Visiting Shikaruna

Edit: Click here for my latest (Jan 2012) visit to the Shikaruna shop/studio.

Last week, we headed to Koiwa in search of the Shikaruna shop. Plugging the address into Google Maps made it pretty easy. The lanes and alleys from Koiwa station are tiny and windy, but the map I printed out was spot on (thanks GM!) and lead us straight to the front door. (Side note: I carry a compass when traveling, so that sometimes helps when you get twisted around and lose your sense of direction.)

The store has been around for more than 15 years, first as an antique shop and now as a Shikaruna showcase and studio. Here are shots from the largest display cabinet:

And some others from around the studio:

Upcoming release:

This is kind of a test shot that they were using to develop a new paint app. Check out the cool neck veins.

Some really cool tools of the trade are tucked into nooks and crannies, hanging from the ceiling, and stashed wherever there's space. Very cool studio vibe.

Thanks to the good folks at Shikaruna for making it a great visit!