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Nico

@futuretronico

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IKIRU (生きる)
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Koenji: Suginamiyu Sento (杉並湯)
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Suginamiyu is one of Japan’s long-standing sento (public bathhouses) that continues to exist amidst the rise of modern facilities 🇯🇵🏙️. Managed with deep passion through three living generations for 75 years, it still carries the founder’s original spirit—offering warmth and comfort to the community 🌅💛.

“Suginamiyu was founded by my grandfather. After the war, the town was nothing but burnt ruins 🏚. He wanted to create something that could truly help people, so with that spark of hope, he opened a small sento ♨️,” said Noriko-san, the fifth-descendant owner 💁🏻.

She explained that sentos were initially created not just as bathhouses 🛁 but serve a greater noble purpose as a gathering place—a space where people could heal and support each other after the war 🫂❤️‍🩹. This tenderness is reflected in Suginamiyu’s atmosphere; through wooden lockers, the soft scent of aged timbers 🪵, and hand-painted “lucky” murals 🎨 of Fujisan 🗻, Enoshima 🌊, and Tsurugaoka Hachimangū Shrine ⛩ by the famous, Kiyoto Maruyama.

“When you step inside—the steam, the light, and the unchanged atmosphere wrap you in a comforting nostalgia that new facilities can never recreate 🧖🏼🧖🏻‍♀️🫧. In an age where old things easily fade, there’s deep meaning in preserving places like this,” she said about the stance of old sentos in the modern era.

Unfortunately, the number of old sentos continues to decline 😿 due to fewer visitors 📉, high running costs 💴, and tedious maintenance routines 🧼🧹. Yet Noriko-san and her mother held fiery passion to preserve Suginamiyu—not only as a family heritage but as an irreplaceable piece of Japanese culture 🎌🎏. Beyond that, customers’ sincere joy is what carries her forward, gentle sparks that keep her flame alive ❤️‍🔥.

“Some customers tell me that Suginamiyu is part of their daily life—something that gives them strength 🗣💭✨. Those words stay with me and remind me why this work is so meaningful 💫,” Noriko-san shared.
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📍G-Maps: Suginamiyu (3-minute walks from Shin-Koenji Station) taken in Suginami Tokyo, Japan by @futuretronico

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10 months ago

「SUGINAMIYU × FUTURETRONICO」
Collection Card Set♨️

思いがけない出会いから始まり、
やがて大切な友情へとつながって💫一
小さなコレクションが生まれました🤝

SUGINAMIYUの美しい風景と、
愛らしい小さなマスコット、Sora🩵
その世界を6枚のカードに込めました。

4枚のコレクションカードに、
写真とイラストを重ねた、
このセットだけの限定カード1枚。
そして、心を込めてデザインしたThank You Cardを添えて。

カードには、やわらかな風合いをもつ
Super Fine Eggshell 270gsmの上質紙を使用しています。

やわらかく光を通す白い封筒に包み、SUGINAMIYUオリジナルのワックススタンプで仕上げました。

数量限定で、ひとつひとつ心を込めてお届けします。

SUGINAMIYU店頭・オンラインショップにて販売
（オンラインショップは @suginamiyu_sento プロフイールのリンクから）

¥2,000

「SUGINAMIYU x FUTURETRONICO」
Collection Card Bundle ♨️

What began as an unexpected meeting slowly grew into a meaningful friendship, and eventually, into this little project we’re happy to share 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼.

A small collection made with passion and care 💫 — six collectible cards capturing beautiful scenes of SUGINAMIYU, with three featuring @vylree illustrations of our joyful little mascot, Sora 🩵✨.

Inside the bundle:

1. A special transparent white envelope, sealed with a custom SUGINAMIYU wax stamp.
2. Six cards printed on Super Fine Eggshell 270gsm paper.
3. One exclusive illustration card and a Thank You Card, created exclusively for this bundle.

Made in small quantities, and available at SUGINAMIYU and through SUGINAMIYU online shop (link in @suginamiyu_sento bio).

