The Least Useful Guide to Fukuoka

Meet Mr. Kashiwazaki ― 2018/05/25

At a local art museum, I came across works of Eisuke Kashiwazaki, an industrial designer (in my understanding) who worked in a range of fields from Urushi ware to bamboo crafts.

Designed before WWII, the lacquered box on the display felt incredibly fresh and modern—innovative, even. If tableware of his design was still on the market (not second-hand), I would start saving money to get one.

Interestingly, Mr. Kashiwabara was involved (supervising or planning?)in Fukuoka’s legendary lifestyle store, NIC. NIC on the first floor of Fukuoka Building (now occupied by TSUTAYA) was the most stylish and prestigious store in Fukuoka when I was much younger… When we usually bought household items without considering much about their design, NIC offered well-designed, high-quality stuff, which was beautiful on their own, but by no means accessible in terms of price and aesthetics. But I loved having a tea at its tea room, which made me feel as if I had a good taste...It is convincing that behind such a great store, there was this great designer.

Other than Mr. Kashiwazaki, I came to know great artists related to Fukuoka and Fukoka-themed artworks. It was a shame I haven’t known their works and the fact that we can view and appreciate them at a cost of 210 yen.