This past September, a new retail store for local bag brand Yokohama Canvas Bag opened in Bankokubashi. The company’s office and production room previously occupied the space, but moved next door to make way for this showroom. The remodeled location features a three-tatami mat tea room called “Hawaiian” which casts itself as a space free of borders and nationality; it’s a sanctuary where people can unwind and relax. While appropriate for tea ceremony, it also hosts exhibits of artwork for sale, especially traditional Japanese ceramics.
President Suzuki Yukio, who envisioned this space, wants to promote both the “Made in Nippon” brand and Japanese culture worldwide. “To me, making something high quality is a given,” says Suzuki, though he doesn’t stop at selling bags and satchels. He also focuses on branding that conveys the value of good Japanese craftsmanship. Yokohama Canvas Bags are ambassadors for the city’s craft industry and will no doubt represent Yokohama well as the brand extends its reach overseas.
For information on tea ceremony and exhibitions at Hawaiian, please check the Yokohama Canvas Bag website.