Introduction
Hello, my name is Shinichi Murota.
I was born the son of a kimono shop owner. Although I was unable to take over my parents’ business, I have always been proud of it, and I’ve had a deep affection for the “Onkimono-dokoro Takichi” shop that will now be repurposed after standing vacant. The shop, Takichi, was loved not only by my parents but also by many customers and fellow merchants. The thought that it will soon be reborn as a community gathering place for many to enjoy once again fills me with joy.
The photo shown is of my family in 2017, taken when we celebrated my son’s 7-5-3 (rite of passage) festival.
When my parents passed away in 2023, Takichi became vacant. I considered tearing it down and selling the property, but the spacious first-floor shop seemed perfect for use in community activities. So I consulted with the Nerima City Council of Social Welfare. The Council introduced me to people who were willing to explore possible uses for the building, and together we have been holding regular meetings to prepare for its next chapter.
The Social Issue We Aim to Tackle
According to the Council, the Shimo-Shakujii area where Takichi is located has very few community spaces where people of all ages—children through seniors—can casually drop in.
Although there are many vacant houses across Japan, progress in reusing them has been slow. In the case of Takichi, since I, the owner, don’t live nearby, I must entrust its operation to someone else. I believe many owners in similar circumstances end up giving up on finding ways to make use of their empty properties.
Why This Issue Matters to Me
While Takichi was a kimono shop, it was not your ordinary kimono shop. My parents were not particularly profit-driven—they valued offering fine products at the lowest possible prices and sharing the joy of kimono culture. Many customers came not only to shop but also to enjoy chatting with my parents about kimonos and many other topics. Tea and dance teachers were among the regular visitors.
Since my father loved playing Go, fellow merchants would sometimes stop by during the day to enjoy a game at Takichi. In a way, the shop may have always been a gathering place for many.
Although my parents are gone now and no more kimonos will be sold here, I hope Takichi will continue to be a welcoming place—this time for an even broader cross-section of the local community.
What We Aim to Achieve Through This Project
Since October 2024, we’ve been holding preparatory meetings to reopen Takichi as a community hub. Participants include people who run local childcare salons, staff from the community comprehensive support center for seniors, children’s cafeteria organizers, chief child welfare officers, graduate students interested in community spaces, and even local high school students.
In June this year, about 20 people interested in using Takichi gathered for the Takichi Utilization Workshop, where we discussed concrete ideas for its use ahead of the August grand opening. From these discussions, four projects have been launched:
- Children’s Cafeteria
- Café Takichi
- Gorogoro Daradara (“Lounge Around”)
- Handmade Goods Exhibition & Sale
We’re also preparing rental fees and key-handling procedures for those who want to use Takichi. Although it has been about two and a half years since the shop closed, it’s finally about to once again become a place for community use. However, this requires building repairs, renovations, and systems to allow people or groups who cannot afford standard rental fees to use the space at reduced cost.
About the Returns
The biggest highlight of this crowdfunding campaign is that we will offer the final remaining merchandise from the Takichi storeroom as rewards. The items will be provided as bolts of kimono fabric, but if you wish, we can introduce you to the Kyoto tailoring shop that Takichi always used.
For those who don’t often have the chance to wear kimono, we recommend remaking the fabric into Western-style clothing. We will also offer original Takichi neckties made from kimono fabric. And of course, we welcome “support-only” plans as well as Takichi usage vouchers.
Please refer to this page for detailed information and stock availability before applying for rewards.
SORRY!! We DO NOT ship items overseas.
If you donate from overseas, please choose “support-only” unless you can provide a domestic shipping address.
Messages of Support
Former Takichi Customer
I was delighted to hear that the Murota siblings are starting “Minna no Ie Takichi.” Their parents, a warm and close couple, always greeted me with smiles whenever I visited, and I loved spending unhurried moments admiring beautiful kimono bolts. I believe the building itself holds memories of joyful times shared by many. I wish for great success in running it as a “third place” for the community.
My Parents’ Care Manager
My name is Nakazawa, and I served as the parents’ care manager. I always loved spending time at Takichi, listening to their stories. Opening the sliding door revealed a tatami-floored shop space with a calm, quiet atmosphere unlike the world outside. I remember their warm smiles vividly. I’m sure they would be pleased to see Takichi, which they cherished, become a gathering space for the community. I’m looking forward to it myself.
Professor Kumada, Musashino University
I live not far from Takichi. Unlike public facilities like community centers, spaces like these are attractive precisely because of the owner’s “personality.” As a kimono shop and gathering place, Takichi’s owners, customers, and community members have woven a wonderful shared story, making it a true local treasure filled with memories and meaning. I hope everyone will nurture this treasure, inheriting the baton from your parents to carry on the community’s story. As a resident of Nerima, I’m glad to witness the birth of a new space and a new chapter.
Colleague of My Sister
I joined the company the same year as Shinichi’s sister, so I often visited the Murota home and am deeply grateful to your parents. I fondly recall visiting with my mother to purchase kimono and obi, being dressed by your mother, and learning proper social manners from your father. They were a warm and hospitable couple, and I look forward to seeing Takichi reborn as a space where the community will feel equally welcome.
Schedule
- July 5 – Launch of crowdfunding team
- July 18 – Start of crowdfunding
- Aug 4 – Takichi Opening Event – “Gorogoro Daradara”
- Aug 10 – Children’s Cafeteria (Arinko Shokudo)
- Aug 16 – Café Takichi
- Aug 24 – Takichi Flea Market
- Aug 26 – Handicraft Café
- Aug 30 – End of crowdfunding
- Sep 7 – Start of shipping returns
How Funds Will Be Used
- Installation of 2 air conditioners: ~¥200,000
- Restroom renovation: ~¥100,000
- Ventilator installation: ~¥100,000
- Installation of a veranda/deck: ~¥200,000
- Tatami mat replacement: ~¥500,000
- Replacement of gas stove: ~¥80,000
- Replacement of intercom: ~¥50,000
- Installation of handrails: ~¥100,000
- Purchase of essential appliances (rice cooker, electric kettle, etc.): ~¥80,000
- Subsidy program for reduced Takichi rental fees: ~¥500,000
Funding Method:
This project will use the “All-in” system. Even if we don’t reach the target amount, the plan will still go ahead and returns will be delivered.
Closing Message
Takichi aims to be a cozy, welcoming space where everyone can gather.
A place where children without a safe spot at home can spend their day in comfort… where seniors living alone can sip tea and chat… where hobby groups meet monthly for fun… where kids and adults cook and eat together… where anyone with a little free time can drop by to relax.
I want Takichi to be used in many ways. As someone who inherited this vacant property, I believe my role is to make it a safe and welcoming place for everyone. For over two years, I have been clearing rooms, sorting through my parents’ belongings, and disposing of waste in preparation. Now, while keeping traces of the old Takichi, we are beginning a new chapter together with many people from the community.
Please lend us your support.
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