 20-30,000 yen.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Wow! That\u2019s a lot. It\u2019s more valuable than gold\u2026 Incense is very deep.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

My mission is to pass on traditional Japanese culture to future generations<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
You have published a book called \u201cKyukyodo no Nihon no Shikitari Mame-chishiki\u201d (=Kyukyodo\u2019s bits of wisdom on Japanese customs).<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Fortunately, I\u2019m glad to say that many people are reading it.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Every home should have a book like this. Even at my age, there is still a lot I don\u2019t know.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Perhaps. As the shift towards nuclear families increases, there are more and more people that do not know things that used to be taught as a matter of course by wise grandmothers.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Thinking back, when I was little I took violin lessons, and the fees were not paid monthly but by the lesson. So, each time, my mother would give me crisp new bills in a Kyukyodo envelope. My teacher would always say, \u201cI\u2019m returning the envelope because I don\u2019t want it to go to waste\u201d (laughs).<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
That is very kind (laughs).<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I saw what my mother did, so when it was my turn I also got crisp new bills to pay for my son\u2019s lesson fees, but other mothers did not. When I told them it was rude not to give crisp bills, I was surprised by their response of, \u201cIt\u2019s all the same money.\u201d Also, when paying monthly fees, some people would ask the teacher for change. I thought, \u201cSurely not in this day and age?!\u201d I think we need mothers\u2019 classes.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
I guess we are not being persuasive enough (laughs).<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Some things are a real bother, but I think it\u2019s important to have common courtesy and consideration for others.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Certainly. I feel that it is my mission to pass on these points and other aspects of traditional Japanese culture to future Japanese generations.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

I want to keep Ginza safe for families to enjoy<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
You are also the chairman of the Ginza Merchant\u2019s Association. What do you do?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
We plan and run events, including security, and do all sorts of things. I have to give a lot of attention to both my Ginza Merchant\u2019s Association duties and those of my regular job, so it\u2019s a lot of work (laughs). That said, I am the 62nd chairman, and all those before me worked hard trying to make Ginza the best place in Japan, so I have to try my best as well.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
How would you like Ginza to be in the future?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
I want it to be a place where men, women and children can walk without fear. To achieve that, I hope that members of the Ginza Merchant\u2019s Association and all the other Ginza associations will do their jobs well. It\u2019s a bit of work, but that is why Ginza has a special appeal not found in other places. I want Ginza to forever remain a place that is great for strolling.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Recently a lot of fast fashion shops are popping up\u2026<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
Unfortunately, many long-established shops are shuttering, but the appearance of new trends is also distinctive of Ginza. This is the only place you could imagine Kyukyodo standing next to Uniqlo.<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Ginza is a place you enjoy with your family, isn\u2019t it? When my family goes, we all split up and meet up later. Ginza itself is like a giant department store, so I think its appeal is that each person can enjoy themselves on their own.<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
That\u2019s a nice way to put it (laughs). I want to keep Ginza safe for families to enjoy.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n

The next guest will be\u2026<\/h4>\n
\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Could you tell us about the next guest?<\/dd>\n
Kumagai<\/dt>\n
It\u2019s Mr. Tanizawa, the president of Ginza Tanizawa, a veteran bag shop. It\u2019s a very old shop that is deeply connected to the history of bags. I am sure you will hear some interesting stories.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n

Chisako Takashima<\/h4>\n

Violinist. Started playing the violin at age 6. After playing abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, and gives concerts all over the country. Although her current focus is on performing music, she also appears on TV and radio programs. Thanks to her much-loved personality, she is appearing in more and more venues.<\/p>\n

Chisako Takashima\u2019s official website<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Michiaki Kumagai<\/h4>\n

The 14th generation president of Tokyo Kyukyodo, a specialty shop with a 350-year history that sells Japanese traditional incense, writing utensils, and stationery.
\nIn addition to his regular job, he is also the chairman of the Ginza Merchant\u2019s Association. He enjoys running in marathons. This year, he ran in the Tokyo marathon. He has written the popular book, \u201cKyukyodo no Nihon no Shikitari Mame-chishiki\u201d (=Kyukyodo\u2019s bits of wisdom on Japanese customs; published by Magazine House).<\/p>\n

Kyukyodo Website<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

Writer: Mizuho Takahashi\u3000\u3000Interview location: Ginza Sushiko Honten<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sorry, this entry is only available in Japanese.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1735"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1735"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1735\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}