

GINZA SIX EDITORS
Fashion, jewelry & watch, lifestyle, beauty, foods…
Unique editors who are familiar with each genre GINZA SIX aimlessly
We spell way of enjoying that we found on foot.
Dream Door to Serendipity Dream Door to Serendipity
Rica Ogura
GINZA SIX EDITORS Vol.71
Town, Ginza that world super first rank accumulates. GINZA SIX located in the place almost the center is fairyland of "serendipiti" which can meet the world that we did not know for me so far. Special place where even people who various genres that satisfy intellectual curiosity are prepared without remaining only in happiness of seeing splendid things from jewelry & watch to innovative kimono and liquor, and are greedy in world's highest mountain can be satisfied with. When one step goes out of here, we become slightly more knowledgeable than before and want to convey the story to just somebody. And we revisit with friend who swelled by the topic and enjoy new discovery again…. As for chain of such "serendipiti" continuing of GINZA SIX think that is attractive.
We take a walk for such "serendipiti" and start today. At first, from "Chopard" at 1F. It had been Christmas time, and tree which was dressed up by the decorations which imitated ring and bangle of "happy heart" Collection just met like photograph, and elation was invited.
Because of the profession, boutique of jewelry & watch of 1F and 2F to go to visit by all means is floor forming a line, but it is Chopard that it is always in the starting point. We head spontaneously at the very beginning here as it is like opening, and high peace is easy to enter to line up, and there is pleasure that can make a comprehensive survey with Collection.
It is clock of Collection called "rule do Deer man" that "happy diamond" which moving diamond moving at will was garnished with is symbolic, but Chopard pays attention recently. Large diamond to surround around street, case named "time of diamond" around is really gorgeous. Seeing from side, set base is like lace, the wonder of the wonderful handwork is sigh thing. History that began with production of high-quality clock. And it is masterpiece which can be completed simply because it is Chopard known as haijuera coloring red carpet in the Cannes Film Festival to act as official partner.
It is reencounter in model of opal which we add to "chimeric jewelry BOX" in oneself above all someday if I want! Whenever it is mysterious and sees by delicate brightness that we have not seen like picture of monet elsewhere deeply, opal of Chopard feels happy. We cannot be tired of seeing even if we use face which is totally different from bottom of natural light in indoor light habitually as you can show. As opal was stone amulet for an easy delivery, we looked for very much jewelry, but have not met opal to beat fast with so much. In addition, there is a feeling of vintage, and a feeling of jewelry of flexible miranezeburesuretto is attracted in high place.
Clock is 9,550,000 yen (the following, all + tax price) and thing which unfortunately cannot say, "we will have this" quickly, but discovers opal in pendant of "happy heart" (680,000 yen). "List of desired things" increased realistically.
Kimono brand "JOTARO SAITO" that it fell in love by shooting recently to have come next. Entrance is small, and, in boutique in the depths of 4F, the world is one house such as house in the town of spreading Kyoto in the depths in GINZA SIX with many opening-like postures. Stylish kimono equals window, but this real identity, fruit are kimono of "jersey" and "denim" material! Though sense of fun including decoration of rivet of line and the cuffs feeling quality of jersey overflows, it is kimono which very hateful sex appeal with dignified beauty drifts.
Simply because, as for the secret, as for the grandfather, father knows everything about charm of kimono dyeing and weaving writer in environment called the present age kimono writer in native place of family where Taro built foundation of modern dyeing writer in Saito of designer. As what "dealt with work with denim and jersey wanted you to enjoy kimono more in the present age." Taro told in Saito who just came to shop. We attract many people because it is kimono full of love that does not make a show of eccentricity, and came out of feeling to want you to know charm of kimono more and increase new kimono enthusiasts.
As for Taro fan, it can nod regardless of man and woman in Saito becoming thought and passion, captive of sense that it is a lot. Therefore you go to visit boutique diligently and seem to be waited on customers. It is jersey kimono debut "do you not try on if it's okay with you?" if you insist, long-cherished in Saito by choice of Taro on that day. Room of tatami mat is prepared for by the depths, and, actually, this try-on service is offered to customer.
When we had you dress and looked in mirror, decorative collar of aestheometry was modern, and the world of kimono which we took not to look good so far felt like having become near at a stretch. When price is from the 60,000 yen level, it is handy. Point that is glad that we can wash by oneself for beginner. If it brings decorative collar of lace as a substitute for dress in parties in foreign countries as it is found, it is certain to enjoy conversation. Of course choice is infinite as fabric of pure silk fabrics is prepared.
We experience "cafe" worried about one more today. Chair which sewed fabric of Taro in Saito whom even interior design attracts attention of shines in space beautifully. There are counter and seat at a table and is space that it is easy to use alone.
Sweets dish "la a mode" (1,800 yen) and Champagne (1,700 yen) utilized seasonal foods seasonal in having had. MONTBLANC is the leading role in season of arrangement that is chic like kimono of Taro in Saito current with one dish. As pear was added, MONTBLANC of fruity taste was good to Champagne and wanted to repeat with friend of kimono enthusiast.
