The information in this report is current as of the time of the interview.
Please contact the store for the latest information.
L’Ile Soleil is a flower shop located in a traditional row house along Meiji-dori in Sumida-ku, Tokyo.
The stylish restaurant, which makes use of an old private house, is loved by customers for its courteous service and kindness.
On the day of the interview, the store was bustling with people creating products and serving customers.
We interviewed the owners, Yuji and Ai Yamada, who have an impressive atmosphere full of kindness.
Wall painting symbolizing the store
Yuji, congratulations on your 3rd anniversary in February 2024. Why did you decide to open a restaurant in this location?
Yuji: Thank you very much.
We decided on this location after falling in love with the retro, tasteful atmosphere of this building and the bright blue Japanese paintings on the walls at first sight when we were looking for a place to set up store.
The Japanese paintings on the walls are painted with mineral pigments made from crushed ore, and the flowers are so beautiful that customers often take pictures of them.
The restaurant is unique and lovely, including the atmosphere of the building. What does the name of the restaurant mean?
Yuji: L’Ile Soleil means “water and sun” in French. Flowers cannot grow without water and sunlight, so we took the name from these two important elements. I also like the blue color of the wallpaper because it matches the name of this l’Ile Soleil.
I understand that you and your wife run the business together.
Yuji: I manage the website and SNS, and she handles all aspects of the store.
I was originally an engineer and a company employee, and now I run a website-related company called Water and Sun, Inc.
She used to work for a florist and is a floral professional, so she handles all aspects of the store.
Please tell us about your store’s product lineup.
Ai: We try to purchase items that are as fresh as possible and in good condition.
Also, when we purchase for a client’s order, we try to select items that are appropriate for the atmosphere of the client’s order.
Yuji: We always go shopping together. I actually have a background in art college, and my work in web design and flower arrangement are similar, so I support her in selecting flowers.
Customer First is our creed
What do you keep in mind when running your store?
Yuji: We place great importance on dealing with our customers, so we take the time to serve them carefully.
Ai: We do not prepare standard products for our customers, but rather tailor them to the customer’s needs. I imagine that I create a shape based on the customer’s mood and information about the person who will receive the gift.
When a customer gives a gift, we ask when the gift will be given and give advice on how to store it appropriately.
I was impressed by how attentive the customer service was. We talked to a customer who came to the store, and it seems that she has become a regular customer because “there are always a variety of flowers to discover, and because Ms. Ai makes a lot of suggestions to help me, even though I can’t make many choices myself.
Workshops are also unique
I hear that your workshops are popular. What are the contents of the workshops?
Yuji: Actually, the last workshop we held was our first, but it was so well received that we are planning to make it a regular event.
We want our customers to create one-of-a-kind pieces, so we ask them to choose the flowers they want to make, rather than selecting the flowers themselves. We believe that if you use the flowers you like, you will be able to make a good and memorable work of art.
The fee is 1,000 yen, which includes the cost of a basket to put the flowers in. The fee may vary depending on the flowers, but we hope you will enjoy the pleasure of arranging flowers.
The store, run by a kind couple, is a wonderful place where time passes slowly.
We hope you will visit them too!
- l’il soleil
- OPEN 12:00 – 20:00 Closed on Sundays and holidays