¥2,000 taken in 杉並湯 by @futuretronico

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a month ago

Sento Story (銭湯の物語)
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Akebono Yu (曙湯)

As I stood at the entrance of @akebonoyu, I was instantly captivated by how majestic the building looked. Its grand façade resembles a traditional Japanese shrine 🇯🇵⛩️, making it feel almost magical—like stepping onto the set of a Studio Ghibli film ✨.

“Akebonoyu was purchased in 1936 by the current owner’s grandfather 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻. Today, the bathhouse is run by the third and fourth generations of the family.” Moriyama-san explained the history of Akebonoyu ♨️.

This year, Akebonoyu celebrates its 90th anniversary 🎉. According to the Tokyo Sento Association, however, the oldest surviving members’ register dates back to 1932, where Akebonoyu already appeared under the previous owner’s name 📝. Despite its age, the bathhouse has been beautifully maintained, preserving both its timeless charm and facilities 🛠️.

Inside, I couldn’t take my eyes off the two stunning mosaic murals 🎨✨. They were created in 1996 during a major renovation. The atmosphere was so peaceful 🩵, with nothing but the gentle sound of water flowing from the small waterfall💧 accompanying me as I quietly admired every detail 👀📸. The outdoor bath was equally beautiful, with soft natural light gently illuminating the space 🍃☀️.

“For the men’s bath, we chose a mural of Mount Fuji 🗻, as it has long been the iconic image most closely associated with Japanese sento. We asked the artist to depict Mount Fuji together with cherry blossoms and a lake. For the women’s bath, the mural features Himeji Castle 🏯. During a trip to the Kansai region, the second-generation owners were deeply moved by the beauty of it, so they commissioned a mural inspired by it, surrounded by cherry blossoms 🌸.” He told me the story behind the the murals 💭.

I was told that one of the biggest reasons sentos continue to disappear is the lack of successors 👪❌. At Akebonoyu, the second-generation owner was unable to continue the family legacy because of a health issue. Therefore, the third-generation owner made the brave decision to leave his previous job in his early thirties and take over the family bathhouse ♨️, ensuring its legacy for decades to come 💫. taken in Adachi-ku by @futuretronico

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2 months ago

Sento Story (銭湯の物語)
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Denkiyu (電気湯)

As a big fan of Wim Wenders, visiting @denki_yu was such a surreal experience ✨. I couldn’t stop geeking out with my camera 📸 while standing in one of the iconic filming locations of Perfect Days 🎬. Beyond that excitement, I was truly amazed by how this place seamlessly blends its rich history with modern culture 💫.

“Denkiyu was founded in June 1922. My great-grandparents moved here from Niigata and established the bathhouse ♨️. It has survived both the Great Kantō Earthquake 🏚 and the Tokyo air raids during World War II 💥.” Okubo-san, The 4th-generation owner told me.

Unlike many other old sentos, which are mostly managed by older generations, Denkiyu is filled with the energetic spirit of young people🔥. When Okubo-san took over the family business, he invited his friends to help manage and reimagine the sento 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼. In doing so, it broadened the essence of a sento, partly transforming it into a creative space where artists can express themselves through many different mediums 🎶 📚 👕.

Despite having lived through some of the harsh chapters in history, the sento’s old charm has been beautifully preserved and carefully restored 🔨✨. The bath area is absolutely stunning, with natural light pouring in through a large glass window, gently illuminating the entire space ☀️. There are two beautiful murals of Mt. Fuji, yet it was the Aka Fuji in the men’s bath that caught my attention 👀. A rare depiction, it portrays the mountain blushing crimson beneath the autumn’s light 🗻🔴.

“The mural was painted by Morio Nakajima, a traditional sento mural artist 👨🏼‍🎨. Originally, the entire wall featured a large tile mural. However, it collapsed during the Great Japan Earthquake in 2011, and the current mural was painted afterward 🎨.” Okubo-san told the story behind Denkiyu’s murals.

