MEET LITTLE TOKYO: Aiko Kawaratani, Owner of Rafu Bussan

Aiko Kawaratani picks up a ceramic teacup adorned with blue patterns and carefully examines the ware for blemishes. With a keen eye, she repeats her inspection for each teacup in a four-piece set. After replacing the cups in their case, in one swift motion, she expertly pulls an oversized rubber band around the set’s box. She smiles at the customer across the counter and hands them the teacups with a polite bow.

published on March 11, 2019