CONCEPT
We want it to be a place where you can stop and feel something happening.
Carrefour means "crossroads" or "opportunity" in French. I myself used to be a civil servant, but after experiencing life in Africa for two years, I am now living my current life in Ehime. Cameroon, handmade products, massage, coffee, kitchen cars, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, moving to rural areas, renovating old houses, etc. Living in Africa became an opportunity for me and changed my life.
I want this place that I created to be a place where people can come into contact with various things, such as nature, manufacturing, and rural life, and find something ``interesting'' in them, and where they can get inspired. It was named Carrefour. I will continue to change as I go through many twists and turns, and I would like to hear your thoughts, so let's share my experiences.
From to want to live for to want to share
My current base is the property I came across during a trip looking for an old private house when I was unemployed. I moved to Ehime because I liked the view from here. Since then, I have opened an atelier, a kitchen car, and a guest house, and I am slowly making progress in order to create a space and experience that I like. I would like to come to this space, which I think is good, and talk about various things with you.
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Like the tradition and life of the area
The reason I decided to continue living here is because of the scenery and culture that the area has continued to preserve. Agriculture is still active today, and people of all ages and genders are working together to protect the area's landscape. Also, from the traditional straw culture, ``Straw Mammoth'', which has now become one of the symbols of the city, is made every year. The wonderful scenery that can be seen from my house is created by the daily lives of the residents here, and I am very happy to be able to be involved in these efforts.
Step ①
DIY Atelier
There were many twists and turns, but the first thing we set up was the atelier. We started by clearing things out of the barn, which was originally a cowshed, then cleaned it out, made counters and shelves, and decorated it. Now, as a handmade workshop, I display African fabrics and photos of my memories of Cameroon.
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Step ②
DIY Food track
The next thing I did was that I couldn't get a license for a restaurant business at home, so I decided to get a business license from my kitchen truck. The teacher used YouTube, I made the blueprints myself, and I made them together with my friends and the car shop. We are now able to serve coffee as a take-out, but as a cafe.
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Step ③
Renovate guesthouse
I also decided to start developing private lodging facilities. The house I live in is two connected houses, and the other house hasn't had any ventilation for over ten years. However, with the help of many people, I took things out, cleaned it, and did some DIY, and it's now in pretty good shape. It was originally a fine old folk house, so I used my favorite African fabrics to create a mysterious space with a mix of Japanese and African tastes. The tatami mats have only been replaced, and we use genuine tatami mats that have been used for over 100 years. I'll be happy when it's completed.
A place to share experiences
Exchanges between overseas and the district
A new sense of value is born
I hope it becomes a place like that.