Even with a strong team behind it, the owner shared that running Denkiyu demands unwavering dedication 🎯. While many only see its success on the surface level, few witness the quiet struggles that sustain it. To me, Denkiyu stands as a rare beacon of hope in our modern society—a younger generation carrying the flame of a cherished heritage. taken in Sumida, Tokyo by @futuretronico

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2 months ago

Sento Story (銭湯の物語)
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Sagami Yokujyō (相模浴場)

On my way back to Sagamihara Station, I spotted an old sento through the bus window 🚌. Its extravagant storefront immediately caught my attention 👀. For months, the image lingered in my mind, and I couldn’t stop wondering what it looked like inside 💭. On my most recent trip to Japan, that curiosity finally became reality when @sagamiyokujyo kindly welcomed me and gave me a tour of their place 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by a retro-style lobby wrapped in warm wooden tones that instantly evoked a sense of nostalgia 💛✨. In contrast, the changing room and bathing area are filled with natural light ☀️ and soft pastel colors 🎨, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere 🌈. The mosaic tile murals of sunflowers 🌻 and hydrangeas (ajisai) complete the space beautifully, with the hydrangea 🪻 serving as the symbolic flower of Sagamihara.

“We officially consider it to have been established in 1953, making it 73 years old. The building was renovated once in 1990.” Sanoga-san, the owner of the sento, shared this brief history of her family’s bathhouse ♨️.

Its history remains visible throughout the building and has been carefully preserved 💫—from the original wooden shoe lockers and changing lockers to the vintage advertising signs and the tall chimney that still rises above the neighborhood. Although the chimney is no longer in use, it stands as an enduring reminder of the days when the bathhouse was heated by wood-fired boilers 🪵🔥.

“We have held our Shōwa Kayō (Showa-era popular songs) Show twice so far 🎤🎶—in August 2025 and March 2026. We also occasionally use the space for cosplay-related events. An event company called Nishimon Otaku Kaigi has been organizing various activities to help revitalize the Nishimon area. 🎎” She told me about the local events that were held in the sento.

Through its careful preservation and community events, Sagami Yokujō continues to keep the core spirit of a sento alive in the modern era 🙌🏻. It reminds us that a sento is far more than a place to bathe. It is a place where neighbors gather 👥, conversations begin 🗣️, and communities look after one another🫂. taken in Minami-ku, Sagamihara by @futuretronico

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2 months ago

The Auteurs Part 1 (3/3)
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Chris Bunjamin (@chrisbunjamin) is a remarkable artist, guided by a delicate sensibility and a sharp, attentive eye 👀 and ears 👂 — moving seamlessly between photography 📸 and hi-fi audio 📀 with equal care and intuition. Chris’s expertise and passion are shown in his diverse portfolio as a professional photographer and Audio Nirvana (@audio_nirvana_ ) 🌟.

“Finding your distinctive character in your photography is the hardest part 🌋. Documentary is the big theme that shapes my photography — I love to create something organic and natural through spontaneous moments, adding an element of surprise that is honest and valuable 💛✨. I always love to teach in the hope that it will elevate the industry and sending social message, one of the most memorable is my collaboration project with Afghanistan Refugee in 2018, teaching them about photography 👨‍🏫, ending with an exhibition at Galeri Nasional 🎉.” Chris shared his philosophy as a photographer 💭.

Talking with Chris is always inspiring — his insights on the industry go far beyond the cliché tech and commercial conversations 🚀. There’s a humanist perspective in the way he speaks, honest and at times gently cynical, yet deeply necessary because it comes from a place of truth 🤌🏻. The kind of conversation that quietly reshapes one’s own perspective and ideals 🗣️

“Audio Nirvana was created in 2020. Initially, to share my personal journey as an audiophile 💽. I saw an opportunity and an investment value behind it 📈. For now (as a business) Audio Nirvana offers an audio consultancy service and supplies. Beyond it’s an experience space where lifestyle and music meet a multisensory experience 💫. In the future, I hope to have a more mature infrastructure that helps to bridge the gap between the retail and the experience space 📶.” Chris on Audio Nirvana 🙌🏻.

