The photo contest 'Shimatsu no Kokoro', sponsored by Daimaru Kyoto Store, has been held! Inspired by the contest, the editorial team rethought the spirit of 'Shimatsu', and the keyword 'cherishing objects' might be a source of inspiration.
Items that have wandered and remained without a clear owner find their final destination at the flea market. Digging through boxes, I found a photo of a flea market scene from my backpacking days and wrote about the story of the discovered photo.
Timeless Appeal Amidst Changing Times
Image by sentimental_jong
Violins, dishes, coffee mills. Though not essential for living, they are items you want to display at home. While necessary items are consumed, highly aesthetic items persist. The common thread of 'somehow good' weaves through time, both past and present.
Image by sentimental_jong
The joy of flea markets lies not only in shopping but also in people-watching. People with sparkling eyes search for something that matches their tastes, excited and engrossed in shopping. As you ponder what they will use these items for or the significance of the junk they eagerly select, time flies by until dinner.
Image by sentimental_jong
At flea markets, there are always vendors specializing in old books. The charm of old books lies in their tattered covers and yellowed pages, yet the stories they tell remain beautiful.
Image by sentimental_jong
At a flea market in Italy, I found a Japanese book. Imagining why it ended up there and spinning stories in my mind is a pleasant pastime. Perhaps it was read by an Italian researcher fond of Japan or left behind by a Japanese exchange student.
Focus on What Remains for the Future
While new and good things abound, those that withstand the test of time invite reflection. In our rapidly changing modern society, we wish to evoke forgotten memories by engaging with the past through objects.
Visit a Nearby Flea Market This Weekend
Image by Yusei
For example, Kyoto.
Every month around the 10th, colorful banners of the Heian Flea Market rise in Okazaki Park in front of Heian Shrine, Kyoto, attracting many people seeking various outdoor items. Originally started as a place to connect unwanted items with new owners, the spirit of the Heian Flea Market embodies 'Shimatsu no Kokoro'.
Not limited to Kyoto, there are websites where you can check flea market information nationwide, making it a great weekend outing on a sunny day. If you find a favorite item, consider entering it in the photo contest 'Shimatsu no Kokoro'.
