Interview → Tomoko and Takaaki Shiratori in Komaba
Tomoko and Takaaki Shiratori in their Komaba home in Tokoyo
Photography by Alex Reilly
Tomoko and Takaaki Shiratori have lived all over Japan; from a ‘New Town’ in Yokohama, to Aichi Prefecture and now in Komaba, Tokyo, where Nicola Cortese met them. Their shared love of gardening means the rooftop is filled with fruits and vegetables, while Tomoko has a passion for reading aloud and talking, which she says, keeps her energised!
For many months I ran past a particular house in Komaba, a Tokyo suburb nestled in between Shibuya and Shimo-Kitazawa. It always sparked my attention as it had a huge plum tree growing out of what seemed to be the asphalt and the striking red balustrades snaking up the outside of the building. After a couple of fateful moments I met the owners of this house; Tomoko and Takaaki (Taka for short) Shiratori. A retired Japanese couple who share a love for cooking, gardening, reading and sharing Japanese culture. My partner and I shared an evening in Komaba with the Shiratori’s eating, drinking and chatting about lightening fast Tokyo renovations, their almost self-sufficient vegetable supply and reading aloud.
You can read the full interview with Tomoko and Takaaki via the Assemble Papers website.