STAYFUL LIFE STORE | photo poster project | Tokyo | Gallery Feature | Focus #693

cizucu organizes the photo poster project (ppp) exhibitions in various locations around the world. The expansion of these activities is supported by the presence of galleries that have cultivated spaces together with us in each region.

This feature shines a light on these partner galleries, exploring the sentiments embedded in each place and the voices of those who support these spaces.

This time, we introduce STAYFUL LIFE STORE, a multi-purpose space in Kichijoji, Tokyo. Here, daily encounters and creative expressions emerge where lifestyle goods, coffee, and a gallery gently intersect. We spoke with store owner Mr. Hattori, who has always supported us, about his thoughts on cultivating this space and his impressions of ppp.

Since the days when STAYFUL LIFE STORE was a small shop before relocating, we have operated it as both a photography studio and gallery space.
Our company is also a creative studio focused on branding and design, so the initial impetus was to establish our own studio.

The facility housing this gallery, STAYFUL LIFE STORE, is a place where food, lifestyle goods, and a gallery coexist in a single space—a place where diverse elements naturally blend.

People and creative expressions who visit for different reasons gently overlap, giving rise to unexpected encounters and discoveries as part of daily life. Through this accumulation, the space has gradually evolved into a place where artists and photographers can freely express themselves and gather.

"The fewer rules, the better." That is the core philosophy of STAYFUL LIFE STORE. The gallery is the same—we try not to impose fixed frameworks like "it must be this kind of exhibition."

What we value is allowing users to express themselves in their own way. We want this to be a place where people can bring their ideas and challenges freely, without being constrained by the style of the artwork or exhibition.

We also place importance on creating a gentle flow that allows visitors who come for coffee to naturally encounter artworks. Rather than "going to see an exhibition," we want people to "stumble upon works by chance." We aim to create such serendipitous experiences.

For those exhibiting, it becomes an opportunity to meet new viewers; for visitors, it’s a chance to discover unexpected works. STAYFUL LIFE STORE aspires to be a place where such small discoveries and exchanges happen organically.

At STAYFUL LIFE STORE, we intentionally do not clearly separate lifestyle goods, coffee, and the gallery. Someone who comes for coffee may notice an item and then head downstairs to the exhibition. We aim to create a space where such a natural flow occurs.

It’s important that each element is not an isolated destination, but gently connected within a single worldview. Lifestyle goods that complement daily life, coffee for a relaxing break, and a gallery that offers new perspectives—all these overlap to create unexpected discoveries and lingering impressions. That is the kind of place we strive to be.

The Kichijoji and Mitaka area is a very lively neighborhood. The visitors are friendly, and many naturally listen to what we have to say.

Even for first-time visitors, there’s a warmth that makes you want to stay longer. The area is dotted with independent shops and small galleries, and culture is seamlessly woven into daily life—this is a unique charm of Kichijoji and Mitaka.

Many people here are naturally attuned to art and creative expression, and the responses from those who view exhibitions are very rich. I feel that our gallery, too, is nurtured by the atmosphere of this city.

I believe galleries will become more than just places to display works. They will become spaces that spark connections between people and inspire the desire to create.

Rather than being exclusive spaces for "those in the know," galleries will become more casual, places you can drop by as an extension of everyday life. I think that’s when galleries will become even more interesting.

Our gallery also aims to be a place that brings out new sides of those who visit, as we move in that direction.

I feel that ppp is a community where people connect through photography. By experiencing someone’s perspective and sensibility through their work, new relationships are formed. Creating such cycles is what makes ppp unique.

I believe photography has the power to gently convey feelings and scenes that words alone cannot express. ppp trusts in that power and gently connects people and photography.

For photographers seeking a platform to present their work, and for those who want to connect with others through photography, I think ppp has become a very important space.

We have always wanted our gallery to be a place where someone’s creative expression comes alive. ppp is exactly the initiative that brings that vision to life.
It’s not just about renting out a space; it feels like we are nurturing the environment together, and I find that relationship very comfortable.

The philosophy of "blending and coexisting" that STAYFUL LIFE STORE values, and the way ppp connects people through photography, have something in common.
That’s why I hope this place will continue to be a space where such encounters and creative expressions are born, and I naturally want to support the activities of ppp. I would be delighted if STAYFUL LIFE STORE and ppp could continue to grow together in the future.

There is a greater distance than one might expect between taking photographs and having someone see them.
ppp gently bridges that gap. That’s why I hope this basement gallery space can be used casually as a place for someone to take their first step.

And here, you can drop by with a coffee in hand—it's a relaxed, unpretentious space. If you ever feel even a little like "I want to try exhibiting," please feel free to reach out to us or the cizucu team.
We always look forward to seeing new encounters and creative expressions emerge from here.