Established in Yokohama, Matsuya Ginza looks forward to an exciting Year 2017, with special plans for Valentine\u2019s Day and a Beer Garden. <\/h4>\n\n\n- Takashima <\/dt>\n
- Please tell me about the history of Matsuya Ginza. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Matsuya Ginza dates back to 1869, when my great great-grandfather, Tokube Furuya began to sell kimono and fabric remnants in Yokohama. After many twists and turns, he expanded his business to Tokyo. It has been exactly 92 years since we opened in Ginza. In 2019, we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How many generations have you been in business? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- I am the fifth generation since our founder. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So, Matsuya Ginza was initially established in Yokohama? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. Our founder was originally from Yamanashi. Back then, many people from Yamanashi went out to Yokohama. Other than our company, Kaichiro Nezu of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. and Ichizo Kobayashi of the Hankyu Toho Group (currently, Hankyu Hanshin Toho Group) were also from Yamanashi. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I suppose Yokohama was an attractive town even back then. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I would imagine many people and goods gathered in Yokohama, which prospered as a port town. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I see. Now please allow me to jump back to present times. Do you have any plans for 2017? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Our first feature event is planned for Valentine\u2019s Day. We will move our event space to from the first floor to the eight floor to scale up our Valentine\u2019s Day event. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I always look forward to that time around Valentine\u2019s Day, when many stores carry chocolate brands that are only available during that time of year. At my age, I purchase chocolates for myself, not as Valentine gifts (laughs). <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Treating yourself to chocolate is a wonderful idea, too. We will also open our rooftop beer garden for the first time in two years. Under the concept of a \u201cbeautifying beer garden\u201d, we plan to offer a menu that will be attractive to ladies as well, ranging from vegetable and healthy red meat dishes to beer, sparkling wine and cocktails with collagen. The venue will be designed in the image of an Asian resort and we hope that female groups will come to enjoy drinks. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That novel concept is exactly what I would expect of Matsuya Ginza. I recently asked my mother, who was born and raised in Tokyo, her image of Matsuya Ginza, and she said, \u201cThey have always been very chic.\u201d She seemed to have the impression that among all the department stores in Ginza, Matsuya Ginza represented the cutting-edge. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Thank you. I am very delighted to hear that. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_01.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\u677e\u5c4b\u9280\u5ea7](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nExterior view of Matsuya Ginza <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\u5c4b\u4e0a\u30d3\u30a2\u30ac\u30fc\u30c7\u30f3\uff082015\u5e74\uff09\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_03.jpg\")
<\/p>\nRooftop Beer Garden (2015) <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLuxury brands open their first boutiques in Japan with Matsuya Ginza. An attractive lineup of brands and products makes Matsuya unique. <\/h4>\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- My impression of Matsuya Ginza is that you are committed to \u201ccraftsmanship\u201d. Could you please tell me about your policy for the products that you carry? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Unlike mega-department stores, we only have two stores – one in Ginza, and the other in Asakusa. Therefore, we must attract customers with our originality and uniqueness. We endeavor to distinguish ourselves from other department stores by housing overseas brands that are making their debut in Japan or other unique brands that can only be found at Matsuya in Tokyo. We also have an in-house lineup of men\u2019s clothing. For example, among our luxury brands on the second floor, Christian Louboutin debuted in Japan with us, and Roger Vivier opened its first store in the Kanto region within Matsuya Ginza. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I had been looking so much forward to their opening and I went to have a look on their first day! <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Thank you. In August 2016, Manolo Blahnik launched his first stand-alone boutique in Japan within Matsuya Ginza. Louis Vuitton has just renewed its Matsuya Ginza boutique fa\u00e7ade with an aim to turn it into the brand\u2019s top boutique in Japan, and it has been doing very well. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- The fact that something can only be found at Matsuya is indeed an attractive feature. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- In addition to the charm of the products themselves, we value human connections. We hold events where we invite artisans and creators to meet our customers. These events are very popular among our customers, who enjoy the rare opportunity to learn in person about the producers\u2019 passion and commitment to their craftsmanship. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_04.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"\u9280\u5ea7\u30fb\u624b\u4ed5\u4e8b\u76f4\u58f2\u6240](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_05.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGinza Crafts Shop event <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_06.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"\u3086\u304b\u305f\u5fdc\u63f4\u968a\u56e3\u7d50\u5f0f\u30a4\u30d9\u30f3\u30c8\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_07.jpg\")
<\/p>\nYukata Supporters launching ceremony<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\nEnhancing meticulous services for foreign tourists <\/h4>\n\n- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I imagine that an increasing number of foreigners are visiting Ginza. Have you made any improvements to the service that you provide to accommodate them? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- We have increased the number of interpreters and enlarged our tax refund counter and cosmetics corner.
