When did you first start thinking of "owning" a piece of art?

I've vaguely thought about opening a store in the future since I was a child, and around the age of 25, I thought of starting by selling books  I had on hand, and that's how I ended up opening my current store. I found it interesting and enjoy having thoughts about the value; I can set any price to books at my own shop whereas if I were to sell the same books at second-hand bookstores, they would only pay a dime for them.
I had seen exhibitions at the book café Beyer (now closed) and Calo Bookshop & Cafe, which I used to go to before I opened my own shop. I thought they were great, so I started holding exhibitions for artists here officially. I was about 27 then. One of the art I bought at the time that exceptionally stood out was a painting and a ceramic plate by Chie Chihiro, a sister duo artist from Shiga.

What made you want to purchase a piece of art?

Chie Chihiro's ceramic plate is something you can enjoy as an art piece  and practically use it in daily life as well, so it was easy for me to picture taking it home. Of course, it was very attractive as a piece of art. There was also a painting that I bought when I was expecting to have a child in the near future, and it was naturally something that reminded me of  the existence of the baby. In the past, I would often invite artists through people or by chance, but recently I ask artists who I find good to exhibit. The criteria for being a good artist to me is an intuitive thing but... There was a project called "100 Book Covers" where we had a lot of participants, and through that we could connect with artists and end up having a solo exhibition too.

How do you enjoy the art you own?

Most paintings are kept somewhere I can notice in daily life such as on the TV or on the bookshelf.. I use some plate works for soy sauce, or plate shumai (Chinese dumplings) or karaage (fried chicken).

Do you think there’s a difference between seeing an exhibition or art in real life and online?

There is, of course, the surprise and pleasure of seeing art with the naked eye, but I believe that there is potential in the online world, where the work can be seen by many people, even through a monitor.

What kind of artwork would you like to own in the future?

I've always loved paintings, but lately I've come to enjoy feeling the weight and texture of figurines. There’s a joy in being able to hold them in hands. Personally, I'm attracted  to things that are a bit mysterious and free.

What does “Owned Art (the art you own)” mean to you?

Aside from the pleasure of owning it and feeling close to it, buying a piece is a great way to support an artist you admire, as well as the shop where you bought it from. Besides from my own store I bought the ones in the photo at Pulp, NEW PURE ＋ and opaltimes. I'm embarrassed to show you how I have huge financial ups and downs, that there clearly are times I can afford what I want or not. 

Do you have any advice for people considering buying art?

Picture what it would be like to welcome them home. Choose a piece that resonates your situation. And so on.