Kata Kata

Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — ⁴⁹⁄₁₀₀
Found this place completely by accident, as I was in the area to visit the original Tegamisha café located almost right next door. If I had visited and reviewed the other place before, why didn’t I notice? Well, because it had been a few months since my last visit, this place had opened in the meantime and this place is way off the beaten track — a good 15 minutes walk from the nearest train station if you take the most direct route and know exactly where you’re going. Oh, and they’re only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
So what is it? Well, in the area, it used to be known as a famous producer of hand-​crafted prints and textiles. The location itself, amidst old, post-​war housing projects (called «danchi» 団地 in Japanese) was originally built to house factory workers who were employed at major facilities in the area way back when. Many of these have shut down or moved to other areas, but the housing complexes remain. A few basic amenities like drug and grocery stores remain, but it is quite unusual for a hipster café or crafts shop to locate on the grounds. I suspect the rental spaces were available for cheap.
kata kata represents a rebirth of old school textile craftsmanship combined with modern design. Here are the highlights:
+ Designs: Produced using traditional methods of design — developed and refined from sketches
+ Production: Traditional methods of hand-​cutting templates, hand-​painting stencils and hand-​dying the fabrics to produce unique, one-​off dyes and prints
+ Products: Wide range from large scale prints, place mats, traditional bath towels called «tejugui» (手ぬぐい), coasters
+ Other products: Paper goods using the same designs — cards, stationery, calendars; some traditional ceramics; t-​shirts; wall hangings
All products are produced on site, and if you ask, spend a few minutes talking directly to the artists. You’ll see them in action and they are very happy to tell their story. It’s pure love of craft and absolutely none of the stuffy pretentiousness you often find at «upscale» galleries in Aoyama or Omotesando. These artists are sincere and truly respect their craft.
Final note: it’s a hard place to find, and remember they’re only open on weekends. Plan on having an excellent meal or dessert at Tegamisha (separate Review) nearby, then enjoy seeing the crafts here. The tenugui are my favorite, and I plan on purchasing at least one everytime I visit. Already bought some paper goods — so uniquely Japanese and definitely an excellent value — prices are comparatively low compared to what you’d pay at a department store in Ginza or Nihombashi.