[Special Feature] Scenery of Fukusuke Part 1: Asakusa “Kimakyu Eriko”

Based on the "Fukusuke doll" drawn by graffiti artist ESOW, Sofubi Studio CHUKUKOBO This special feature showcases Fukusuke, a soft vinyl art piece created by ESOW. In this three-part series, we visit shops associated with ESOW, interviewing and photographing them alongside the Fukusuke doll, a lucky charm believed to bring happiness that has been popular since the Edo period. The first installment takes us to "Kimagure Eriko," an izakaya in Asakusa. The friendly owner, Eriko, gave us a warm welcome.

"Kimagure Eriko" is an izakaya located in Hatsune-koji, near Senso-ji Temple and Hanayashiki amusement park. The bold painting by ESOW that catches your eye as you enter the alley is the shop's landmark.
The interior has a cozy counter seating area. There are also tables outside where you can enjoy a drink while feeling the cool breeze. Combined with the cheerful personality of the owner, Eriko, the atmosphere is exceptionally comfortable. Apparently, many female customers come alone.

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[We asked Eriko, the whimsical owner of Eriko's shop]

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--When did you start the shop?

I started the shop in 2017, so this is my seventh year. The reason I started it was because I thought that if I opened a shop like this, people would come and I wouldn't be lonely, and I could have a fun retirement, so I could live happily on my own after my children have grown up.

The owner is Eriko. The menu, casually posted on the wall, features an irresistible lineup for alcohol lovers.

--How did you come to know ESOW?

We first met before we started the shop. We were both regulars at a bar called Hachigoya in Kita-Senju. The owner, Ma-san, introduced me to Jesse (ESOW), and that's how we met.

After we became friends, she even brought pizza to the exhibition as a treat.

: That's right. We even brought pizza to cherry blossom viewing parties. We've been good friends since then, so I think it's been almost 10 years now. Even back then, I always thought that if I ever opened a shop, I would definitely want them to paint a picture for me.

--Were the illustrations painted when the shop opened?

: When we opened, we didn't have much money, so we had a painting done on a lantern as a congratulatory gift. That alone was incredibly touching. We asked the artist to paint the exterior wall painting about a year after the shop opened, saying, "Please paint it here!" That was also incredibly moving.

Lanterns given as a gift to celebrate the opening

--Were the exterior walls painted based on ESOW's image of "Whimsical Eriko"?

Originally, this wall was cream-colored, but when we went to buy paint together, I was instantly drawn to this green and asked them to paint it using that color as the base. I also requested that they paint something bright and cheerful, like the sun or sunflowers.

I said, "I can't draw something like that!" (laughs).

The exterior paintwork makes a strong impression even at night.

: The paintings in the shop came about when Jesse (ESOW) suggested "Let's do something" during the time the shop was closed due to COVID-19, and he repainted the painting that he had drawn for my birthday. Since the new paintings were put up, the shop feels more integrated with the atmosphere, and the overall vibe has become brighter. Our customers are also very happy, saying things like, "It's amazing to be able to drink while looking at a painting by such a famous artist."

: That's a clever way of putting it.

: He's really saying it! (laughs)

--Finally, could you tell us your recommended menu item?

The most popular item, everyone's favorite, is the fried chicken. It's a really simple, ordinary taste, but everyone loves it.

: They're generally on the salty side.

: Since it's a snack made by someone who drinks alcohol, it's usually seasoned quite salty (laughs).

A classic dish from the whimsical Eriko. The soy sauce-based seasoning makes it a perfect accompaniment to drinks.

Thank you, Eriko and ESOW!
"Fukusuke's Landscape" Part Two will be released next week! Stay tuned for the next installment.

You can find ESOW's art all over the Rokku Broadway shopping street in Asakusa Rokku. Be sure to stop by on your way there.

[Fukusuke/Red] Now on sale. For details...Here