Masamichi Toyama is a down-to-earth and engaging fellow, with a rare aptitude for merging business expertise with intuition and passion. Guided by contrarian beliefs, the retail visionary is always striving for the unexpected.
By Haydee Kobe
Tokyo Japan
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Haydee Kobe discovers Bibliothéque, a carefully curated library in the heart of Tokyo. Bibliothéque was born out of the common dilemma of owning too many treasured objects - books, in this case - in which physical space becomes an obstacle. The customers who use the facilities are architects, fashion designers and graphic designers who find a great many uses for this cozy space.
Haydee Kobe speaks with Masamichi Toyama, the lively entrepreneur behind some of Japan's most beloved brands. He shares his personal favourites of Tokyo - from food and shopping, to the best emerging artists and where to go to be inspired.
Dorothy Vacance is located on a quiet street in Oomori, outside of the madness of central Tokyo. The boutique was opened in April of this year and has quickly become a destination shop for those seeking one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces by designer, stylist and shop owner, Ayano Nakayama, aka Gon.
A welcome respite from the madness of Tokyo city streets, the restaurant Cocongo is a dream world of modernist primitivism. Conjured up by Chie and Makoto Kobayashi, Cocongo marries primitive and modern design for a result that is at one time arresting and at others inspirational.
Along the Meguro River in the Tokyo neighbourhood of Nakameguro and within the winding streets that lie beyond it are nestled an array of independent boutiques, vintage shops, quaint bars and cosy restaurants. It was on one of these sinuous paths that Haydee Kobe discovered the shop, Piña Colada, and met its charming owner, Takashi Fuchito.
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