“Yokohama is relatively small, so we all need to get together to achieve something greater,” asserts Masamichi Maeda, executive director of Kitamura K2, the famous handbag store in Yokohama’s Motomachi district. Active on multiple fronts, Maeda works tirelessly to preserve and spread the culture of Yokohama to the world.
Displaced to Nagoya during World War II, he returned to his hometown of Yokohama after it ended. He started a career in photography once he graduated from a local art school. Often journeying to Italy for photo shoots, he became attracted to the distinct culture the country offered.
His first forray into the restaurant business eleven years ago was totally unplanned. He was originally introduced to a space for a handbag shop, but it struck him as rather suitable for a restaurant. Driven by his love of Italian cuisine, he made the bold decision to open an Italian eatery and assembled a team to accomplish this goal. He chose for its name, Papa Davide. It was not intended to sound fancy; he simply liked the concept of “a grandfather’s dining room.”
In addition to Papa Davide, two years ago he opened Motomachi Sake Bar Sagan, produced by Tetsuji Kitajima (owner of Yokohama Kitajima), and also Motomachi Maguro, which specializes in tuna and donburi. While running these three restaurants in Naka-ku, the always busy Maeda serves as representative director of “Yokohama Goods 001”. The foundation, which aims to spread the craftsmanship culture of Yokohama, was started in 1989 as a collaboration between the public and private sectors. Products certified by the committee are promoted under the Yokohama 001 brand.
He is focused on preserving the best of Yokohama now while elevating its culture and profile going forward. “Located so close to Tokyo, Yokohama just can’t seem to win. But it’s a simple matter of the city creating its own culture by capitalizing on its unique characteristics,” says Maeda. He applies the same thinking in all of his businesses ventures. Maeda strives to welcome visitors to Yokohama and continues to spread information about all this city has to offer. Having a resident so dedicated in his love of Yokohama, and driven to improve the city, is indeed encouraging for all of us.