\nI have been told that Chinese tourists have very limited time to shop, so we have made arrangements so that they can shop as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have created a new shopping area stocked with popular products adjacent to the tax refund counter. This has reduced confusion and our customers seem to be very happy.\n<\/dd>\n - Takashima <\/dt>\n
- With more foreign visitors expected as the Olympic Games near, I am sure that you will be very busy enhancing your product lineup and customer services. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. We do believe that we need to enhance our service scheme to facilitate shopping, including increasing the number of interpreters and improving tax refund procedures. However, we are not so concerned about our product quality and hospitality, because the Japanese people have the highest expectations for goods and services. In other words, if we can offer goods and services that satisfy our Japanese customers, we will surely be able to satisfy our foreign customers. We have confidence in the quality of our products, but color preferences can vary among people from different countries, so we hope to be fully prepared in that context. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I see. If Japanese customers are satisfied, then foreign customers will be happy too. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I feel that Japanese customers who come to Ginza have high expectations for Ginza. Many of the comments we receive from our customers are about our hospitality. Some people point out that \u201cthe sales staff did not smile\u201d, while others compliment us for \u201ctaking good care of\u201d our customers. We seek to be careful to provide the kind of hospitality that will not disappoint our customers or disgrace Ginza\u2019s name.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_08.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_09.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_12.jpg\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFearless of change, Ginza is the world\u2019s best shopping street. <\/h4>\n\n\n- Takashima <\/dt>\n
- Could you please tell me about your passion for Ginza? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Ginza is constantly undergoing change. A new commercial establishment will be built in Ginza in the near future, bringing more competition for us but giving people more about Ginza to discuss. We will just strive to be better. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So you mean that competition will create even better goods and services. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- I hope so. We believe that we share a single fate with Ginza. It is most important to have more people visit Ginza. And for that purpose, business owners in Ginza have been deliberating about ideas to add excitement to the town. Together, we have maintained Ginza\u2019s safety. Ginza is a commercial area, but at the same time it is a shopping street with strong human ties. From that perspective as well, I believe that Ginza tops the world\u2019s shopping streets. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have had the opportunity to interview many people here, and I have learned that everyone faces a time when their duties in the Ginza community consume more of their time than their own businesses. Yet, there seems to be a part of them that is enjoying that hecticness. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- That is true. Overcoming difficulties together helps build group cohesion and foster friendships. I believe the special experience of working together towards a common goal is unknown to many other towns. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- An outsider, I sometimes receive the impression that you are all still preparing for your school festival (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- You may be right (laughs). Everyone is in love with Ginza. I hope that we can grow with the town. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n
![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_10.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"\"](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_62_11.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\nChisako 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
- \n
- Takashima <\/dt>\n
- Please tell me about the history of Matsuya Ginza. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Matsuya Ginza dates back to 1869, when my great great-grandfather, Tokube Furuya began to sell kimono and fabric remnants in Yokohama. After many twists and turns, he expanded his business to Tokyo. It has been exactly 92 years since we opened in Ginza. In 2019, we will be celebrating our 150th anniversary. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- How many generations have you been in business? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- I am the fifth generation since our founder. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So, Matsuya Ginza was initially established in Yokohama? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. Our founder was originally from Yamanashi. Back then, many people from Yamanashi went out to Yokohama. Other than our company, Kaichiro Nezu of Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. and Ichizo Kobayashi of the Hankyu Toho Group (currently, Hankyu Hanshin Toho Group) were also from Yamanashi. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I suppose Yokohama was an attractive town even back then. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I would imagine many people and goods gathered in Yokohama, which prospered as a port town. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I see. Now please allow me to jump back to present times. Do you have any plans for 2017? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Our first feature event is planned for Valentine\u2019s Day. We will move our event space to from the first floor to the eight floor to scale up our Valentine\u2019s Day event. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I always look forward to that time around Valentine\u2019s Day, when many stores carry chocolate brands that are only available during that time of year. At my age, I purchase chocolates for myself, not as Valentine gifts (laughs). <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Treating yourself to chocolate is a wonderful idea, too. We will also open our rooftop beer garden for the first time in two years. Under the concept of a \u201cbeautifying beer garden\u201d, we plan to offer a menu that will be attractive to ladies as well, ranging from vegetable and healthy red meat dishes to beer, sparkling wine and cocktails with collagen. The venue will be designed in the image of an Asian resort and we hope that female groups will come to enjoy drinks. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- That novel concept is exactly what I would expect of Matsuya Ginza. I recently asked my mother, who was born and raised in Tokyo, her image of Matsuya Ginza, and she said, \u201cThey have always been very chic.\u201d She seemed to have the impression that among all the department stores in Ginza, Matsuya Ginza represented the cutting-edge. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Thank you. I am very delighted to hear that. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/p>\n
