and wander ONLINE STORE

Special exhibition “INSIDE and OUT”, now a well-known Spring feature at OUTDOOR GALLERY, is back again this year welcoming a host of unique creators to bring you products and art work inspired by nature. Exhibited on the 3rd floor are ceramics and dyed textiles, each an impressive work of art in and of itself. On the 4th floor, creators hailing from all over Japan, from Tohoku to Okinawa, share the riches of their respective local regions. We invite you to drop by and savor the fresh mountain forest scent that fills the gallery, as if you were enjoying a relaxing hike.

Friday, 14 April ~ Sunday, May 28, 2023
12:00 – 19:00 (closes at 17:00 on the last day), closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
3F & 4F, and wander OUTDOOR GALLERY with PAPERSKY
22-8 Motoyoyogicho, Shibuya, Tokyo
tel. 03-6407-8179

Yotsume Somenunosha　●Oita / Dyed textiles

COMMENT At Yotsume Somenunosha, we use a traditional dyeing technique that has been in use since the Muromachi Period (14th to 16th century) to create everyday items such as “noren” curtains and clothes. Our patterns, such as the flock of crows or abstract representations of clouds and wind, have some sort of connection with original Japanese landscapes and are all our own original designs. While our patterns may evoke feelings of nostalgia, rather than simply imitating tradition, we always consider how we can weave something “new” into our fabrics. At a time when our “raison d’ 'être” as artisans, designers and artists is being brought into question by the rapid advances of AI, what should we be creating? We look to the nature of Oita to teach us as we battle with these questions on a daily basis.

PROFILE Yotsume Somenunosha
A fabric dye house where designer Toyokazu Ono designs textiles. Fabric used to make daily items such as clothes, “noren” curtains and cushion covers, is dyed using traditional Japanese dying techniques such as “tsutsugaki” (resist dyeing) and “katazome” (stencil dyeing). All the patterns are original designs by Ono himself, who aims to “design a transfer of energy from fabric and patterns” through his textiles that are simultaneously nostalgic and novel.
https://www.yotsume.co/

Miki Oka　●Oita / Pottery

COMMENT My creative process is based on pure inspiration. I rarely decide a theme in advance or make a draft design. When I’m moved by something in nature or some event in my day-to-day life, I feel an instinctive desire to give it form. Nature and daily life are ever changing. As my creations are an expression of this, no two are ever the same. I follow my instinct. That’s what pottery is to me. As my creations are an unbridled expression of my inspiration, I also do not want to impose my preferences onto the user. I’m happy for something I made as a cup to be used as a vase. The earthenware pot that I made for this occasion can be used in many different ways: to fry, stew or grill food. Its shape is also like an “objet d’art” so it would likewise look good simply as a kitchen ornament. Merely the fact that somebody has chosen something I made makes me happy. Once it is theirs, all I wish is that they enjoy it in any way their personal inspiration dictates.

PROFILE Miki Oka
Potter. After learning pottery at Kyoto Saga Art College, Oka acquired a deep interest in Australian Aboriginal art, joining artist-in-residence programs in both Australia and the United States. She is now based in Kunimi in Kunisaki City, Oita, and continues to create her free spirited and lively pottery that appeals directly to our aesthetic senses.
https://www.mikioka.com/

ENTOHO　●Toyama / Outdoor Craft

COMMENT I am based in Toyama where I create gear to make your time spent in the mountains more fun. I use a process of trial and error to create tools inspired by my trips to the mountains or simply by the needs of daily life. It all started at a spring skiing trip six years ago. That was when I first discovered “glissading” (bum sledging or sledding). After some research I discovered that, while glissage-sledges for children exist, no one made them for adults. So, I immediately got to work to see how I could make one. I wanted to create a sledge that could do turns. It was also important that it would fit into a 20L backpack and that it looked good. Another product that I am proud of would be our tarp poles that are made from naturally grown branches. We made many proto-types of the “hips Slide” and tarp poles, working through many challenges to perfect them. It’s that creative process that’s fun, and I enjoy the process of trial and error as each stage brings me closer to nature. It makes me happy to think that the products that we create will accompany you on your next outdoor or mountain recreation trip.

PROFILE ENTOHO
Based in Toyama, a stone’s throw from the Japanese northern Alps, ENTOHO produces gear for mountain fun. Creates unique “tools” that are inspired by brand director Daijiro Kigoshi’s time spent in nature, and perfected through trial and error.
http://entoho.com/

13ji (Jusanji)　●Yamagata / Aromatic distilled waters and food items

COMMENT We live in the foothills of Mount Gassan, a 1984m high volcano situated near the center of Yamagata prefecture. While running a café there, we also create and sell various food items and aroma products such as essential oil extracted from Kuromoji (lindera) that grows on Mount Gassan, or fuki-noto miso made with the first fuki-noto (the edible flower bud of the fuki plant) of the spring. Our popular maple syrup is 100% pure painted maple (acer pictum) sap and is extremely rare as it can only be collected during three weeks out of each year. Human life has always been dependent on nature’s bounty. As such, humans and nature have a long and deep relationship. At “13ji” we aim to offer products that have been forged out of this relationship. We invite you to use your senses of taste and of smell to experience the natural bounty of Mount Gassan.

