ようこそ to the new Japanese shop that has taken over the space left empty by Space.NK at the eastern end of King’s Road.
The shop unit opposite Bluebird has been closed for many months and has been something of a dispiriting, ghostly sight for residents and business owners.
However, a new sun is rising as it fills up with a colourful array of exotic looking Japanese-only goods, from silk kimonos, ornate crockery and wooden cutlery, to native snacks, sweets and soft drinks. Plans are also afoot to open a cafe inside this weekend. I sense that there will be some pleasant vapors in the air in this shop. (Geddit!)
The new shop is yet to put up its sign and is currently relying on hastily scribbled bits of A4 paper stuck in the window with blu tack. One modest handwritten note in pink reveals the shop’s name: SUZUYA.
Extensive research (ok, Google translate) has failed to confidently determine the meaning of this name. Nor have we been able to ascertain too much about the new company. An interview with shop staff stuttered into polite smiles, awkward bows and cheery waves.
However, the enthusiastic and welcoming staff have since been in touch via email to shed some light on the new retail arrival in Chelsea. The Citizen can reveal that the store is owned by a lady called Hideko Suzui, who, we are reliably informed, is “Japan’s Beyoncé”, no less.
A kindly Suzuya assistant wrote:
‘We truly appreciate your time and hope you enjoyed your experience with us! We would love the opportunity to be featured in your publication, so we can collaborate and bring this story to life.
‘Our story is rooted in passion, flavor, and a touch of boldness, which would resonate well with your audience. Of course, no feature on Suzuya would be complete without introducing our powerhouse founder Hideko. Often referred to as “Japan’s Beyoncé”, she is a force of dynamic visionary (sic) and the very essence of the energy that defines our brand!!!’
The Citizen wishes success to this vibrant new business and very much looks forward to interviewing Hideko. What could possibly go wrong.
