Just a short walk from REN Kuramae store is our neighbor, Kimura Shokudo, an Italian restaurant. Kimura Shokudo is dedicated to serving "regional Italian cuisine that could exist in Italy," focusing on simple preparations that highlight the ingredients themselves without relying on elaborate techniques or presentations. This approach has earned the restaurant a long-standing place in the hearts of the locals in this neighborhood.
Since 2014, Ryohei Kimura has been running Kimura Shokudo by himself. He is also a long-time loyal customer of REN and has purchased various items over the years, including business card holders, wallets, and bags.
This time, we had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Kimura. He also showed us his well-used "Big Tote/High density nylon," which he has been using for the past four years and has developed a great character.
Easily bored, yet quick to immerse himself.
I'm just really easily bored.
In April 2023, I changed the restaurant's name to 'Kimura Shokudo' simply because I got bored. For eight years, I had been operating under the name 'Goloso,' but I realized that I wasn't really making heavy, traditional Italian dishes using Italian ingredients. One day, I started rethinking it and gradually began to feel, 'This name doesn't really fit,' and it started to bother me more and more,
he said with a laugh.
However, once I get hooked on something, I tend to dive in deeply.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, after closing the restaurant early each day, I had so much free time that I started practicing guitar and ukulele again, which I used to play. I also got into smoking pipes at bars and discovered that they have a surprisingly simple structure. This led me to start making my own pipes. My friends were delighted when I gave them as gifts, and I became more and more engrossed, even finishing them with lacquer.
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Cooking, music, and pipe-making all fall under the category of 'creating,' but each has its own unique appeal, whether it's something that takes shape and lasts or requires a certain amount of practice. However, my enthusiasm for music and pipe-making was short-lived, and I quickly lost interest,
A love for leather runs in the family.
I'm easily bored, but I do have a fondness for items that are used over a long time, like leather. I really like them. Actually, my father is a leather cutter. There was a factory near our home, so as a child, I often went there to watch and sometimes helped out with small tasks.The menu covers we use at Kimura Shokudo now were made by my father. He shaped thick leather by wetting it and placing weights on it. The cushions were made by my mother. They are made from goat leather covering Muji urethane, and we've been using them for about 10 years.
I first visited REN about 10 years ago, just a short walk from here, and bought a business card holder. I'm still using it to this day. After that, I bought a bifold wallet, which I used for many years until it broke. However, since it had developed a nice patina, I returned it to the store as an aging sample.
I continue to use REN's products because the leather is beautiful and stylish. Plus, I prefer to shop at local stores whenever possible.
It has a soft, nice feel. But since it's not leather, I don't have any hesitation using it.
Apart from the business card holder, the other item I use daily is a tote bag I bought 4 or 5 years ago. I got it for everyday use and shopping, and my commuting style involves stuffing it with vegetables and tossing it into the front basket of my bike.Since I tend to worry if a bag doesn't have enough capacity, this size is the minimum I prefer. However, I usually only carry my wallet, a small pouch, sunglasses, and a change of shirt—so it's a bit light. But I think that's what makes it look good when carried.
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It's made of nylon, not leather, but it has a nice suede-like feel. It doesn't get sticky, and it's supple, so it fits well when I sling it over my shoulder. If a bag this size were made of leather, it would probably be quite expensive, so I think this is just perfect for me.
It's incredibly light, and I love that I can just roll it up when I travel. Since I don't have to worry about dirt, I can put it directly on the ground without hesitation (laughs). On rainy days, I sometimes put it in a Mont-bell outdoor sack to protect the contents, but even if it gets wet, it dries quickly. I've even washed it thoroughly two or three times.
After using it for a long time without getting bored, the handles have become quite worn. However, I put handle covers I bought on Amazon on them and continue to use the bag.
-PROFILE-
Kimura Shokudo
We carefully select flavorful vegetables, fish, and meat. Based on Italian cuisine, we pursue the most delicious dishes.
Taito-ku, Kuramae 4-5-2
Closed on Sundays
OPEN：
Lunch: Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM (Last Order 1:00 PM)
Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM (Last Order 11:00 PM)