Kenzo Takada’s “Japan in Paris”
Published on 27 February 2020
He’s the Japanese fashion designer who’s more French than most, and has just launched his own home and lifestyle collection. A veritable blend of cultures, just like the Paris that’s so dear to his heart.
How long have you been living in Paris?
I’ve been living in Paris for 55 years now.
Where would you say is the ultimate spot to get a real feel for Japan in Paris?
There are a few places, such as the Guimet museum with its Japanese garden right in the heart of Paris. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of Asian art. Then there’s rue Sainte-Anne and the Pyramides district, which go by the name of “Little Tokyo”. And a gorgeous new venue that’s really worth a look is Ogata on rue Debelleyme in the Marais district. Designed by Shinichiro Ogata, it’s a tea house, restaurant, shop and art gallery all rolled in to one. It’s both extremely traditional yet highly contemporary.
Which Japanese venues in Paris do you find most culturally inspiring?
The Japanese Cultural Centre, of course, which is on Quai Branly. It hosts some amazing shows and exhibitions.
Which Parisian restaurant or café would you say best captures the Japanese vibe?
I love going to Toyo Paris. The restaurant’s chef, Toyomitsu Nakayama, was my private chef for a number of years. It’s a place that serves up Japanese gastronomy with a decidedly French twist.
Which neighbourhood instantly springs to mind when we say “Japanese shopping in Paris”?
Rue Sainte-Anne and the Pyramides district, as I mentioned earlier.
I love going there to shop and to stock up on Japanese ingredients. You can even pick up the iconic Onigiris there, which were almost impossible to find in Paris until just a few months ago.
Do you have any secret addresses you’d care to share?
I’d probably say the restaurant Aida, on rue Pierre Leroux, where you can tuck into some delicious, freshly cooked Teppanyaki prepared right before your very eyes.
Where in Paris can you find Japanese artisans who demonstrate traditional expertise?
That’s actually quite tricky to find in Paris. I personally travel to Japan whenever I’m looking for artisans who use traditional Japanese expertise. A handful of stores in the Sainte-Anne district sell their wares from time to time.
What made you fall so head over heels for Paris that you ended up living here?
Parisian architecture is unbelievably stunning. Whenever I cross the Alexandre III bridge, this beautiful city continues to sprinkle stardust in my eyes. Then there’s French-style elegance. Parisians have an amazing sense of style. When I first arrived in Paris back in the 1960s, I loved heading to the Champs Élysées to see what people were wearing as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll. Last but not least, the cultural opportunities are second-to-none. There’s always an exhibition to see, somewhere new to explore. It’s simple – I’m never bored in Paris!