After the Ryuta Fukumura Exhibition

Until the end of November, you might be thinking, "Wow, is it okay that it's still so warm?", but then it suddenly gets cold as December arrives.

Perhaps it's the temperature difference or the bad weather caused by the snow, but it feels like we're spending the end of the year differently than usual.

Well, as of yesterday, Ryuta Fukumura's exhibition and Utsushiki's business for the year have ended.

The nine days began with snow and were plagued by it. However, on the final day, the warm sun shone and the light reflected off Fukumura's silver-glazed vessels enveloped the space, burning the final scene of the year into my memory.

Also, due to the snow, the coffee session at Uranino Coffee, which was scheduled for two days, was held only on the last day. I had seen Uranino-san brewing coffee all over the country on social media, so I was really looking forward to seeing them at the table after overcoming various situations.

The meeting began in a tense and quiet atmosphere.

Perhaps the participants were nervous at the beginning (including me).

However, rather than feeling an unpleasant tension, I sensed the participants' five senses becoming more refined.

The aroma of coffee beans, the sound of grinding the beans, the sound of water boiling, the sound of coffee dripping, the steam rising and falling, etc.

As the meeting progresses, you are drawn more and more into their world.

I think the last time Uranno Coffee was held at Utsushiki was two years ago, but the seats I saw them in yesterday were completely different from the seats I saw them in two years ago.

Saying it's "different" might be misleading, but various things have been cut out and added.

Through repeated trial and error, and overcoming numerous obstacles, they finally achieved a form that was unique to them.

Following the path you believe is right is easy to say, but it takes courage to actually walk that path with your own two feet.

No one can decide what the right answer is. No one can tell you what the right answer is.

In the end, you just have to believe in yourself.

Uranino and his team are currently building their base in Kurohime, Nagano Prefecture, which is scheduled to be completed in February of next year.

What kind of space will the world they believe in become, what kind of seat will it become, and how will coffee be produced?

I'm looking forward to seeing their future activities.

Finally, since it's the end of the year.

This year too, I have had the opportunity to witness some beautiful scenery all over the country through Utsushiki.

The fact that I was able to be there was not due to my own efforts alone.

I will always remember how grateful I am to have a place that allows me to go, a place that welcomes me, and a place to return to.

Well, it's a little early, but I wish you a happy new year.

Yudai Oda