PROFILE 13ji (Jusanji)
A café located in the foothills of Mount Gassan in Yamagata prefecture. Owner Daizaburo Sakamoto is a Yamabushi (mountain monk) and artist. The café is named after the imaginary time of “13 o’clock” from the British children’s novel “Tom’s Midnight Garden”. The animals depicted on their own brand “KUZURI” packaging are also drawn by Sakamoto.
https://www.kuzuri.net/

SUIGEN　●Okinawa / Mist sprays and herb teas

COMMENT It’s been one year since I last participated in this event. I’m happy to have the opportunity again this year to share the pleasant sensation of spring that radiates from plants in Okinawa and Oita. Having a mindful connection between ourselves and nature is very important to me for all of my products. The sensibility I gained through growing up surrounded by nature, and the knowledge and experience I have acquired through dealing with my own allergies, have inspired these natural mists and sprays. My latest product is a blended tea called “Morino Cha”. I call it “Wild Forest Tea” because it’s a source of direct plant energy. One drink and you will feel a wave of relief wash over you, as if the vitality of the forest itself was surrounding you. A tea that will nourish the body with quiet strength.

PROFILE SUIGEN
Brand of products that concentrate the vital power of plants, directed by Sari Anton. The brand name comes from the Japanese word “suigen” which means “water source”. Anton produces mists and herb teas that promote a healthy body and soul. Dividing her time between her two bases in Okinawa and Oita, she creates products that embody the power of plants from both regions.
https://suigen-s.com/

back to Nature　●Tokyo / Flowers

COMMENT Founded eight years ago by sisters Tomoko (florist) and Junko (stylist/fashion designer). The source of our inspiration is the natural landscapes we saw as children. The wreaths and garlands that we created for this exhibition are traditional items, but, through our creative process, we have superimposed the landscapes of our childhood onto them. The name “back to Nature” is an expression of our desire to get closer to nature. The smudging wands that we made especially for this exhibition are something that we’ve wanted to make for a long time now. We prepared them by bundling white sage, herbs and Palo Santo sticks together, and they can be used to cleanse your spirit and mind. We hope that our products will help you to recall a natural landscape from your memory.

PROFILE Back to Nature
Produced by sisters Tomoko Okawa (florist) and Junko Okawa (stylist/fashion designer). Their products fit easily into any interior decor, and include not only bouquets but also garlands and wreaths. Their popular natural-style flower arrangements are at once familiar and evocative of natural landscapes.
https://backtonature.jp/

一hashime　●Shizuoka / Brooms

COMMENT Based in Shizuoka, I make both traditional brooms and brooms designed for a modern lifestyles based on my own creative inspiration. I do everything by hand. I grow the raw material “broom corn” myself, without using any pesticides, and harvest it myself as well. Brooms can actually be a very useful part of a modern lifestyle. The tips of the brush are soft and so will not scratch your floor, and every time you clean, you will feel the power of nature in the palm of your hand. The wide range of different shapes and sizes is also one of the attractions of my brooms. For example, the “Yama-hoki” has a short handle and can be used with a strong grip. Your strength is easily transferred to the tip of the brush and the bristles are dense making it perfect for brushing leather. We have prepared approximately ten unique brooms specifically for this exhibition. I invite you to pick them up and feel the traditional Japanese aesthetic and the power of nature that resides in them.

PROFILE Hashime
A brand of brooms by broom craftsman Kenya Kobayashi. Every step of the process is done by hand and Kobayashi even grows and harvests the raw material broom corn himself. The bristles from the broom corn, which he grows without any pesticides, are soft with just the right amount of resilience making them perfect to use not only on Tatami mats, but also on sorts of materials such as flooring, tiles and concrete. As well as the traditional long handled broom or mid-length broom, Kobayashi also creates beautiful original brooms with intricate braiding on the handle.
https://www.instagram.com/1_hashime/

Haremaganozoku　●Tokyo / Embroidery

COMMENT I create embroidery that helps us recall the mountain vibe we experience when hiking. When the weather is good, I go hiking, and on days that I cannot go to the mountains because of rain or of work, I embroider images of mountains. I founded the project “Haremaganozoku” (moments of sunshine peak through) as an outlet for this work. To me the act of slowly climbing a mountain, step after step, putting each foot in front of the other, and the act of sewing, moving the needle forward, one stitch at a time, are similar in spirit. The canvas and wood panel embroideries that I am exhibiting come with a map of the actual hiking route as well as an essay about my experience. I hope that they will help you visualize the hike and add to your enjoyment of the embroidered mountain images. My wish is that my embroidery will guide your mind on a mountain hike as you think “is that the view from…?” or “that’s the ridge I hiked along last year!” or “I’d love to go there”. There is no greater pleasure for me than for my work to be appreciated in this way.

