Although the shitamachi areas of Tokyo may have lost some of their bygone ambience, a few shops dating back to the Meiji or early Showa eras still remain. Sticking to tried-and-tested favorites, they are loved by customers old and new. Some have even appeared in the works of great writers and poets such as Soseki Natsume and Kotaro Takamura. The following stores and restaurants are survivors, having lasted through the Great Kanto Earthquake and/or World War II. Their masters are part of a long artisan tradition and take great pride in their work.
Arai Bunsendo: This shop, selling traditional sensu (folding fans) for nihon-buyo (Japanese dance) and kabuki, was established about 110 years ago. It stands in the heart of Senso-ji Temple's nakamise (covered shopping arcade), alongside shops selling such items as kanzashi (ornamental hairpins) and Japanese paper parasols.