Exterior view of Matsuya Ginza <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\nRooftop Beer Garden (2015) <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nLuxury brands open their first boutiques in Japan with Matsuya Ginza. An attractive lineup of brands and products makes Matsuya unique. <\/h4>\n
- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- My impression of Matsuya Ginza is that you are committed to \u201ccraftsmanship\u201d. Could you please tell me about your policy for the products that you carry? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Unlike mega-department stores, we only have two stores – one in Ginza, and the other in Asakusa. Therefore, we must attract customers with our originality and uniqueness. We endeavor to distinguish ourselves from other department stores by housing overseas brands that are making their debut in Japan or other unique brands that can only be found at Matsuya in Tokyo. We also have an in-house lineup of men\u2019s clothing. For example, among our luxury brands on the second floor, Christian Louboutin debuted in Japan with us, and Roger Vivier opened its first store in the Kanto region within Matsuya Ginza. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I had been looking so much forward to their opening and I went to have a look on their first day! <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Thank you. In August 2016, Manolo Blahnik launched his first stand-alone boutique in Japan within Matsuya Ginza. Louis Vuitton has just renewed its Matsuya Ginza boutique fa\u00e7ade with an aim to turn it into the brand\u2019s top boutique in Japan, and it has been doing very well. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- The fact that something can only be found at Matsuya is indeed an attractive feature. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- In addition to the charm of the products themselves, we value human connections. We hold events where we invite artisans and creators to meet our customers. These events are very popular among our customers, who enjoy the rare opportunity to learn in person about the producers\u2019 passion and commitment to their craftsmanship. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
Ginza Crafts Shop event <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nYukata Supporters launching ceremony<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\n
\nEnhancing meticulous services for foreign tourists <\/h4>\n
- \n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I imagine that an increasing number of foreigners are visiting Ginza. Have you made any improvements to the service that you provide to accommodate them? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- We have increased the number of interpreters and enlarged our tax refund counter and cosmetics corner.
\nI have been told that Chinese tourists have very limited time to shop, so we have made arrangements so that they can shop as quickly and smoothly as possible. We have created a new shopping area stocked with popular products adjacent to the tax refund counter. This has reduced confusion and our customers seem to be very happy.\n<\/dd>\n - Takashima <\/dt>\n
- With more foreign visitors expected as the Olympic Games near, I am sure that you will be very busy enhancing your product lineup and customer services. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. We do believe that we need to enhance our service scheme to facilitate shopping, including increasing the number of interpreters and improving tax refund procedures. However, we are not so concerned about our product quality and hospitality, because the Japanese people have the highest expectations for goods and services. In other words, if we can offer goods and services that satisfy our Japanese customers, we will surely be able to satisfy our foreign customers. We have confidence in the quality of our products, but color preferences can vary among people from different countries, so we hope to be fully prepared in that context. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I see. If Japanese customers are satisfied, then foreign customers will be happy too. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- Yes. I feel that Japanese customers who come to Ginza have high expectations for Ginza. Many of the comments we receive from our customers are about our hospitality. Some people point out that \u201cthe sales staff did not smile\u201d, while others compliment us for \u201ctaking good care of\u201d our customers. We seek to be careful to provide the kind of hospitality that will not disappoint our customers or disgrace Ginza\u2019s name.<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Fearless of change, Ginza is the world\u2019s best shopping street. <\/h4>\n
\n- \n
- Takashima <\/dt>\n
- Could you please tell me about your passion for Ginza? <\/dd>\n
- Furuya <\/dt>\n
- Ginza is constantly undergoing change. A new commercial establishment will be built in Ginza in the near future, bringing more competition for us but giving people more about Ginza to discuss. We will just strive to be better. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- So you mean that competition will create even better goods and services. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- I hope so. We believe that we share a single fate with Ginza. It is most important to have more people visit Ginza. And for that purpose, business owners in Ginza have been deliberating about ideas to add excitement to the town. Together, we have maintained Ginza\u2019s safety. Ginza is a commercial area, but at the same time it is a shopping street with strong human ties. From that perspective as well, I believe that Ginza tops the world\u2019s shopping streets. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- I have had the opportunity to interview many people here, and I have learned that everyone faces a time when their duties in the Ginza community consume more of their time than their own businesses. Yet, there seems to be a part of them that is enjoying that hecticness. <\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- That is true. Overcoming difficulties together helps build group cohesion and foster friendships. I believe the special experience of working together towards a common goal is unknown to many other towns. <\/dd>\n
- Takashima<\/dt>\n
- An outsider, I sometimes receive the impression that you are all still preparing for your school festival (laughs).<\/dd>\n
- Furuya<\/dt>\n
- You may be right (laughs). Everyone is in love with Ginza. I hope that we can grow with the town. <\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\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
![\"MUSE\u301c12](\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/Connect_cd_muse.jpg\")
<\/p>\n