{"id":4825,"date":"2016-01-15T15:00:29","date_gmt":"2016-01-15T06:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ginza.jp\/?p=4825"},"modified":"2017-06-08T10:38:09","modified_gmt":"2017-06-08T01:38:09","slug":"%e5%ae%89%e9%81%94-%e8%be%b0%e5%bd%a6x%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\/4825","title":{"rendered":"Tatsuhiko Adachi \u00d7 Chisako Takashima"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n

Wako\u2019s history and its clock tower, a symbol of Ginza<\/h4>\n
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\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Please tell me about Wako\u2019s history. <\/dd>\n
Adachi <\/dt>\n
Wako Co., Ltd. was established in 1947 (Showa 22), and initiated business operations at Ginza 5-chome when it took over the retail division of Hattori Tokeiten (clock store), founded in 1881 (Meiji 14). Back then, the clock tower in Ginza 4-chome had been confiscated for use as the PX (Post Exchange). In 1952 (Showa 27), the building was returned and we moved to the current Main Building. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
The clock tower is now widely known as a landmark of Ginza. When was it built? <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
The current clock tower is the second one in the building\u2019s history. Designed by Hitoshi Watanabe, whose works include the main building of the Tokyo National Museum and the Nichigeki Theater, it was completed in 1932 (Showa 7). All four sides of the tower have a clockface. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"\u548c\u5149\u672c\u9928\"<\/p>\n

Wako, Main Building<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n\n<\/div>\n
\n\"\u548c\u5149\u672c\u99281\u968e\"<\/p>\n

First Floor of Wako, Main Building <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The inspiration behind the world-famous window display<\/h4>\n
\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
Wako is famous for its clock tower, but it is also known for its beautiful window displays. I always drive to Oji Hall in my own car for my regular concerts, which I hold once every three months, and my heart always starts pounding just as your window display comes into sight (laughs). All of a sudden I get nervous that I will be going on stage very soon! <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
We are very close to Oji Hall (laughs). <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Of course, I normally enjoy seeing your window display. How many times a year do you rearrange the display? <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
We change it about ten times a year. We basically do seasonal displays, with the exception of the time of year of the Tokyo Marathon, when we have a special display exhibiting Seiko\u2019s official timer<\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Are the displays designed by your employees?<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
Yes. We have a Design Planning Division, where a team of around eight employees work on the window displays, which are a very important part of our corporate history, <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
What do you consider to be the role of your window displays?<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
Our displays do not aim to promote sales of a particular product but are our way of communicating themes and ideas to Ginza. Our basic concept is to entertain everyone who visits Ginza. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"\u30a6\u30a4\u30f3\u30c9\u30a6\u30c7\u30a3\u30b9\u30d7\u30ec\u30a4\u300c\u706f\u300d\"<\/p>\n

Window display \u201cAkari\u201d <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Designing exclusive products through collaboration with other renowned shops in Ginza <\/h4>\n
\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
You also have many products exclusive to Wako. I have received quite a number of Wako-brand items in return of wedding gifts, etc. Shopping at Wako is like a dream for many people. <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
I am very grateful that you would consider us in that way. We are determined to endeavor to continue to win wide support. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Personally, I love your wide selection of sweets, including the Baum Kuchen that is rolled around a wooden stick. <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
You must be referring to the Lorbeer Baum.<\/dd>\n
Takashima <\/dt>\n
I first learned about it from my mother-in-law when I got married. It looks quite striking. I was actually speechless when I was first presented it, but I tried to look as calm as I could be as I had the feeling that it would only be the first of many surprises (laugh). <\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
Really (laughs)! This year, we are celebrating thirty years since the Lorbeer Baum was first sold, and we have plans to offer a special version. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That is something to look forward to!<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
I love to go out to dine at different restaurants. I have always wanted to go to the two-star French restaurant, ESqUISSE, on Miyuki Dori, but have never quite had the opportunity to. It occurred to me that although French cuisine may be considered too luxurious, French bread may be easier for people to try and enjoy. We have been carrying artisan bread baked by ESqUISSE since last September. Other than ESqUISSE\u2019s original recipe, we have asked them to bake four types of bread that are only available at Wako. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
That is something that cannot be accomplished without being constantly tuned in.<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
We also have original monaka rice cakes produced by Hikoyuki Yamaguchi, the fifth-generation owner of Kuya, a long-established monaka shop. In the future, we hope to develop more new high-quality products exclusive to Wako through collaboration with other renowned shops in Ginza. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\"\u30ed\u30a2\u30d9\u30fc\u30eb\u30d0\u30a6\u30e0\"<\/p>\n

