In Konohino reading materials, we hope to listen gently to the background of manufacturing and the ``voices'' of the makers.

This time, we spoke to nonano, who makes cloth accessories based in Chita Peninsula, Aichi Prefecture, about how she got started in manufacturing and her daily work.

 

—— First of all, please tell us what inspired you to start making things.

The reason I started nonano was that I moved to Chita Peninsula, Aichi Prefecture, after getting married.

At first, I was a little worried about leaving Tokyo and living in a place where I didn't know anyone, but as I experienced the scenery surrounded by fields, mountains, and sea, and the delicious seasonal food, I gradually began to like this place.

At some point, she began to think, "If I'm going to work, I want to be involved in this local industry," and one day, during a hectic time after giving birth to her second daughter, she came across Chita Cotton and Chita Textiles.

I still remember how my heart suddenly moved at that moment.

While devoting myself to raising my children, I wanted to make use of my past experiences, I wanted to work in a way that would allow me to say "welcome home" to my children when they came home, and I also wanted to enjoy making things myself, and these feelings gradually came together.

I started working whenever I had free time, and as I created things one by one, before I knew it, I had begun creating things as nonano.

 

--What do you like about the work or what are the points you are particular about?

What I like about cloth accessories is that their appearance changes little by little as you continue to use them.

The fabric may be a little stiff at first, but as you use it in your daily life, it will soften and become comfortable in your hand.

Before you know it, it's in its usual place and you find yourself picking it up naturally.

I find it appealing that we can spend time together in this way, while being a part of your daily life.

When it comes to design, we aim to create something that will highlight the main character, not be too flashy, and have a quiet appearance that can be used for a long time in everyday life.

Her works also incorporate motifs that have long been considered auspicious.

We create our products with the hope that they will gently protect the lives of those who pick them up and make their days a little richer.

- In your daily work, are there any moments when you feel inspired or anything that influences you?

Rather than being born from a special event, they often come from small realizations in everyday life.

"I wish the things I use now were a little easier to use. It would be even better if they were a little more interesting or cute."

In this way, we first consider how it will feel to use as a tool, and then gradually expand the shape from there.

I incorporate what I feel in my daily life and use it to create things.

 

--How do you spend your days off or when you have time to take a breather?

On weekends and holidays, I devote all my time to spending with my children.

To compensate for this, when I have a little free time on weekdays, I often sit down with close friends and chat over delicious food.

These casual moments are very important to me, and I feel they help me maintain a balance between my daily life and my crafting.

 

- Is there anything that you would call your production partner?

When I want to change my mood, I often drink coffee, cocoa, or herbal tea.

Since I got AirPods, I've been able to spend more time creating while listening to music, radio, and videos.

To ease daily fatigue, warming eye and body care items, as well as smokeless moxibustion, have also become essential.

They have become small but important supports that help me continue my work.

 

--Finally, please give a message to those who will pick up your work.

Nonano does everything from design to sewing and shipping by herself.

However, behind the scenes, there is the support of many people who provide sewing thread, cloth, materials, and refining processes, and I feel that this would not have been possible without any one of them.

And it is because there are stores like Konohino that deliver our products and people who purchase them that we are able to continue creating nonano products.

I hope you will enjoy this piece in your daily life while giving it a little thought.

We will continue to create each and every piece with love.

Thank you, Nonano.

 

—— After the interview

Nonano's creations, born from life on the Chita Peninsula, are not specially decorated but rather exude a gentleness that is close to everyday life.

As you continue to use them, the appearance of these cloth accessories will change little by little, and before you know it, they will become a part of your life. They may be tools that grow with the user over time.

What was striking was that her doesn't separate her crafting from something special, but rather cherishes it as something that is just as integral to her daily life and the time her spends with her family. This calm and straightforward way of being seems to be reflected directly in the appearance of her works.

Pick it up in your everyday life and let it naturally blend into your everyday scenery.

And the feeling of small comfort in unexpected moments.

We will continue to carefully deliver products that quietly fit into your daily life, while cherishing the thoughts and backgrounds of the creators.

 

Text: Nagisa Kashihara, Konohino