August 2023

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[Dojunkai Apartments]

The Dojunkai Apartments, constructed as post-earthquake reconstruction housing after the Great Kanto Earthquake, represent Japan's earliest examples of modern reinforced concrete fireproof apartments. The construction was overseen by the Dojunkai Foundation, which was established by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 1924 to support post-disaster recovery. The name "Dojunkai" is derived from a line in ancient Chinese literature, "淋同江海之潤," meaning "to generously enrich the common people." Until its dissolution in 1933, the Dojunkai Foundation built collective housing complexes in 16 locations across Tokyo and Yokohama. These apartments were equipped with amenities such as gas, water, and flush toilets, embodying progressive rental housing tailored to each local area and proposing a new way of life.

For instance, the Toranomon Apartment, built in the business district, was a combination of office and apartment spaces. The lower levels were used as Dojunkai's offices, while the upper floors were dedicated to single men's apartments. The building included dining halls and baths, and its grand entrance and spiral staircase were perfectly suited for businessmen. The Aoyama Apartment was constructed on Omotesando Avenue, targeting urban professionals. To maintain a sense of sanctity on the sacred avenue, measures were taken to conceal laundry and communal baths were provided on each floor. The charming appearance contributed to the cityscape and the building later served as boutiques and galleries, ultimately making way for Omotesando Hills. Additionally, the Otsuka Women's Apartment garnered attention as a cutting-edge residence for working women, a growing demographic at the time. Complete with elevators, dining areas, communal baths, lounges, laundry rooms, and sunrooms, it became popular among independent modern women like typists, teachers, and doctors. While all 16 of these apartments have since been demolished, the architects associated with the Dojunkai have engaged in various subsequent architectural endeavors.

Former director Yoshikazu Uchida, alongside his disciple Hideto Kishida, contributed to the reconstruction of the Tokyo Imperial University campus post-earthquake. They designed notable buildings such as the University of Tokyo's Yasuda Auditorium. The Gothic-inspired powerful design remains a symbol of the university to this day. Former construction department head Ryoichi Kawamoto, who worked on projects like the Toranomon Apartment, contributed to the Kudan Kaikan and Okuno Building designs. The Kudan Kaikan, initially named "Gunjin Kaikan," was used as lodgings and a hall for military personnel and later became a concert hall and wedding venue upon being renamed Kudan Kaikan. Its Japanese-inspired design with castle-like roofs, incorporating Art Deco elements at key points, is a symbolic presence in the Kudanshita landscape. The Okuno Building, previously known as the "Ginza Apartment," was a luxury apartment complex. Similar to the Dojunkai Apartments, it was reinforced concrete and featured communal baths, lounges, elevators, and even telephone lines in each room. Today, while retaining its exterior, elevators, stairwells, and corridors, the building houses numerous ateliers and galleries. Our store, too, has a showroom within the Okuno Building.

Amidst the chaos following the earthquake, many architects, including those from the Dojunkai, worked tirelessly to achieve recovery and create new urban spaces. It's evident that they blended Western architectural styles with traditional Japanese housing concepts, adapting to the rapidly changing era's way of life. The lifestyles and architectural styles that these buildings birthed will undoubtedly continue to influence our lives moving forward.

Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html

References
https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/146645
https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/457999
https://www.a-quad.jp/exhibition/070/p11.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dojunkai_Apartment
http://www.anno-spero.org/memes/writings/dojunkai/main08-2.htm

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[Beans of Delight]

Have you ever paused to reflect on the variety of beans you consume each day? When considering your daily diet, do soy-based products like natto, miso, and tofu come to mind? From spring through early summer, and into the heart of the season, a vibrant assortment of fresh vegetables grace the vegetable section: edamame, snap peas, and string beans, among others. As summer reaches its peak, an array of edamame options from different regions and with unique names take center stage. From convenient and easy-to-eat selections to those of more exquisite nature, there's a wealth of choice. Today, there are over 400 edamame varieties, with imports even hailing from Taiwan and Thailand.