Lorbeer Baum<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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A chain of tradition and innovation: Ginza, never ceasing to grow<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
Before we close, may I ask you to tell me your thoughts about Ginza?<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
I have worked in Ginza for many years and I love it. It holds much tradition, which has been accumulated through a continuous process of innovation. Ginza is a place that continues to develop in all times. There have been times in the past when import brands and fast fashion brands dominated the town, but in the end, only the shops that fit Ginza\u2019s image remain and the rest eventually disappear. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I wonder if there is such a thing as a \u201cGinza filter\u201d?<\/dd>\n
Adachi <\/dt>\n
That may be true. Ginza is open to new things and what is compatible with Ginza remains, taking Ginza to a new stage. I believe that is Ginza\u2019s virtue. Tradition is also an accumulation of the new. <\/dd>\n
Takashima<\/dt>\n
I presume Ginza currently welcomes many visitors from abroad.<\/dd>\n
Adachi<\/dt>\n
What concerns me about the phenomena, is whether or not we are not undermining our customers who have been shopping in Ginza from the past. It goes without saying that massive tourists from abroad presents a business opportunity for us, but I wonder if we are doing the right thing, increasing tax-free shops and thriving to sell merchandise that are appreciated by tourists. Ginza being the largest commercial area in Japan, we must not forget our stance of introducing genuinely good products from Japan and abroad. If we could convince foreigners that what we have to offer is \u201cgood because it is appreciated by the Japanese\u201d, then that will lead to sales. I believe that we should be careful not to lose sight of Ginza\u2019s \u201cquality\u201d and \u201cclass\u201d. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n

Chisako Takashima <\/h4>\n

Violinist. Takashima started taking violin lessons from the age of 6. After a successful career abroad, she moved her home base to Japan, where she currently performs in concerts across the country. Highly noted for her character in TV and radio appearances, she has currently opened up her career to more diverse fields with an unchanged focus on her profession. <\/p>\n

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

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Tatsuhiko Adachi<\/h4>\n

Born in 1952, Adachi was graduated from the Faculty of Commerce, Keio University and joined Mitsukoshi, Ltd. (currently, Isetan Mitsukoshi, Ltd.) in 1975. He left his position as Store Manager of Mitsukoshi Ginza Store to become a Managing Executive Officer of Wako. Co., Ltd. in April 2013. He assumed the position of President and CEO of Wako Co., Ltd. in June. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Written by Miki Okai; Place of interview: Wako Main Building, Ginza <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n\"Strings<\/p>\n
\n

Strings on Fire Chisako Takashima\u2019s new album is available in stores! <\/h4>\n

Finally released! Chisaka Takashima\u2019s long-awaited new album, Strings on Fire.
\nA compilation of 12 tunes: 3 originals, including \u201cSome Day, Just the Two of Us,\u201d a duet with the cello, played by her second son (age 6), and other classical standards.
\nFeaturing special album cover art drawn by Masashi Kishimoto, author of the popular manga NARUTO.
\nCelebrating the 20th anniversary of \u201ctrue\u201d violinist Chisako Takashima, opening new frontiers with the second album released under her new record label. <\/p>\n

Visit Chisako Takashima\u2019s official website for more information.<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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