That world-class interior brand that Japan is proud of is now available in Osaka! (FRaU editorial department) | FRaU

Time & Style is a collection of furniture and tableware that removes unnecessary decorations and incorporates traditional Japanese aesthetics and techniques into a modern lifestyle. It also won the 1st Japan's Authentic Luxury = JAXURY Grand Prize last year. In December 2021, Time & Style Osaka, the first directly managed store in the Kansai area, was opened in the wholesale district of Minamisenba. From this place, which will be a new base in the Kansai area, Time & Style representative Ryutaro Yoshida and his younger brother Yasushi Yoshida, who is the managing director, will be told about the new store, overseas initiatives, and Time & Style. I would like to ask you about your future.

What is "JAXURY" in the first place? A thorough explanation of the world-class beauty of Japan, "JAXURY," sent by FRaU! > Click here for the article!

1. 1. Time & Style Osaka where old and new are in harmony

――Time & Style Osaka is a renovated 1st floor of the Osaka Photo Hall built in 1963, located in the wholesale district of Minamisenba, which retains its old-fashioned atmosphere. The walls and ceiling, which have been around for about 60 years, have been left as they are, creating a comfortable space that harmonizes with modern furniture. A new store in Osaka that has been a dream of the representative for many years. Why did you decide to open in Osaka at this time?

Ryutaro Yoshida (hereinafter Ryutaro): We opened an interior shop Time & Style Home in Jiyugaoka, Tokyo in 1997. For 24 years since then, I have been searching for a place with the desire to open a store in Osaka for a long time. I was particular about Osaka because there are still many buildings with a quaint appearance like the Osaka Photo Hall this time, compared to Tokyo. The Osaka Photo Hall was a building about 60 years ago, but I have always thought that the building of that era was very powerful. We met at the right time, which led to this opening.

――How was the store actually completed? Ryutaro: Actually, I was looking for a location facing the main street at first, but at one point I wondered what kind of location a store would be like ourselves. A place with an old-fashioned and quaint atmosphere will have the contrast that we envision when we put our furniture on it. Also, in terms of shortening the distance with the people of Osaka, a place that is a little more local than the main street is better. Then, I met the current place and the location was good, and above all, I felt that a large space without pillars was very good. It's exactly what you expected.

――It's not a space that makes use of the “wood” that is unique to Time & Style, but you dare to leave the walls and ceiling as they are. Ryutaro: The rough walls that retain the atmosphere of those days show a calm appearance that can only be created over a long period of time. In other words, it is a footprint that makes you feel the era of 58 years when this building was nurtured. Combine new things against such walls. For example, the contrast with the sash frame and wooden floor installed at the entrance and the back, and the rough wall when our furniture is placed is good. The texture and atmosphere of this wall can only be created by chance. We make use of the "nature" as it is.

――Are you conscious of resonating with nature instead of renewing everything? Ryutaro: That's right. It's a common idea, such as how to handle wood and materials. If this wall is finished cleanly, the true power of this building will not be transmitted. To be honest, I was at a loss to leave the wall exposed, but I finished it to the extent that it could be harmonized with the new one. As a result, I am satisfied with the ideal contrast.

――How was Mr. Yasushi looking at the store in Osaka? Mr. Yasushi Yoshida (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Yasushi): The furniture materials we are arranging in the space now are 100-year-old trees that are dried, processed, and made into products. We use materials that are as old or longer than the building. Dealing with such historical things is very important as our base. Of course, we propose furniture in a beautiful state to our customers, but we do not know how the furniture will interact with the space that has been accumulated over the years until we actually install it. I found it very interesting. For example, this ceiling has bare concrete, but the surface of the concrete shows the expression of a wooden formwork. From the grain of wood, I think it is probably more than 60 years old. This is made with construction techniques that are unthinkable in this era. As something that fits into such a space with a lot of history, wood and materials that have grown over a long period of time, traditional crafts, and manufacturing that makes use of traditional techniques are combined with our techniques. I think that the "harmony" between the old and the new is more important than keeping everything clean and tidy.

――Time & Style is popular not only for furniture, but also for tableware packed with Japanese techniques from all over the country.

Ryutaro: Furniture is of course interesting, but in fact, I think that tableware is what makes Japan so interesting. The vessels are very diverse. For example, there are thousands of pottery producing areas and kilns nationwide, and each region has a different history and different products. Furthermore, there are lacquer ware, glass, and woodwork. In that process, we will consider how to shape the material and provide it to our customers. Considering that customers will use it for a long time, we will think about how to utilize the characteristics of the material and the kiln, rather than tinkering with the shape, without painting or dyeing too much. Even if you take one kiln, you can make various variations. Tableware has been a "tool for daily life" and has been around for a long time. I think we are also special when it comes to tableware.

――Tableware is a model of Time & Style's philosophy, isn't it? Ryutaro: To be honest, it's quite difficult from a business perspective. For example, if one vessel is sold, it takes about half a year to place an order with a new craftsman and complete it. Furthermore, many craftsmen who make tableware are over 80 years old, and the other day, they said, "I'm quitting because it's difficult to make it because of my age." Since there is no generation to follow, we have to put in place a system so that we can distribute it properly and connect it to the next generation, and considering efficiency, it is said that it is nonsense to make crafts a business. There are also many. Italian interior brand Boffi | DePadova, who has signed a partner contract since 2020, has also suggested that kitchen utensils should be placed instead of utensils. However, the other day, Boffi | DePadova contacted me to create a new collection of tableware. There is a contradiction in every event. Now, the issue is how to propose what modern people want without changing the essence of the material.

――Still, I think there is a part where you can easily convey the aesthetic sense of Time & Style because you have tableware. Ryutaro: Furniture isn't something you buy often. However, customers often come into contact with us, such as buying tableware by themselves or giving it as a gift when needed. There is always an agenda on whether to continue with tableware, but it still outweighs the desire to do it. Especially in the world of vessels, the people who use them also have knowledge, so it is difficult for the sales staff to remember them. Still, I have a strong desire to continue.

Mr. Yasushi: When we propose a space, we will expand the affluence by proposing not only furniture but also tableware. So I think tableware is still necessary.