10 October 2025

Design decisions

Today, I visited the LIXIL and TOTO showrooms in Kofu and made decisions on the windows, doors, shutters, kitchen, and bathroom for the shop.

Other decisions still to be made include the texture and colour of the shop’s exterior walls, flooring options inside the shop and on the porch, and practical details like POS systems and other operational equipment.

There are so many decisions to make, but it really feels like the vision of the shop is starting to come together.

6–9 October 2025

Clearing the land

My husband and I worked together to cut the grass, which had grown quite tall and needed to be cleared to prepare the land for ground filling. A kind neighbour lent us a grass-cutting machine, which was incredibly helpful. What we expected to take one day ended up taking four, but the land is finally ready for the next stage.
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26 September 2025

Final government approvals complete

After a long journey, we’ve finally secured all the government approvals needed to build the shop. This process included agricultural land conversion and development approval. It’s a major milestone and a relief to have everything formally signed off.

There is a beautiful view of Mt Fuji at the land today. Now that it’s late summer, the grass is long and thick.

20 August 2025

Commissioning an illustration

I commissioned a watercolour artist to create a sketch of the shop, using an architectural render and a garden sketch from the landscaper as reference. The artist did a beautiful job, and the illustration really helped me imagine how the shop will look once everything comes together.

18 August 2025

Plans taking shape

After many meetings and discussions with the architect, the plans are becoming finalised. Through this process, the layout and details of the shop have gradually taken shape, balancing practicality with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

19–20 July 2025

Craft festival weekend

I visited a festival this weekend and was inspired to see the creative work of so many talented women artists. From large city events to small rural markets, each visit offers a chance to experience artists’ work up close and have meaningful conversations. I’ll continue exploring markets and attending events across Japan most weekends through the end of the year.

15 July 2025

Landscaping plans

I’ve been thinking about the landscaping at the front of the shop and want it to feel welcoming, with a Japanese-style garden that guides visitors toward the entrance.

I found a landscaper from Gifu Prefecture, Ohta Niwaishi, who specialises in Japanese gardens. She came all the way from Gifu several times to inspect the site and prepared garden designs for the front and back of the shop. I’m looking forward to seeing the garden take shape in spring.

20 June 2025

Local approvals

As part of the development approval process, I attended an on-site meeting with the surveyor and the neighbouring property owners to confirm the property boundaries. We then visited the local community leader to formally introduce the project and receive their acknowledgement.

These were important steps and a good reminder of how much care and cooperation go into a project like this.