Overwhelmed by the world of beads spread across the entire room.
"Hitotsubu Beads Shop," which has a strong following, with even people from outside the prefecture making the trip to visit. This time, we're introducing a new shared mobility service, "Kotohira Mobiwas used to go there.
Although it's a bit of a distance from Kotohira-gu Shrine, you can get there in about 10 minutes using mobi! True to Kagawa Prefecture's car-centric culture, there's also a free parking lot on the premises that can hold about 10 cars.
Upon entering the shop, I was greeted with a kind smile by the owner, Mr. Miyoshi. His passion for crafting bloomed when he received beads from his mother during his elementary school years. After graduating from art college, he worked in bead-related fields before opening Hitotsubu Beads in Kotohira in 2019.
The room is filled with beads, neatly bottled and labeled. The labels indicate their place of origin and materials, and upon closer inspection, I discovered beads made from milk! The realization that milk can also be made into beads was a mild culture shock.
According to Miyoshi-san, the definition of a bead is "anything that has a hole and can be threaded onto a string." If it fits this definition, anything can become a bead. My preconceived notions about beads were immediately shattered, and I feel myself about to step into the profound world of beads.
Experience making one-of-a-kind handmade accessories
My interest in beads increased even more than before I visited, and then I finally got to experience making a one-of-a-kind original accessory! First, I decided on the type of accessory to make. I chose a bracelet this time, considering everyday wear, from among bracelets, earrings, and clip-on earrings.
Once you've decided on the type of accessory to create, it's finally time for the long-awaited bead selection. From approximately 3,000 types of beads, spanning from the 1980s to the present day, pick out the ones that speak to you. The atmosphere changes with just one combination, so be sure to pack in everything you love!
Even so, if you're still struggling, it's time to enlist Miyoshi-san's help. She'll gently support you as she listens to your preferences, such as your favorite colors, the atmosphere you want to create, and specific beads you absolutely want to include. Lately, many people have been making accessories in their favorite idol's colors. A one-of-a-kind fan item sounds nice too...
Once you're satisfied with the combination and arrangement, Miyoshi-san will thread the string through, and it's complete! Some people match colors beautifully, others go for a colorful look, and some even have a theme. It's also enjoyable to show off your individually unique accessories and talk about your preferences.
Enjoy the highly-talked-about, artisanal egg sandwich.
Since we came all the way to Hitotsubu Beads store, we enjoyed the special thick omelet sandwich made by my husband, who used to be a chef! Even if you take out the egg filling, they are meticulous enough to boil the eggs only after an order is placed and bake them into the omelet while still warm.
The bread is also steamed again in a steamer after the order is placed, making it moist and soft, and it's truly an egg sandwich with a new texture. The price is ¥1,180, including french fries and carrot rapes. With this level of care and volume, it's almost too cheap, so please try it at least once!
In conclusion
The charm of the Hitotsubu Beads store is, above all, the overflowing love for beads from Miyoshi-san. Whether you're gazing at the 3,000 varieties of beads in the store or listening to Miyoshi-san talk, you can feel her energy and it leaves you with a positive feeling, thinking, "I want to cherish what I love too!"
Why not try creating a one-of-a-kind accessory under the guidance of the shop owner, who is brimming with a passion for beads?
