About
In a corner of Shibamata, Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, just a few minutes’ walk from Keisei Shibamata Station, stands a coin laundry that draws particular attention. Its name is “Portrait Coin Laundry.” At first glance, its exterior looks no different from an ordinary laundromat, but the moment you open the door, visitors are sure to express surprise and admiration.
Stepping inside, you’ll find the walls and even the ceiling covered with countless portraits, displayed in every available space. Politicians, celebrities, athletes, and local notables—each portrait is so lively it seems almost alive, captivating the hearts of all who see them. These works are all by the owner, Takeshi Sugano. He began teaching himself to draw portraits in 1996 and, over ten years, produced more than 1,000 pieces. (chinobouken.com)
Sugano started drawing portraits so that customers waiting for their laundry wouldn’t get bored. The first portrait he drew was of Hideki Matsui, who was then an active player for the Yomiuri Giants. Gaining confidence from how well it turned out, he went on to create portraits of many famous people. His works have been featured on television programs, in newspapers, and in many other media, making him known not only locally but also nationwide. (chinobouken.com)
Looking around the shop, the figure of Tora-san, played by Kiyoshi Atsumi, immediately catches the eye. Shibamata is famous as the setting for the film series “It’s Tough Being a Man,” and is loved as Tora-san’s hometown. For this reason, among Sugano’s works, there are especially many portraits of Tora-san, reflecting his affection for the local area.
This coin laundry is open 24 hours a day, so you can visit at any time. While waiting for your laundry, you may find yourself so absorbed in gazing at the portraits covering the walls that you forget the passage of time. There are also benches and chairs inside, so you can take your time appreciating the artwork. (map.yahoo.co.jp)
Why not take a stroll through the nostalgic streets of Shibamata and visit this “Portrait Coin Laundry”? Here, the everyday act of doing laundry is transformed into a special experience, as if you were visiting an art museum. Sugano’s warmth and his many works bring comfort and smiles to the hearts of all who visit.