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Updated: February 4, 2021

Emmanuelle Moureaux

Architect, Artist, Designer

Born in France, Emmanuelle Moureaux relocated to Tokyo in 1996. Today, she is a successful architect who runs her own firm in Kanda. Emmanuelle, who is also an artist and designer, focuses on the interaction between colors and layers in the cityscape of Tokyo, and has pioneered the concept of "shikiri," or "dividing space with color." Her playful, spirited creations have led to work for well-known clients such as UNIQLO and ISSEY MIYAKE. Below, she introduces six under-the-radar spots that aren't likely to be found in mainstream guidebooks.

I first visited Japan in 1995, when I was still a student. The moment I stepped out of Ikebukuro Station and saw the cityscape for the first time, it was as if I saw colors for the first time. I felt a lot of emotions, I was so overwhelmed that made me decide to move to Tokyo. The colors and layers I feel in Tokyo were the inspiration to my design concept of "shikiri". I work in Kanda, and over time I've come to discover lots of unique and retro spots in this area. Here are a few of my favorites.



  1. Takeo Paper Shop, established in 1899, offers quality paper in an array of colors. The gallery-like showroom is a favorite.
  2. Kanda Suzuran-dori is a small shopping street with used bookshops and art supply stores.
  3. Bunpodo, on Kanda Suzuran-dori, has art supplies, as well as a cafe and gallery.
  4. I buy all my art supplies and modeling materials at Lemon Gasui.
  5. Though small, Nanyodo Books has a great lineup of new and used books.
  6. Bohemian's Guild sells a selection of used art and photography books.

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