With a history spanning nearly 60 years, Interior Shop Miyabi—formerly known as Tsukasa Furniture—has steadily adapted to changing times. In earlier years, the store operated its own furniture workshop, reflecting a tradition of in-house craftsmanship and an ongoing flexibility in its approach.
Owner Kenta Shimoji carefully curates the store’s offerings, keeping a close eye on trends and display arrangements. Drawing on over a decade of experience managing a convenience store, he brings a well-developed sense of product movement and distribution to his current work.
During business trips, he often visits the workshops of furniture artisans, valuing the time spent engaging deeply with the philosophy behind handcrafted furniture.
From foundational furnishings like curtains, tables, and beds, to playful household goods, and traditional items such as butsudan (family altars) and kamidana (household shrines), the store offers a wide selection of products that accompany everyday life.
In recent years, more newcomers to Miyako Island have come to rely on the shop as they start their new lives. With insight rooted in trust and experience, the team offers thoughtful advice tailored to the island’s unique climate—including maintenance tips and ventilation-conscious suggestions.
“I don’t just want to sell furniture,” says Shimoji. “I want to enrich people’s daily lives through what we offer.”
As time passes, so too does the time we spend with our furniture deepen in meaning. Firmly rooted in the island’s soil, the history built alongside this community continues to live on as a strong and steady foundation.
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Questionnaire
Do you usually wake up early in the morning? > I usually wake up around 6 or 7 a.m.
What’s your favorite drink? > Water and coffee. I always start my day with a hot coffee.
What color do you often use? > Navy blue. Because of the nature of my work, I tend to avoid bright warm tones and prefer colors that don’t easily show stains.
Just take a bite. Don’t try to eat it neatly.” That was the answer from the shop owner when asked how best to enjoy one of his burgers.
Unpacking the rugged burgers of Kawamitsu Shoten reveals a strong American cultural backbone. As a child, Western movies—with no subtitles or dubbing—were always playing in the background at home.
The presence of his father, a devoted fan of American culture, played a major role. Even now, Hikaru continues to dig up vintage American furniture and decor.
In his early twenties, he spent a short time living in Riverside, California. It was there that he encountered Mexican cuisine, seamlessly embedded in the local lifestyle—a formative experience that now forms the foundation of his shop.
He was inspired by the burgers and tacos that his host family often brought home, and he grew fascinated with a food culture where tortillas appeared on the dining table as a matter of course.
One memory in particular stands out: the morning burritos brought by Uncle Ralph—a taste he will never forget.
After returning to Japan, his passion for burgers continued to grow. He honed his craft at “GORDIE’S,” a well-known burger joint in central Okinawa, throwing himself into a fast-paced life of making burgers from morning to night.
After several years of this hard-working phase, he eventually returned to his hometown of Miyakojima. In February 2025, Kawamitsu Shoten found its permanent home.
The name “Shouten” (which means “general store”) reflects his refusal to be confined to a single category—his interests are many, and his desire to take on new challenges is constant and expansive.
During the interview, he occasionally mentioned the term “keinen henka” (the beauty of aging and transformation). Oldies music played in the background, underscoring the mood throughout.
Over time, his sharpened instincts—honed and polished through years of experience—begin to quietly emerge. Like the smoke rising gently from a grill, they become visible in subtle, tangible ways.
【 Mianmi no Shima Pani Pani Cinema | Ayako Shimoji 】
“Pay It Forward”
Passing on the kindness we receive to the next generation
Located on Miyako Island, the cinema Minami no Shima Panipani Cinema will celebrate its fifth anniversary under current director Ayako Shimoji in October 2025, marking the beginning of its 6th year.
In June of this year, the cinema was officially renamed “Minami no Shima Panipani Cinema“.
Once on the brink of closure, the theater was revived through the support of those who resonated with the former director’s desire to “keep the flame of cinema alive on the island.”
Director Shimoji has carried on that vision, and recalls that the early days of her leadership involved rebuilding everything from scratch, often through trial and error.
Today, with the reopening of international flights to Shimojishima Airport, visitors from places like Hong Kong and South Korea have begun to appear.
Regardless of nationality, the love for cinema is universal. Recognition of this theater—Japan’s southernmost cinema—is steadily growing.
“As movies once were in the past, I want the children of Miyako Island today to have more casual and open access to films,” says Shimoji. Like the phrase “Pay it Forward,” she hopes to pass on what she has received to the next generation, ensuring that the chain of goodwill is never broken.
Even in this age of dominant streaming services, she continues to reflect on how to convey the irreplaceable joy of the cinema experience.
Through unique, independent programming, the theater actively hosts events linked to its screenings. Over the years, it has welcomed a remarkable number of directors and actors—each one rich in character and creativity.
She fondly recalls memories of visiting cinemas during her time living in Tokyo. Those experiences continue to inspire her desire to create moments that resonate in the hearts of others through film.
What can we entrust to the children who will carry our future? With excitement and hope, she continues to light the screen—one day at a time.
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Questionnaire
Are you an early riser?
> Yes, I wake up early and make sure to get proper sleep.
It’s not a song, but I like listening to the sounds of a film playing inside the theater—imagining what’s happening on screen, and picturing the audience getting excited.
Something you always wear?
A ring made from pandanus leaves, which I always keep in my bag.
Your daily routine?
Walking my dog. I’m not good at keeping strict routines.
A word you recently looked up?
“Chisoku” (contentment with what one has). I even have it posted in the theater.
How do you generate new ideas?
Ideas often emerge during conversations with others. That said, I usually need some time before I feel motivated. I also engage in regular exchanges with cinema staff in other regions to explore practices that might work in the context of Miyako Island. The former director was especially skilled at coming up with ideas.
How do you put your ideas into action?
Once an idea strikes, I try to act on it immediately—though it usually takes me a while to get started.
Do you do anything for your health?
Walking with my dog.
What’s important to you in your work?
I always aim to ensure that guests enjoy their movie experience and leave feeling good.
Someone you admire or want to meet?
I admire and would love to meet people who incorporate social support into their daily actions.
