“BACKPACK TOKYO,” as part of J-WAVE’s ‘GRAND MARQUEE,’ aims to provide the forefront and the most intriguing Tokyo city guide. In this edition, comedian Gari Yanagi introduces the shopping mall directly connected to the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Ginza Line’s “Mitsukoshimae” station: Nihonbashi Coredo Muromachi.
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Dive into Taiwanese Treasures: Eslite Spectrum’s Unique Offerings at Coredo Muromachi
Gari: Today, we are here at Coredo Muromachi Terrace, directly connected to Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon and Ginza Lines. I’m not sure if the expression is appropriate, but Muromachi Terrace is so ready.
Celeina (MC): Sounds great.
Gari: It’s absolutely amazing. On the terrace’s expansive roof plaza, there’s a Christmas tree unlike any other. It’s the ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Tree,’ a collaboration with the currently screening movie “Wonka,” which is the sequel to the well-known “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Celeina: What’s different?
Gari: It smells like chocolate. The pink illumination is cute, and such a photogenic spot.
Takano (MC): It’s so nice! Cute.
Gari: The smell is so delightful that I thought there might be a food stall nearby, but it turns out it’s coming from the Christmas tree. The whole area is truly filled with a sweet smell. Just this alone makes it worth coming to see, but if you go up to the second floor of the building, there’s Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi, dubbed “cultural wonderland of lifestyle and reading,” from Taiwan. Have you guys been there before?
Takano: I have been to Eslite Spectrum in Taipei, but I haven’t been to the Tokyo store.
Gari: The entire second floor is dedicated to Eslite Spectrum, and it’s incredibly spacious. You can explore a variety of products from different genres, focusing on books but also including goods and food.
Between the bookshelves on both walls, there are tables, displaying various Taiwanese products such as food and miscellaneous items in a delightful and eclectic manner. It becomes a joyful space to explore, offering enjoyment in every direction you look.
Celeina: Sounds fun.
Gari: Encountering unfamiliar food instantly elevates your excitement, doesn’t it? That feeling of curiosity, pondering, “What is this?” The mere mention of “drinking black sugar” in the product description stirs a sense of restlessness. It’s an area brimming with engaging product descriptions.
Takano: What else is there?
Gari: There is a constant display of charming stationery called “Ideal Stationery,” created through collaboration between Taiwanese and Japanese stationery manufacturers, as well as items crafted by up-and-coming creators and recognized artisans. Beyond its visual appeal, the exhibit offers detailed explanations for a more profound appreciation. Moreover, visitors can actively engage in the crafting process at the hands-on glass crafts workshop booth.
An exhibition corner featuring pieces by recommended creators at Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi. The showcased works span from creators who, though well-established, persist in embracing new challenges to those from manufacturers embodying the “charm of storytelling.” These exhibits typically run for about 1 to 1.5 months.
