Throwback 2023
Paris, France
23-25th Feb, 2023
AS A BIRDThe second installment of the travel journal series.
As I look back on the memories of my travels around the world, I will reflect on one series divided into four chapters.
This time, I’ll look back on my first trip to Europe since the pandemic: Florence – Santa Croce – Milan – Paris, 2023.
Chapter 1Then, via Paris and Florence, to the Tuscany region Arrived at Santa Croce
Chapter 2A tannery in Santa Croce, Tuscany, Italy(Leather factory)visit
Chapter 3Well, I was able to get product ideas in Milan.
Now, in Chapter 4, we head to Paris.
******
After gaining many ideas for materials and products in Italy, I head to Paris.
It’s still hard to say that Paris has regained its former vibrancy, and it felt like not everyone has fully returned to the city yet.
Even so, seeing young people gathered and talking along the Seine gave me a sense that Paris was gradually returning to how it used to be, which was somewhat reassuring.
I wonder how many times I've come to Paris. Even though I visit this city regularly, there's always something new to discover.
The discoveries are not limited to the items themselves; there are always new insights into how to present those items—how to showcase the products. That's why I love this city.
What particularly caught my attention was the way the store was created—not by completely renovating it, but by partially utilizing the original structure of the building while creating a newly renovated space. This approach creates a delicate contrast that evokes a sense of tradition, which I found very appealing.
At this point, I never imagined that I would end up opening a directly managed store, but the inspiration I gained at that time would later prove useful when exchanging ideas for store design.
It's always hard to leave Paris.
The charm of Paris is that it makes you want to stay just one more night—or even longer.
I understand that for many Japanese people, living in Japan, which they are used to, is definitely more comfortable.
I left the café I had visited many times, thinking it was about time to go back to the hotel to pick up my luggage and head to the airport.
On the day of my return, I always make sure to arrive at the airport early. Of course, it's partly because I'm tired, but for me, the time spent at the airport looking back on my trip while reviewing my tablet and notes is very important.
When traveling with family or friends, I share the photos we took together, and when traveling alone, I organize my thoughts and jot them down in a memo while the feelings are still fresh. In this way, I savor the end of the journey. For me, this is how I wrap up my travels.
Once I get on the plane, I end up falling into a deep sleep without really eating, and before I know it, I'm home.
*****
Over the past four weeks, I have looked back on my trip to Europe in 2023, which was my first journey abroad since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the time when I couldn't travel or meet friends, I deeply felt that "the world had become divided." However, when distant places became connected again and I was able to visit them, I realized that people all over the world had been suffering too. In that sense, even though we were physically separated, we shared the same feelings, and I felt that "the world was still connected after all."
By gaining ideas for product development and store design through this journey, my motivation has been renewed, and I am once again ready to step on the accelerator and move forward.
By the time this journal is delivered2025I will be staying in Paris again in January.
Because it will be held in ParisMAISON&OBJETI will be exhibiting at this trade show by sharing a booth with a colleague. I never imagined that my first exhibition outside the company would be overseas, and in Paris of all places... Back in February 2023, I couldn't have even dreamed of this. I'm grateful for the encounter with the colleague who invited me to exhibit together, and I plan to write about my 2025 journey in my journal someday. Although, there are still many past trips I'd like to look back on first.
Travel sometimes has a magical power that can even change a person's life.
Everything I have experienced and felt while traveling through dozens of countries has accumulated within me and, I feel, has contributed to my growth. Of course, there have been tough times and crises. However, I want to keep looking forward and continue searching for things I have yet to discover.
We hope you will look forward to the next time as well.
*****
Click here to subscribe to the JOURNAL / NEWS LETTER ↓
When you sign up for our newsletter,We will deliver information on exclusive member flash sales, the latest product updates, and travel journals.
You can unsubscribe at any time.
https://asabird.co.jp/account/register
