all photos by Takumi Ota

On our recent trip to Tohoku, one place we were able to stop by is the gorgeous Tohoku Standard, a souvenir shop specializing in local crafts and handmade goods. It’s located on the 5th floor of PARCO2, a department store just steps from Sendai Station.

all photos by Takumi Ota

Tohoku Standard opened just about a year ago on July 1, 2016. It was designed by architect Keiji Ashizawa and his Ishinomaki Laboratory, a local workshop of woodworkers and artisans. Specialty crafts and foods from all 6 prefectures in Tohoku come together in this shop, and are displayed attractively thanks to the utilitarian and functional shelving system.

“Combining the simplicity and dynamism of the wood, the result is a space that reflects the unpretentious design behind Ishinomaki Laboratory’s furniture,” says Ashizawa, “allowing everything in the shop to stand out beautifully.”