17 October 2025

Marking the site

I often meet the architect on site to work out details of the project. Today, we revisited the footprint of the future shop and made some adjustments. It was helpful to get a clear sense of the space. 

We also took the opportunity to visit neighbours and surrounding shops to let them know construction will be starting soon. It was nice to connect with the community.

12 October 2025

Land preparation begins

Work has begun to prepare the land for construction. Soil was brought in and carefully filled and levelled to create a solid base for the area where the shop will be built. It’s exciting to see things starting to move!

Once construction is complete, the remaining areas around the shop will be filled in and prepared for the gardens.

10 October 2025

Design decisions

Today, I visited the LIXIL and TOTO showrooms in Kofu and made decisions on the windows, doors, shutters, kitchen, and bathroom for the shop.

Other decisions still to be made include the texture and colour of the shop’s exterior walls, flooring options inside the shop and on the porch, and practical details like POS systems and other operational equipment.

There are so many decisions to make, but it really feels like the vision of the shop is starting to come together.

6–9 October 2025

Clearing the land

My husband and I worked together to cut the grass, which had grown quite tall and needed to be cleared to prepare the land for ground filling. A kind neighbour lent us a grass-cutting machine, which was incredibly helpful. What we expected to take one day ended up taking four, but the land is finally ready for the next stage.
▶️ Watch a short video

26 September 2025

Final government approvals complete

After a long journey, we’ve finally secured all the government approvals needed to build the shop. This process included agricultural land conversion and development approval. It’s a major milestone and a relief to have everything formally signed off.

There is a beautiful view of Mt Fuji at the land today. Now that it’s late summer, the grass is long and thick.

20 August 2025

Commissioning an illustration

I commissioned a watercolour artist to create a sketch of the shop, using an architectural render and a garden sketch from the landscaper as reference. The artist did a beautiful job, and the illustration really helped me imagine how the shop will look once everything comes together.

18 August 2025

Plans taking shape

After many meetings and discussions with the architect, the plans are becoming finalised. Through this process, the layout and details of the shop have gradually taken shape, balancing practicality with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

19–20 July 2025

Craft festival weekend

I visited a festival this weekend and was inspired to see the creative work of so many talented women artists. From large city events to small rural markets, each visit offers a chance to experience artists’ work up close and have meaningful conversations. I’ll continue exploring markets and attending events across Japan most weekends through the end of the year.