Chris moves between Jakarta and Australia, nurturing connections through clients and intimate listening events for Audio Nirvana 🎶✨. Recently, together with @sunburn.indo, they presented Mantra — an immersive pop-up experience that beautifully expanded Audio Nirvana’s identity and growing creative universe 🌐. by @futuretronico

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4 months ago

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4 months ago

The Auteurs Part 1 (1/3)
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Naela Ali (@naelaali) is one of the most talented artists I’ve ever met. A multidisciplinary creative soul — author 📖, illustrator ✍️, and painter 🎨 with a great passion, reflected superbly through the medium she touched 💫. I personally think that her work is visually stunning, profound, and simple yet relatable.

“I’ve always been passionate about drawing and writing 🌟. During my college years, I shared my work through my blog and Instagram 💌. When the public enthusiasm grew 📈 I decided to do my first self-published book in 2014. In 2016 a local publisher took an interest and since then I’ve been publishing my books with them 🎉” Naela shared about her journey as an author and illustrator 💭.

Until now, she has published 13 books in English, many of which have been translated into Vietnamese, Portuguese, and Malay 📚✨. Most of her books revolve around episodic autobiographical short stories through a cute mascot called @sillygillydaily. Her latest work “Still Walking” marks a celebration of 10 years as an artist yet heavily showcases a more mature persona as a painter, featuring 27 visually stunning paintings 🖼️ of her personal memories about Japan 🇯🇵, created over 4 years.

“Haruki Murakami and Hayao Miyazaki are two of my biggest inspirations as their works perfectly romanticize simple things in life in perfect ways 💯. I always told myself that Inspiration is all around us and all we have to do is feel 🍃. I love to observe small things in life, especially when I go to unfamiliar places for holidays 👀. I think we only tend to celebrate big things, yet forget the importance of little things in life.” Naela talked about her inspiration and philosophy 🌠.

Mundanity is the theme in Naela’s work that speaks to me most humbly 🗣️. There is a sentimental value within it that deeply inspires me and resonates with my creative soul and practice 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻. It is a quiet value that feels increasingly rare in a fast-paced world driven by instant gratification 🫥. by @futuretronico

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4 months ago

IKIRU (生きる)
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Jinbōchō (9/9)

After months of sharing my latest photo project, I have finally arrived at the last chapter of this quiet, mundane story. I just wanna say thank you so much for all the genuine support and the kind words that accompanied the journey.

Terima kasih Tokyo. taken in Jimbocho Booktown by @futuretronico

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6 months ago

IKIRU (生きる)
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Jinbōchō (8/9)

C U L T U R E D ✨ taken in Jimbocho Booktown by @futuretronico

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6 months ago

IKIRU (生きる)
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Jinbōchō (7/9)

Anegawa Bookstore (Nyankodō)

Had a rollercoaster of an experience—walked through a bookstore full of adult stuff 🔞 only to stumble upon something so pure and innocent like this 👼💫 (Jinbōchō is truly full of surprises 😚🙌🏻). It’s a bookstore dedicated to cat-related stuff—books, magazines, calendars, tote bags, little trinkets, and so much more 🫶🏻🐈. Definitely a must-visit for cat lovers 🙋🏻 taken in Jimbocho Booktown by @futuretronico

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6 months ago

IKIRU (生きる)
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Vending Machine

The very last Japan vending machine appreciation post 🙌🏻🇯🇵✨. These shots were taken with my beloved @fujifilm_id, and honestly, the amount of time I spent editing each frame was kinda insane (＠_＠;)💥. I’m not saying I’m fully satisfied with the results, but I learned so much by experimenting here and there—a really good excuse to step out of my comfort zone 😅.

I’ve received a lot of kind compliments about this vending machine series 🙇🏻🙏🏻. Should I turn it into a photo zine/sell the print? 🤔📘✨ taken in Tokyo, Japan by @futuretronico

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8 months ago