Shiroku Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yuta Iizuka) announces that its fermented aging care*¹ brand 'FAS' will launch a curated book event titled 'Bonds with Books' at the FAS Kyoto Higashiyama Main Store starting Thursday, July 30, 2026.
The event will showcase books selected by individuals connected to the FAS brand and transform the second-floor lounge into a limited-time private reading room. Accessible by complete reservation and exclusive rental in 2.5-hour blocks, guests can enjoy a quiet, serene space away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Escape the summer heat in Kyoto and experience a special moment of tranquility and comfort beyond everyday life.
Cooling Off Through the Breeze of Reading
Kyoto in the peak of summer.
Since the Heian period, aristocrats sought relief from the heat in garden courtyards and along riversides, creating the elegant tradition of 'yūsuimi' (evening cooling). This was more than just escaping the heat—it was a uniquely Japanese wisdom of engaging all five senses to embrace comfort.
This summer’s event, 'Bonds with Books,' reimagines that refined tradition of cooling down as a modern reading experience.
The books on display in this private reading room are selected under the theme 'books to read in a quiet space, away from summer’s heat.' Chosen by individuals connected to FAS, these books may be titles you wouldn’t normally pick up. Such unexpected encounters with books could surely bring fresh perspectives.
At the heart of FAS’s creation is the desire to become a brand that inspires people to engage with Japanese culture. Beyond skincare, we aim to bring the refreshing breeze of culture into your daily life. Just as aristocrats once cooled themselves in the breeze, we invite you to enjoy a moment of refined respite—immersing yourself in reading, away from the everyday.
Featured Book Selections (Excerpts)
● Arata Tomori
〈Profile〉
Physician (Internal Medicine & Dermatology)
Born in Miyakojima, Okinawa Prefecture. Graduated from Tokyo Women’s Medical University. After working in internal medicine at the university hospital, she transitioned to dermatology. Currently practicing at two clinics in Tokyo, she actively promotes beauty and health from a medical standpoint, sharing insights on living beautifully. She has served as a judge for best cosmetics in beauty magazines.
2004: First Runner-up in Miss Japan. Author of numerous books on beauty and health.
YouTube channel 'Arata Tomori / Physician (Internal Medicine & Dermatology)' has over 1.6 million subscribers.
2016: Recipient of the 9th Best Mother Award. Ambassador for parenting and mother support.
〈Book Selection〉
'Maturity Switch' by Mariko Hayashi
Mariko Hayashi, a constant trendsetter and pioneer in women’s lifestyles, portrays natural turning points in life and career as a 'maturity switch.' This uplifting book suggests that if we view women as maturing throughout life, we can approach life more lightly—ideal for anyone struggling with career decisions.
〈Comment to FAS〉 Just as fermentation creates blessings through invisible dialogue between microbes and time, books also form unique meanings when they meet the reader’s heart on that day. May this reading room become a place that quietly fosters rich encounters.
● Kazuya Iguchi
〈Profile〉
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1988. After graduating from a culinary school in Osaka, he entered the French cuisine world. He trained at renowned French restaurants such as 'Tateryo Shino Ginza,' 'Le Contoir de Benoît,' and 'Michel Bras TOYA JAPON,' served as chef at 'Bistron Elenescu' and 'REVIVE KITCHEN AOYAMA,' and opened 'TOUMIN' in Nishiazabu, Tokyo, in October 2023.
〈Book Selection〉
'10 Mysteries of Japan’s Classic Dishes' by Naoya Higuchi
Starting with questions like 'Why did potato salad become a side dish?', this book offers an enjoyable exploration of food culture, lifestyles, and social contexts from the 1950s to today through 10 staple dishes. The deeper you read, the more it feels like a fascinating ethnology of food history, offering fresh perspectives to both cooks and diners.
〈Comment to FAS〉 FAS and I share fermentation as a theme, and even opened our respective stores and brands in the same year—this deep connection is truly meaningful.
I deeply resonate with how FAS carefully selects every detail with intention and builds trust by visiting producers and working alongside them in the fields. As someone dedicated to craftsmanship, I find this truly admirable.
● Yūko Tachibana
〈Profile〉
Plant dye artist, founder of kitta
Resides in northern Okinawa. Creates clothing and spaces based on the concept of connecting nature and people, viewing the entire lifecycle—from plant harvesting to design, sewing, and returning to earth—as an unbroken flow.
〈Book Selection〉
'All the White Things' by Han Kang
There are nights so beautiful you don’t want to sleep. White silk curtains by the window, tiny flowers on display—everything glows white, cloaked in the color of the night sky. Time moves in slow motion as the wind gently sways the curtains. Opening this book instantly connects you to that silent, serene moment. Poetic yet narrative-like, this book is filled with the sheer power of language.
〈Comment to FAS〉 For me, the time spent caring for my skin and the time spent opening a book are both quiet moments of introspection in daily life. From my personal bookshelf, I’ve carefully selected three cherished books to share here.
Event Overview
・Theme: Books to read in a quiet space, away from summer’s heat.
・Location: FAS Kyoto Higashiyama Main Store (2nd Floor Lounge)
3 Shimo-Miyano-mae-cho, Shugakuin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8431
・Dates: Thursday, July 30, 2026 – Sunday, August 30, 2026 (Closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
・Time Slots: ① 11:00– ② 15:00–
・Featured Books: 3 books per curator (approx. 30 books total)
・Admission: Free
・How to Participate: Fully reserved and exclusively rented. Bookings available in 2.5-hour blocks.
▼ Reservation Form ▼
https://x.gd/ip7F8
・Reservation Period:
Monday, July 13, 2026 – Up to 2 days before your visit
※ Important Notes:
Reservations must be made via the official FAS LINE reservation system. Access via smartphone is recommended.
Maximum stay per session: 2.5 hours.
Maximum of 4 participants per booking.
About FAS Kyoto Higashiyama Main Store
The flagship FAS Kyoto Higashiyama Main Store is a renovated 100-year-old private house located in a quiet corner away from the city’s noise. The garden features traditional Japanese 'nagarai' flooring. On the first floor, the café offers fermented cheesecakes and confections like 'Black Earth,' inspired by Kyoto-sourced ingredients and the brand’s philosophy of 'fermentation and science.'
▼ FAS Kyoto Higashiyama: A Space Reflecting the Brand’s Essence
https://fas-jp.com/journals/16
*¹ Care that provides age-appropriate moisture
About 'FAS'
'FAS' combines Japan’s traditional fermentation techniques with modern science to
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Event