Suddenly, what comes to mind when you hear the word 'Kamo'?

The squirrel park you went to when you were little? The hard slides to climb? To be honest, I can't think of anything ... I can hear some of you saying that.

In fact, Kamo has its own specialities.

That is paulownia chest of drawers. The name is so familiar to citizens that it has appeared in classes since primary school.

Kamo is the largest producer of paulownia chests of drawers in Japan, boasting 70% of the national production. Its history is said to date back more than 220 years. As 70% of the total area is mountainous, natural paulownia wood was abundant.

It is said that carpenters began making them while working during the Tenmei period (1781-89) and that they were moved to Niigata and the Tohoku region around 1820. Paulownia wood, which is impervious to moisture, has been used as a bride's wardrobe to protect important kimonos, as it is suited to Japan's humid and humid climate.

However, as westernisation progressed, the number of people wearing kimonos decreased. This reduced the demand for paulownia chests of drawers...

The company that stood up to this challenge was Ishimoku Corporation, which has its head office in Kamo.

'I want to move the stopped paulownia culture time.'

With this in mind, the company develops and sells paulownia products with the aim of creating interiors that are acceptable in the modern age. When I heard that the shop and gallery was located in Kamo, I rushed over.

As I was driving from the Sanjo direction towards Kamo city centre, I saw the large letters 'Kiriko Modern'. The parking lot in front of the shop has space for about five cars. I managed to park my car and went inside the shop.

The first thing that caught my eye was a sandbox for children...? Not a sandbox, but a small ball made of paulownia wood. It seems to have been made to resemble a sandbox.

Incidentally, this is what the shop looks like.

In front of you as you enter the shop are photo frames and lacquerware made from paulownia wood. Prices range from around ¥1,000 to ¥5,000, making them ideal as small souvenirs or gifts.

The next thing I saw was a chopping board.

A chopping board made of paulownia wood has seven advantages, including being light, quick-drying and antibacterial. It is indeed light when you hold it. It seems to be a strong ally for housewives.

If you go straight to the back with a chopping board by your side, you will find a space that looks like a living room..!

The desks, chairs and shelves are all made of paulownia wood! If I could spend time in a place like this, I would feel kind.

I suddenly found myself daydreaming about how I would like to spend my old age sitting in this chair.

And then there is also a café, which is a welcome addition.

Gelato and small pastries are available. Moreover, tea is provided free of charge.

I ordered a limited-time pear gelato.

All coasters are also paulownia.

The gelato was not too cold, not too sweet, just the right amount.

In fact, the shop also has a second floor, and the second floor is like a real home.

Simulated experience of a paulownia house. Of course, paulownia chests of drawers can be purchased.

Paulownia chests of drawers have a strong image of being expensive. It has many other uses besides chests of drawers, such as for small items, chopping boards and chairs.

Personally, I would use it to select gifts.

If you are ever in Kamo, you should definitely stop by.

You may find a new use for a speciality product.

Spotlight.

Kiriko Modern (Ishimoku Corporation).

• 10007-3 Kamo Shinden, Kamo City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan 959-1311
• TEL 0256-53-4111／FAX 0256-53-4080