Finally to workshop of "e.m.PICTURESQUE" in B1F which we found when we took a walk through GINZA SIX last time. That like workshop, and is made, and go out in something if there are any time, but there is workshop which can experience in the middle of Ginza to go to every day actually; Always dark at the foot of the lighthouse. When that is jewelry Shops, it is deluxe.
Ring which what we proposed to chooses six vintage parts of flower motif and puts together using wire and tool. We have proposed to prettiness impulsively, but when iza tries, we have a hard fight for handling of wire, and senior called degree of difficulty 4 turn if we hear. Still ring only for oneself is completion in the staff of lecturer lecturing carefully, and telling net income steps literally for approximately one and a half hours!
We got one point to get attachment. As for this workshop, entrance fee, material cost is price that I come to am sorry of 4,000 yen for 4,000 yen, too. We seem to be started in January four times a week. We completely liked, and workshop of necklace made matching has been reserved.
After workshop, we take a walk in shop. The shop where wide design items including "DRESS UP EVERYDAY" which adult woman is daily, and added hodoyoku is elegant, and plays, and develops thoughtful jewelry and head accessories including "e.m." winning popularity with style that is edgy line up. Though jewelry of KOLOR stone is design with presence with all one's might, we tickle woman feeling with device which pave of crystal looks in in the depths of stone.
If it takes for magic of "DRESS UP EVERYDAY", trendy mother of pearl is boldness that is not just refined, too; in high style of design. As earrings which heart changes and tried on are things which 27,000 yen and price can decide promptly, it is slightly recommended to visit when worldly desires are stimulated.
In addition, we discover such a pretty bottle (2,000 yen). Parts which we looked for at home and abroad were clogged up, and want to make present to friend of hand maid enthusiast.
3 stores are already really pitch-black when they go out when they thoroughly enjoy. This GINZA SIX where real shopping list swelled out, and participation in new workshop was planned. In addition, it was 1st to promise to revisit to taste a feeling of this wakuwaku.
Text: Rica Ogura Photos: Takao Ota Edit: Yuka Okada
You’ll find the world’s finest things in Ginza. GINZA SIX, located in what can be considered the heart of Ginza, is a fairyland of serendipity, a place for chance encounters with previously unknown worlds and filled with offerings ranging from the world’s ultimate jewelry and watches to innovative Japanese kimonos and sake. It’s not just things that please the eye; there’s a range of genres to satisfy one’s intellectual curiosity as well. It’s a special place to satisfy even the most acquisitive and inquisitive of souls. I always come away from GINZA SIX a little more informed than before. I find myself wanting to tell other people about it. My friends and I grow excited simply talking about it; then, we return and make delightful new discoveries. This continuing chain of serendipity is one of the main appeals of GINZA SIX.
I start my walk today hoping for such serendipity. I go first to Chopard on the first floor. It’s Christmastime, so, as you can see in the photo, I’m greeted by a Christmas tree fitted out with decorations resembling rings and bangles in the Happy Heart collection. Elation sweeps through me.
Given the nature of my job, I constantly visit the jewelry and watch boutiques on the first and second floors. But my starting point is always right here at Chopard. They offer high-end items, but there’s an open, accessible feel to the store. I always head straight there because it’s so much fun to look over the entire collection.
Chopard is known for its iconic Happy Diamond series, which feature moving diamonds gently dancing and twirling. But the timepieces in its L’Heure du Diamant collection have drawn some attention, too, of late. As the name “The Time of Diamonds” suggests, the large diamonds ringing the case are spectacular. Seen from the side, the bezel supporting the diamonds looks like woven lace; the wonder of this splendid handiwork takes your breath away. Historically, Chopard got its start as a producer of luxury watches. An official partner of the Cannes Film Festival, it’s known as a high-end jeweler whose creations routinely grace the red carpet. L’Heure du Diamant proves that Chopard is more than capable of producing masterpieces.
Well, we meet again! Someday I’d like to buy this opal model. It’s tucked away in my fantasy jewelry case. Chopard opals have a mysterious depth, like a Monet painting, with a delicate shimmer I’ve never seen elsewhere. Merely looking at them inspires vertiginous joy. And they present new and different looks in natural light, or indoor light, an ever-delightful and changing presence even if you happen to wear the watch all the time. I’ve seen lots of opal jewelry—opal is my birthstone—but I’ve never encountered opals so stunning. I’m also captivated by the supple vintage-looking Milanese bracelet, itself a striking article of jewelry.
Reality check: The watch is 9,550,000 yen (all prices listed before tax)! So I can’t easily say, “Yes, please, I’ll take this one.” Not yet. But I do find an opal version of the Happy Heart pendant (680,000 yen) to add to my real-world wish list.
