Neighborhood Portraits : PPP STORE – Nanako

"Neighborhood Portraits" is a content series that focuses on shops creating various cultures in the same area as Forget-me-nots, carefully capturing the atmosphere and rhythm of the town.

PPP STORE is a place that blends into the streets of Fukuoka while exuding a unique, foreign atmosphere.
For this installment of "Neighborhood Portraits," we visited Nanako, a staff member at PPP STORE, a cafe celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.

PPP STORE, where the two identities of Coffee Supreme and STOCKHOLM ROAST coexist, is imbued with a warm philosophy of "all welcome" that embraces everyone.
Nanako, who values a comfortable distance that is both relaxed and thoughtful, wears NIKE T90 SHOX MAGIA on her feet. We spoke to her about her approach to work and the values she holds dear.

Place & Community

fmn: Please tell us about your shop.

Nanako: PPP STORE opened about three and a half years ago, and this September marks its fifth year.
Our concept is "all welcome," so we don't place restrictions on who can visit our shop. We value being pet-friendly and offering gluten-free options so that everyone can enjoy themselves without barriers.
Originally, we were a collaboration between two coffee shops, Coffee Supreme and STOCKHOLM ROAST. Since both have different identities, our interior incorporates various essences, and the key is that it isn't influenced by fads or trends. Some people say it looks American, but I think the interior design would blend in anywhere in the world.

fmn: What do you like about this town?

Nanako: I guess it's the fact that it's a compact city.
I'm originally from Tokyo, and I moved here two years ago, so I feel it even more strongly. The thing I like most is the comfortable distance between people and the compact feel of the community; it's very reassuring and enjoyable.

Style & Inspiration

fmn: What do you think of the T90 SHOX MAGIA?

Nanako: I thought they were very soft and adapted well to my feet. I also liked the design with the cute heel, and it's rare to find sneakers with a brown and silver material, so I like them.

fmn: What occasions would you like to wear the T90 SHOX MAGIA for?

Nanako: I'd like to wear them at work. My feet probably wouldn't get tired, and the silver gives them a sharp impression, so I think they'd go well with fashion.

fmn: What do you prioritize most when choosing clothes?

Nanako: Materials. I used to work for a textile company when I was a salaried employee, so I often look at things from a manufacturing perspective, choosing items that won't easily wrinkle or that have good quality materials.

Work & Career

fmn: What motivated you to work at this shop?

Nanako: I had a long career as a company employee. I was in sales, and when I decided to leave the company, I wanted to do something fun in a different industry. I really liked the customer service and atmosphere of Coffee Supreme and STOCKHOLM ROAST, so I decided to work here.

fmn: What kind of customers do you usually have?

Nanako: Of course, we have many young customers, but we also have quite a few people in their 50s, both men and women. And since we're pet-friendly, we have many customers with dogs.

fmn: What do you keep in mind when working, and what is your personal approach to "omotenashi" (hospitality)?

Nanako: It's also the shop's direction, but I'm very conscious of striking a balance between being casual and being attentive. While maintaining a relaxed distance with customers without being overly formal, I always strive to be absolutely meticulous and thorough in important aspects like quality and service.
Regarding hospitality, I try to express gratitude in various ways, not just through words, but also through my service, movements, and by recalling previous conversations. I try to convey my gratitude daily in those ways.

fmn: Are there any new challenges you'd like to take on, or a vision you have for the future?

Nanako: I want more people in Fukuoka to know about PPP STORE, so I'd like to create opportunities for external pop-ups and spaces where we can express our brand's unique atmosphere outside of the shop.

Mindset & Values

fmn: When do you feel most like yourself?

Nanako: I value connections with people above all else, so I feel happiest and most excited when customers connect with each other or when conversations flow because of our shop.

fmn: What values do you prioritize in your work?

Nanako: I prioritize not blaming others and taking ownership of everything, thinking of it as my own responsibility.

The T90 SHOX MAGIA worn this time is available in three colors: white, brown, and gray at Forget-me-nots. It can be purchased at our online store and various retail locations.

Nanako（@hana_t5ubaki）

Worked as a sales representative at a textile trading company for about 6 years.
Afterward, moved to Fukuoka in 2023 and is primarily responsible for the management of PPP Store (@ppp_store_fukuoka), including menu development and event planning.