If you want to learn about elevator manners, go to Nihonbashi Takashimaya in Tokyo, Japan.
Nihombashi Takashimaya
Since its founding in 1831, Nihonbashi Takashimaya has been a people-centered department store that enhanced customers’ expectations on service and hospitality while closely mastering traditional manners and customs.
Founded in Kyoto about 190 years ago as a small secondhand clothing and cotton cloth store run by a married couple. Expanding over the following years the company was showcased at the Paris World’s Fair of 1900, exhibiting tapestries and other fabrics made from rough sketches by Japanese artists. Expansion lead to the opening of modern apartment stores throughout Japan.
In 1933, the Takashimaya Nihonbashi store in was completed. The name at the time of the foundation is Nippon Life Insurance Co. building and was Designed by Sadataro Takahashi
Nihonbashi Takashimaya, which was designated as an important cultural and heritage property in Japan in 2009, has an elevator that is still in operation since its founding in 1933, and one guide is in charge of each car.
"It is a rare elevator with a manual handle now. At the time of World War II, a part of the metal was ordered by a metal recovery order, but it was restored to its original state after the war and still retains its original design."
Masanori Shikita, a concierge who knows the history of Nihonbashi Takashimaya. Even in Europe and the United States, there are few existing manual handle types, so it seems that some overseas customers are nostalgic. According to the customer clerk who guides us,
“The first thing we think about is the safety of our customers. We guard the clothes from getting caught in the door, attach a mirror so that passengers can see from anywhere, We make sure that you can use it safely”.
Inner wall of elevator hall Wall where marble which harked back to grain of wood was used for abundantly.
Elevator made in United States Otis Elevator Company,
There are about 150,000 elevators in Tokyo (2014/Japan Elevator Association). What should we be careful about so that everyone can safely and comfortably use the elevator where strangers can ride each other? In order to prevent information leakage, the company refrains from using mobile phones in the elevator and minimizes conversations. If there is one passenger, open the door and get on first, and if there are multiple people, open the door first and guide. When you wait for the elevator, wait next to the door for the person getting off.
Iconic Swarovski Crystal Christmas Elevator
A customer clerk at Nihonbashi Takashimaya said, "We are calling out and looking carefully so that everyone can have a comfortable time in the elevator." Safety and comfort come from modest communication with passengers. It is a good etiquette in which caring between strangers leads to safety.
With the current network of 19 stores mainly in major cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the elevators and high quality of service in this location makes Nihonbashi Takashimaya a one of a kind gem and must visit.