I next visit JOTARO SAITO, a kimono brand I fell in love with recently on a photo shoot. Many GINZA SIX establishments feature wide-open storefronts, but the entrance to this boutique, toward the back of the fourth floor, is small. Like a traditional Kyoto row house, its world expands as you move toward the rear. Surprisingly made of denim and jersey fabrics, the stylish kimonos displayed in the window feature plenty of whimsical touches—with jersey-like lines and decorative rivets on the cuffs, for instance. But they also have a stately beauty. There’s a wonderful sensuality in these kimonos.
The boutique’s secret is that it knows everything there is to know about kimonos and their charms. Designer Jotaro Saito comes from a family that has established the foundations of modern fabric dyeing. His grandfather was a textile-dyeing artist and his father a modern kimono designer. “I started creating works with denim and jersey fabric because I wanted more people to enjoy kimonos in this day and age,” explained Jotaro Saito, who happens to be in the store. This isn’t originality for originality’s sake. Rather, the designs come from a desire to create a wider audience for kimonos. The kimonos brim with love, a quality that captivates many, and Jotaro Saito is finding growing success in the quest to broaden the kimono-loving population.
Jotaro Saito’s numerous fans, both men and women, are enraptured by his ideas, passion, and sensibility. This is why he frequently spends time in the boutique serving customers. “Would you like to try it on?” he asks today. Accepting the offer, I make my long-awaited debut in a jersey kimono selected by the very designer. There’s a tatami mat room in the rear of the boutique, where the boutique provides a kimono-dressing service to its customers.
I try on the kimono and peer into the mirror. The geometrically patterned neckpiece is thoroughly modern. I’m drawn closer to the world of the kimono, a style I never really thought suited me. Prices start in the 60,000 yen range, which is certainly reasonable. They’re washable at home, too, another plus for neophytes like me. I find a kimono with a lace neckpiece. It’s an article I’m certain would enliven conversations if worn to a party overseas, in place of a dress. Of course, they offer pure silk fabrics as well. The options are boundless.
Today, I also spend some time at the in-store café, which I’d been wondering about. Mr. Jotaro Saito, who’s also drawn attention for his interior designs, has chairs upholstered with his fabrics. They look lovely in this space. There’s both counter and table seating, so it’s comfortable, even if you’re by yourself.
I have the À La Mode (1,800 yen), a dish of sweets made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a flute of champagne (1,700 yen). The dish is arranged in a style as pitch-perfect as a Jotaro Saito kimono. Mont Blanc plays the leading role this season. Pears confer a fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the champagne. I think I should come back here with a kimono-loving friend of mine.
Lastly, I go to a workshop at e.m.PICTURESQUE, located on the first belowground floor, which I discovered on my previous trip to GINZA SIX. I love workshops. When I have time, I like getting out and making things. I had no idea such workshops could be found right in the middle of Ginza, a place I visit daily. Plus it’s located inside a jewelry store—what a luxury!
I register to make a ring, choosing six vintage pieces in a flower motif and trying to combine them using wire and tools. I chose this particular ring pattern impulsively, simply because I found it charming. But in actually trying to make it, I find I struggle with the wire. When I ask, I learn the workshop is Level 4—advanced! Even so, the instructor provides patient, detailed instruction, and I end up finishing my own ring in just about an hour and a half.
I now have a ring I love, all the more because it’s a creation of my own. The workshop costs 4,000 yen to participate and 4,000 yen for materials—I’m somewhat embarrassed at the surprisingly modest cost. Beginning in January, the store will hold four workshops a week. I like it so much I decide to create a matching necklace and reserve a place in the necklace workshop.
Afterwards, I check out the store. Starting with e.m., popular for its edgy style, it offers jewelry with a pleasing mix of elegance and whimsy, suitable for daily wear by adult women, along with a wide array of design items like DRESS UP EVERY DAY accessories. The colored stone jewelry is designed to assert a bold and decisive presence, but also to tickle a woman’s heart, with a crystal pavé setting peeking out from behind the stone.
Exposed to the magic of DRESS UP EVERY DAY, trendy mother-of-pearl becomes a style that’s not just refined, but bold and expertly executed. I try on some earrings that pique my interest. I recommend visiting when you’re in the mood to buy—at 27,000 yen, instant decisions aren’t out of the question.
I also discover this charming bottle (2,600 yen). Containing pieces found at inside and outside the country, it’d make a great present for a friend who likes handmade things.
I’ve taken in the full range of sights now at three stores. When I head outside, it’s already dark. My real-world shopping list is fuller, and I’ve reserved a spot in a new workshop, all today at GINZA SIX. Another thing I did today? Vow to come back and experience the fun once again.
Text:Rica Ogura Photos:Takao Ota Edit:Yuka Okada

Rica Ogura
Content curator. Born in Tokyo in 1972. After graduating from college, worked in the corporate world and devoted serious study to the fundamentals of editing at Kateigaho. Affiliated subsequently with Seven Seas and Departures, a glossy magazine for card members published by American Express, began freelancing in 2013. Drawing on her network of connections, writes and edits fashion and travel pieces for women’s magazines, membership magazines, and other publications, with a special focus on jewelry and watches.
2019.01.18 improves