With an incredibly charming voice and smile, Yukiko Goto, the owner of the miscellaneous goods store "hal," has published numerous lifestyle books and is an object of admiration for many. Yet, she speaks to us from a relatable perspective, balancing a down-to-earth sensibility with humor. And of course, she possesses a discerning aesthetic sense. REN has been very intrigued by her.
This time, we have the opportunity to collaborate with Yukiko Goto, using REN's sheep mesh to create a circle basket. Three months later, we visited her store located in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture.
"Ms. Goto, how has the usability been since then?"
Something that you cultivate yourself.
The criteria for choosing a bag is simply that it must be simple.
▲We met on a day when the lingering heat of summer was intense. She welcomed us dressed in a cool linen dress.
I'm not particularly skilled at fashion, so I prefer simplicity, as it allows for easy coordination without needing advanced techniques. While I sometimes choose checked or floral patterns for clothing, I don’t own any flashy bags.
Even when I say I prefer simplicity, there are definitely likes and dislikes. There are times when I want to say, "I'm sorry!" (laughs).
▲The store is filled to the brim with all of Ms. Goto's favorite things, and her books are lined up in a row as well.
One thing about me is that I have a soft spot for repetitive patterns. It's not about randomness; I like the uniform arrangement as a personal tendency. That's why stripes and checkered patterns really resonate with me.
I prefer materials that are natural. I've always been fond of old things, drawn to items with character rather than shiny new ones. However, I also enjoy cultivating things myself, not just appreciating the aged. This includes baskets, wallets, wooden bowls, and even combs. I diligently apply camellia oil and take pleasure in the aging process.
Yes, that's why I also take care of my items. Being type O, I don’t go into too much detail or do it meticulously, but I’m not careless either. It’s a bit of a half-hearted approach (laughs).
▲I prefer to keep things out rather than stored away. Of course, it allows for good airflow, and more importantly, "if I put them away, they disappear from my memory."
What concerns me the most is trapped air. That’s why I apply waterproof spray to my leather items, and I don’t use them on rainy days. After I’m done using them, I leave them out on a chair for a while to allow for airflow.
"However, this is actually a source of disagreement between my husband and me. For instance, my husband wants to keep the cabinet doors closed to avoid dust, while I prefer to leave them open to prevent trapped air. We have different perspectives on this. However, after experiencing disappointment from mold and such in the past, I've lived my life up to this point with those reflections in mind (laughs)."
▲The contrast between the softly spoken voice and the surreal jokes creates a sense of familiarity.
What first caught my attention when I encountered REN's sheep mesh bag was the weaving pattern. I really love intricate weaves, just like with baskets, and I find myself gazing at it for a long time.
▲She also praised the texture, saying, "I want to keep touching it like this forever."
I couldn't tell just from seeing it online, but seeing it in person, I realized that the presence of the bag is just right. It’s not overly simplistic, yet it has a distinct atmosphere.
Also, when I hold it, I'm pleased with how well it fits. I have sloping shoulders, so bags usually tend to slide off, but this one has a single shoulder strap that stays in place nicely. Plus, it has a leather cord attached, so it doesn’t flop around and expose the contents, which made me think, "This is great!"
▲Inside the bag are my makeup pouch, a hand towel, a tissue case, a business card holder, my smartphone, my wallet, and my keys. "For me, the balance of capacity was just right."
Perhaps it’s the intricacy of the weave or the texture, but this “flexibility” is really nice, isn’t it? If it had a stiffer structure, it might have appeared much larger. At 153 cm tall, I struggle to use bigger bags, but this one is just the right size—not too large. Its softness conforms to my body, giving it a feminine touch. However, I think the impression may vary depending on who carries it.
▲One reason for the affection towards her is her willingness to stand and demonstrate her favorite features by actually carrying the bag. That spirit of service truly endears her to others.
It can be paired with a wide range of outfits without being limited to specific clothing, making it quite versatile or, shall we say, adaptable. This applies not just to bags but also to tableware. The more versatile an item is, the more frequently it gets used. As a result, there’s a sense of it becoming part of our home, almost like a member of the family.
Whenever I take this bag with me, I receive compliments everywhere I go. When someone asks, "That's cute! Where did you get it?" I stand up and show it off, saying things like, "Look, it has this cord attached!" It makes me feel quite proud.
I really liked its lightness, but above all, I appreciate how neat it looks. I’ve even talked about this with my husband. We say, “As we age, we need to dress well to avoid looking shabby. Let's be mindful of that!” (laughs)
ーPROFILEー
Yukiko Goto
In Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan, Yukiko Goto runs a shop called "hal," where she showcases only the items that she genuinely believes are "good" in her daily life. Her unpretentious essays and books, filled with insights and ideas for living, have also received great acclaim.
Official Website：Instagram：@gotoyukikodesu
Related Articles