PROFILE Haremaganozoku
Embroidery artist Aiko Hara lives in Takao, Tokyo where she divides her time between hiking on days when the weather is nice and sewing mountain inspired embroidery when it rains. Her embroidery depicts actual mountain ridges that she has seen, impressive mountains from around the world, and imaginary mountains. She aims to create embroidery that will enable your mind to travel up into the mountains, even while your body remains physically in the city.
https://www.haremaganozoku.com/

mountain＊mountain w/cafe flat　●Yamanashi / food items

COMMENT Our café is nestled in a small village between Yatsugatake and the Southern Japanese Alps in a place where time runs slowly and the air is clear. Our food and drink menu is based on the concept of putting “delicious food from all around the world onto one plate”. For this exhibition we are contributing products that make it easy to enjoy delicious global cuisine when outdoors. For example, our “Yakuzen Mushroom Hot Pot” that was created in collaboration with a mushroom farm in Hakushu, makes it easy to cook a delicious mushroom yakuzen hot pot just by adding a few ingredients of your choice. “Hakushu Craft Cola” is a spicy craft cola, brimming with the natural bounty of the Hakushu region. It is made with natural spring water from the Southern Japanese Alps with a blend of ten different spices. Pack these items for your next camping or hiking trip and enjoy a delicious and relaxing time.

PROFILE Mountain＊Mountain with Café Flat
Opened in 2015 in Nagasaka in Hokuto city, Yamanashi Prefecture. Owner Hiroshi Yamashita opened this café after many years traveling the world as a photojournalist. The café looks out over Yatsugatake and the Southern Japanese Alps and serves global fusion cuisine inspired by his world travels. His original meal kits that use an abundant array of spices and his condiments such as “Toujanjan” and “Rayu”, are also very popular.
http://mountain-mountain.jp/

Mitake Saito Shoten　●Gifu / wooden cutlery, food items, dyed

COMMENT We are based in Mitake, Gifu, where we make a range of environmentally friendly products, including original condiments made with pesticide free ingredients sourced locally in Gifu, handmade wooden cutlery and homemade Loofah sponges, etc. We strive to reduce our environmental impact as much as possible. In a time when information and materials are easy to come by and when we are surrounded by “stuff”, we believe that it’s important that producers endeavor to make items that will not create waste. Secondly, it’s also important that consumers choose products that won’t produce waste. For example, our Loofah sponges are homegrown without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. You can cut them to the size that you desire and use them as washing-up sponges. They don’t get as dirty as normal sponges and last a long time. Once you’ve finished using them, they will decompose. They do not produce microplastics so you can use them when camping in the mountains or by rivers without any worries. We always consider whether what we are creating is worth leaving behind for future generations, and enjoy the process of living through trial and error. We hope to be able to do our small part to promote a concern for the wellbeing of our planet.

PROFILE Mitake Saito Shoten
Based in Mitake town, Gifu Prefecture, making environmentally friendly condiments and household items. All their food items are free from artificial flavoring, preservatives and colors. Their ingredients are sourced locally from Gifu. Offers a selection of sustainable lifestyle products, including handmade wooden cutlery coated with a vegetable-based oil, and homegrown sun-dried Loofah sponges that are pesticide and bleach free.
https://mitake-saito-shoten.com/

REAL PLANTS　●Okinawa / “Weeds” Products

COMMENT I founded “Real Plants” in the summer of 2022 because I wanted to make products that would enable people to experience the power of “weeds” – the nature that thrives closest to us. Yomogi is a weed that has grown in Japan since ancient times and has been popular as a panacea to “warm the body” or to treat cuts and scratches. My “Yomogi salt” makes it possible to incorporate the power of Yomogi into your daily life. It is a product that many people come back to again and again, and it has many uses – it can be used in cooking, as bath salts, for a head massage or brushing your teeth. It also makes a delicious dish when sprinkled on apples. We invite you to try our products and experience the power and goodness of the nature that surrounds us. Cities are abound with many kinds of weeds, some are edible, others are medicinal and I hope that you might notice a few more of the weeds growing under your feet as you walk home from this exhibition. I plan to slowly increase our product range in the future and look forward to your support!

PROFILE Real Plants
“Weeds grow however and wherever they please, so they have an amazing vital power”. So says botanist Yoco Kawashima, who founded the weeds-based product range “Real Plants”. Each product introduces a different weed and her products help us gain a deep understanding of the power of plants, and how they affect us. Based in Okinawa, creating items that bring comfort to our lives.
https://store.realplants-all.com/