Photo：Masanori Ikeda, Yuka Ikenoya（YUKAI）
As an all-new residence program, AIR 3331 recently partnered with "Ebiharashoten" - a Chiyoda City designated historical property - offering participants the opportunity to stay, create, and present in a locally treasured heritage site. The special program will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis starting September 18, 2020 for residencies between October 19, 2020 to October 18, 2021. At Ebiharashoten, residents will experience the heart of Tokyo through a historical lens while working within the eclectic atmosphere of Japanese "signboard architecture".
Photo：courtesy of Yoshiya Ebihara
Established in 1890 and rebuilt in 1928, "Ebiharashoten" was run by the Ebihara family as a shop selling clothes and fabrics befitting the trends of each era. The site is a prime example of Japanese "signboard architecture" (seen in the front façade) known for displaying the owner's unique taste while incorporating both Western and Japanese elements. Today, a descendant of the Ebihara family, Yoshiya Ebihara, has added renovations and personal touches including antiques and contemporary artworks that make for a delightful space.
Photo：Masanori Ikeda, Yuka Ikenoya（YUKAI）
The program is available to professionals of all backgrounds, from artists to curators, collectors, and academics. Located along a back street behind Akihabara Station, residents may focus on their work within serene tatami spaces. At the same time, with just a few steps out the door they may encounter the bustling electronics and anime/manga district that has made Akihabara one of the most popular destinations in Tokyo.
Photo：Masanori Ikeda, Yuka Ikenoya（YUKAI）
Ebiharashoten is truly a crossroads between eras and cultures, where one discovers new meaning hidden beneath the city. Moreover, residents have the opportunity to present their work within unique interiors, from the extensive tiled "Doma"* entryway with ceiling atrium, to the "Tokonoma"* and "Chigaidana"* alcoves characteristic of Japanese tea-room displays. Projects held within Ebiharashoten go beyond the typical white cube space of a gallery, offering both residents and visitors a one-of-a-kind experience to take home with them.
*Doma: Traditional Japanese shop-front entry from which visitors often step up to a tatami floor.
* Tokonoma: Alcove for displaying aesthetic objects including flower arrangements (Ikebana) and hanging scrolls.
*Chigaidana: "Staggered shelves" built into the wall of traditional Japanese interiors, also made to display objects.
Portrait of owner Yoshiya Ebihara / Photo：Masanori Ikeda（YUKAI）
The AIR 3331 team and Ebiharashoten owner Mr. Yoshiya Ebihara look forward to welcoming its very first program participants! For more information on how to apply, take a look at our updated home page on August 24 (Mon), 2021.
-------------
[PROGRAM DETAILS]
Accepting applications: September 18 (Fri), 2020 - September 20 (Mon), 2021
Residencies between: October 19 (Mon), 2020 - October 18 (Mon), 2021
Residency length: 1 week (7 days) or longer (for residencies of less than 1 week, please inquire)
How to apply: https://residence.3331.jp/en/ebihara/