Edamame, the tender and immature seeds of the soybean, is classified as a vegetable in nutritional charts, while soybeans themselves are categorized as legumes. Both are rich in nutrients, yet edamame boasts significantly higher amounts of β-carotene and vitamin C compared to soybeans. Notably, a 100g serving of edamame contains approximately one-third of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. This is due to the fact that, during the plant's growth through photosynthesis, active oxygen is generated, prompting the production of β-carotene and vitamin C for self-defense. These nutrients, synthesized in the leaves, are then transported to the beans. By enjoying them before the leaves turn brown, you can take advantage of this abundance of nutrients. Edamame also complements alcoholic beverages, as it contains numerous nutrients that aid in alcohol metabolism. Even beer, a libation often associated with good nutrition, lacks protein, fat, dietary fiber, β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin K, and vitamin C—elements found in edamame. Consuming edamame along with beer can help replenish these missing nutrients. The iconic summer duo of "beer and edamame" has a foundation rooted in these nutritional facts.

Various other types of beans offer a plethora of nutrients as well. Kidney beans and adzuki beans promote carbohydrate metabolism and contain ample amounts of vitamin B1, which helps alleviate fatigue. Furthermore, they are rich in vitamin B6, which aids in protein breakdown, making them especially beneficial for repairing sun-damaged hair and aiding skin regeneration during the summer. Abundant in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron, these beans are an essential addition to your diet. Despite the scorching summer heat that might make kitchen duty seem unappealing, consider making use of canned or packaged beans, or boiling and freezing them in portions for later use. Embrace these methods to make the most of your summer cuisine.

In Ginza, there's an array of delectable seasonal bean sweets. At "Kirin," a Chinese restaurant on Ginza Suzuran Street, you can savor their six-bean brown sugar shaved ice. A bed of shaved ice is topped with subtly sweet adzuki beans, white kidney beans, mung beans, broad beans, lentils, and black beans. Simple vanilla ice cream is nestled within the ice, and you can enhance the experience with a drizzle of rich black honey. While simpler compared to the upgraded shaved ice offerings of today, this heartwarming treat allows you to relish six varieties of beans at once. The ambiance of the restaurant is serene, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the main street. On the ground floor, you'll find Chinese sweets and teas, while the second floor boasts hearty lunches. This dish, evoking memories of summer, is a must-try when you find yourself in Ginza.

Ginza Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html
Ginza Kirin
https://ginzakirin.com/
Rikucho Ogasawara's Frying Pan
https://www.shokunin.com/en/rikucho/fryingpan.html

References
https://mame-no-hi.jp/news/1514/
https://www.ienomistyle.com/column/20200611-4063

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[Siwa's Tote Bag]

When you have to carry a lot of belongings, the weight of the bag can significantly affect your mobility as you navigate the streets. Whether you're borrowing several books from the library, stocking up on groceries for a few days at the supermarket, or lugging a few wine bottles for a party, these situations are quite common. When you're on a sudden business trip or a getaway, engaging in outdoor activities or sports, wouldn't it be convenient to have a bag that opens up for easy access, provides ample storage, is sturdy yet lightweight, and serves countless purposes?

Siwa's Tote Bag is crafted using a technique called "washi-suki" (traditional Japanese papermaking) with a material called "Hard Naoron," which is made using recycled polyester fibers from used PET bottles and discarded textile products. Naoron does not emit noxious fumes when burned. It boasts the unique texture of paper while being tear-resistant and waterproof. Having undergone a weight resistance test of up to 10kg, you can rest assured even when placing damp items like umbrellas inside – the bag won't tear. When not in use, its slim foldable design adds to its appeal, making it a handy companion for shopping trips. The bag's spacious bottom gusset is also ideal for those with plenty to carry. Each bag is sewn meticulously by skilled artisans using a discreet double-stitched sewing technique that enhances its durability.

Naoron, crafted using the traditional washi-suki method, is an innovative take on centuries-old Japanese paper from Ichikawa-Daimon, Yamanashi Prefecture, a region still known for its paper-making heritage. With this blend of advanced Japanese craftsmanship, why not venture out into the city and experience its practicality firsthand?

Siwa's Tote Bag
https://www.shokunin.com/en/siwa/tote.html