【For New Members Only – First 3 Applicants】Special Guided Tour of “Sagae Department Store,” Produced by Takayuki Morioka of “The Bookstore That Sells Just One Book” – July 24 (Fri) in Sagae, Yamagata

The online community 'Art Hen Shu Bu' (operated by OSIRO Inc.) will host a special event on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture.

This event's destination is the 'Sagae Department Store,' produced by Takayuki Morioka, owner of Ginza's 'Morioka Bookstore,' in his hometown of Yamagata. Participants will tour the store with Morioka himself as guide. We are now accepting applications from the first three individuals who newly join 'Art Hen Shu Bu' specifically for this event.

◼︎ Takayuki Morioka Personally Guides the 'Sagae Department Store' Tour

Takayuki Morioka, owner of Tokyo Ginza's 'Morioka Bookstore'—a shop based on the concept of selling only one book at a time—has produced the 'Sagae Department Store' in his hometown, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, opening in spring 2026. Since its opening, it has attracted significant media and public attention.

This event offers a rare opportunity to explore the newly opened 'Sagae Department Store' with Morioka himself, discussing topics such as 'Why open a department store in Sagae?' and 'What criteria were used to select the hundred items sold here?'

Inside view of Sagae Department Store

＜Event Overview＞

Date and Time: Friday, July 24, 2026, 13:00–17:00

Location: Sagae Department Store (2-8-3 Honmachi, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture)

Participants: First three new members of 'Art Hen Shu Bu' who join specifically to attend this event

Admission: Free (However, membership registration with 'Art Hen Shu Bu'—a paid service—is required separately.)

＜About Membership in 'Art Hen Shu Bu'＞

Monthly Fee: General members: 3,850 JPY (tax included), U25 members: 1,650 JPY, Curator members: 1,650 JPY

Register for Art Hen Shu Bu here

＜Tentative Schedule for the Day＞

13:00–15:00: Tour of 'Sagae Department Store' (guided by Takayuki Morioka)

16:00–17:00: Visit to 'GEA,' a select shop operated by Sato Sen'i (1-19-1 Motomachi, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture) — approximately 10 minutes on foot from Sagae Department Store

※ Access from Tokyo (reference):

JR Tsubasa No. 131, departs Tokyo at 9:24 → transfer at Yamagata Station (Sagae Line) → arrives at Sagae Station at 12:23

＜About Takayuki Morioka＞

©Hagiwara Mutsumi

Representative of Morioka Bookstore and author.

Born in 1974 in Yamagata Prefecture. Author of numerous books including 'The Antique Bookstore in the Wilderness' (Shogakukan Bunko) and '800 Days Around Ginza' (Bungeishunju Bunko). Host of the GINZA SIX podcast 'Ginza at 6 PM.'

Instagram

◼︎ About 'Art Hen Shu Bu'

An online community that shares a love for art, co-led by former Brutus deputy editor Yoshiuo Suzuki (nicknamed 'Fukuhen'). The community is built around the concept of 'exploring, understanding, and sharing art.'

Here, members experience fresh perspectives and discoveries, as if they were editors of an art magazine.

Open to all ages and genders—no prior knowledge of art or museums is required. All that matters is the desire to 'know more about art and deepen your passion.'

A space where art-loving members connect and exchange insights. We encourage you to join as an 'editorial staff member' and enjoy reviewing what you've learned and connecting with fellow art enthusiasts.

Learn more about Art Hen Shu Bu here

Past special events include:

＜Examples of Past Events＞

Gallery and Artist Studio Visits

March 4, 2025: Special studio visit and interview with painter Tadanori Yokoo

December 13, 2025: Studio visit with painter Makoto Aida

February 11, 2026: Studio visit with artist Hiro Sugiyama

May 30, 2026: Tour of Morimura@Museum with contemporary artist Yasumasa Morimura

Night Editorial Meetings

June 25, 2025: Talk event with Fumi Nishihara, Editor-in-Chief of 'Fujin Gahō'

August 6, 2025: Talk event with Yoshikuni Shirai, General Director of 'Hiroshima International Architecture Festival 2025'

September 27, 2025: Talk event with Zenta Nishida, Director at Magazine House

November 11, 2025: Talk event with Kyoko Tanaka, Chief Editor of 'Numéro TOKYO'

Details of past events can be viewed here.

◼︎ About Yoshiuo Suzuki

Editor / Art Journalist / Representative, Bijutsu Tsushinsha LLC

Born in 1958. Graduated from the Faculty of Law, Political Science Department, Keio University.

Joined Magazine House in 1982. Served as deputy editor-in-chief of Brutus for about 10 years, after working in editorial departments of Popeye, Anan, and Relax. Notable special features include 'Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami Are Global Languages!', 'Do You Know Hiroshi Sugimoto?', 'Have You Seen Jakuchu?', 'What Is a National Treasure?', and 'Special Feature: Takehiko Inoue'. Currently writes and edits art-related articles for magazines, books, and websites, and plans and promotes exhibitions. Also provides consulting on art-based corporate strategies. Co-edited books include 'Takashi Murakami's Superflat Collection', 'Korin ART: Korin and Contemporary Art', and 'What Is teamLab?'. Part-time lecturer at Meiji Gakuin University and Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts.

◼︎ About OSIRO Inc., Operator of 'Art Hen Shu Bu'

OSIRO Inc. operates under the mission of 'making Japan a global leader in artistic and cultural excellence.' The company develops and provides 'OSIRO,' a community platform that connects creators and artists—including individuals, companies, and organizations—with their fans.

OSIRO is a community platform that connects creators, artists, companies, and organizations with their fans.

Beyond simple content distribution or consumption, it emphasizes emotional sharing and human connections.

Through two-way communication and warm interactions, OSIRO excels at growing 'sympathizers' of creative activities and building long-term relationships.