EOMO is a Japanese handmade leather bag brand. Founded in 2007 by Koji and Yoko Arai, by the creators of the clothing brand Eatable of Many Orders. They aim to create an environment that evokes consciousness about the materials used, the process of production, with a result of people becoming more sensitive about the act of wearing fashion. Every collection is based on a food related theme, research its historical background, collect inspiration sources, pursue material, and integrate the rituals into the design. In 2016 Koji and Yoko opened the EOMO store, a shop and atelier in Atami. Koji and Yoko share their story with The Shopkeepers.
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The Shop
What motivated you to open a shop? To share the background of our creation with customers. In need to fulfill maintenance for customer service department of the brand. To show the concept of each collection idea which pursue the relation between wearing and eating.
Is there a story behind the name of the shop, EOMO? EOMO comes from the first letters of the brand (Eatable of Many Orders). We wanted to make it like a symbol to cover our activities.
Who designed the shop? Koji Arai, the designer of Eatable of Many Orders/ EATABLE, made the concept of interior design. Masaki Kondo, wood artist and our friend, helped to realize Koji’s concept with the interiors made by him.
What products are you know for? Hanger bag, a signature series of handmade leather bag, and other leather items.
Where are EOMO products made? All leather items are made in our atelier/workshop. All clothing items are made in Japan. Always we are focusing on using natural materials.
What makes your EOMO unique? The shop is located next to the atelier/workshop and customers can see our creation during shopping. The art pieces related to the theme of collection by Koji Arai are shown.
Who are your customers? Residents of the region, fans and tourists from all over the world.
How has the internet impacted your business? Exposure without boundaries.
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The Shopkeeper
Koji Arai, shopkeeper and designer at EOMO
Who inspires you? Peter Zumthor.
What inspires you? American Bar, Vienna; Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa; Therme Vals (Vals), Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum (Kagawa), Roden Crater (Arizona)
Before we were shopkeepers, we…. We were designers, and still are.
The hardest lesson learned in starting a business? Organization with time, people, budget, within creative mind and spirit.
What task do you like to delegate? Cleaning up the stockroom and time schedule.
The best lesson you have learned opening a shop? To see what people like and react directly.
Your advice for anyone wanting to open a shop? Have a vision for next ten years.
Which famous people would you like to visit your shop? Hiroshi Sugimoto and Frank Owen Gehry
What is your perfect day off? Escape to nature to enjoy exploring different regions with seasonal food and desert for treat.
What are your favorite shops? Dover Street Market, La Grande Epicerie, Paris; Mameg, LA; PLAGUE&CO, Tokyo.
Favorite neighborhood coffee shop & restaurants: PALM TREE, SUN BIRD, TSURUKICHI, Cafe De Chemin, Villa Del Sol, Yoshi-Uo-Tei.
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On the Future of Retail
“Retailing different things day by day like fresh foods shop. Creating things that will value as vintage in the future. Having original ideas you cannot get from mass production.”
Photography: Masahiro Sambe
EOMO
6-6 Ginzacho Atami-shi, Shizuoka
