Along Suzuran Dori, which should be said to be the main street in Jinbocho, is Bunpoudo, a store for art supplies, stationary, and select miscellaneous goods, which this year entered its 130th year of establishment.
On the basis of the concept of “Make Art a Part of Everyday Living”, it is aimed at people who are interested in trying to come into contact with art.
While it is of course a place where art supplies are sold, there is also a gallery and art school, and it has a joint establishment with the gallery café. Even if you come to the store without any art supplies in hand, it is a place that has art supplies prepared, where you can draw pictures, as well as a place that displays works of art, where you can chat along with companions.
In addition, the store building is an old building that miraculously escaped destruction from such events as the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and wartime fires. The outer wall remained was left as is, as an exterior with history and meaning, and when also paired with the interior, including the furniture and lighting, it becomes a space that overflows with warmth and friendliness.
Text & Photos by Tetsuya Hineno
文房堂
