The Weekend of Awesome: In a Nutshell

When we first got word that we were FOR SURE going to Japan, (the back and forth was insane and emotionally draining), I began to research. If you read my last post you know that I was not very happy about the idea of living in Japan. Something then caught my eye...."The Cement Factory". Wait what? Why would people post about making cement? Wow, this is what there is to do in Japan...so much to look forward to! Then I stopped being a judgmental B and looked into it. It's a antique and junk store! Whoa, yes, my kind of place! One thing or another happened and almost 6 months later I finally asked and slightly badgered a few friends, so they'd go with me! Let me just say, I thought Japan was fun and awesome before...now...it's official, Ian can PCS, but I'm not leaving. Ever. All joking aside, here it is, in all of it's cementy glory:

Don't let the industrial and harsh exterior fool you, for inside all that you will find is treasure! Okay, maybe a lot of junk and some treasures, but you will find some treasures. They had everything there, and by everything I legitimately mean it...everything. Ever thought about putting a giant concrete hippo in your front yard? No worries, there's one for you there. Decor not suitable for eyes under 18? They've got you covered! Clocks, a giant framed crab (he must've tasted awesome), printed screens, shutters, industrial tables, beer coolers, decor decor decor, electronics, cds, books, scooters and most importantly...antiques! I meant it when I said that they have everything there. There are 5 or 6 rooms that each have different things in them, so there's A LOT to look through and to look under. Imagine a junkyard, but inside. You have now mentally pictured the Cement Factory. Now this establishment is no place for littles to be running around. There's so much that could fall on them, so I recommend leaving your children at home or at least bringing your spouse so he/she can watch the younglings outside. I warn you, the stairs in one of the rooms...don't bother going up them unless your life is not at all important to you. I lovingly blame this trek up the stairs on Racheal ;) Her wondering mind led to a comical scene of three women tip toeing above what seemed to be nothing but a thin board holding us up. Not to mention wobbly steep steps up to the board of nothing floor. It was an adventure in of itself.

What did you find there? I will tell you, or show you rather. Our trip yielded all 3 of us some awesome finds...So awesome that we bought sooo much we had to come back to pick up the rest, twice. Two trips in the van looked like this, the third one was too dark haha:

We may have stocked up and cleared out the place. Soo much potential and redoing fun! Here are the pieces that I scored! This sideboard brought me to a happy place! Envision this: Annie Sloan Old White paint and dark wax, accentuating all of that gorgeous detail! Yes, oh the potential!! Don't mind the randomness happening on the top of this awesome sideboard, just enjoy it's beauty! The entire thing cost me...wait for it, $30. The ginormous frame sitting atop it's gorgeousness? $5. Technically I got it for $25, since they threw in a $5 vase as well for free. Awesome folks there, I'm telling you. The frame...oh that frame. I don't have to do anything to it. It's character, years of wear, everything shows through and it is beyond perfect the way it is.

 

My next piece...Not as old, but I love it's design and potential. I'm in between paint colors, so I'm not sure what direction I will take with it just yet, but I am replacing the hardware and changing it's overall look. The price on this bad boy? $30 or $35, I cannot remember, either way...a steal! Again, ignore the decorating nonsense going on in there, I'm trying to figure out what is going to go where.

The pieces are so well constructed, solid and sturdy! You seriously couldn't ask for more awesome potential for $70 total! I'm on a mission to find a tall Tansu chest, tea crates (my decorating dream for YEARS), other odds and ends, a silk screen, shutters...oh the list is never ending! I am so blessed to have a hubby who is completely on board with my madness...and one who searches out home projects he can complete himself to aid me in my never-ending decorating obsession.

If you are like me and googled "Cement Factory Misawa", "Cement Factory Japan" and "Cement Factory Hachinohe" relentlessly, then here are some directions for you! Easy peasy...
The Cement Factory Coordinates: 40.476497 141.415758
Take the toll road to Central Hach, the same way you'd go to get to Coco's and Sega World. Turn RIGHT at the Docomo onto the 104, it's before you reach central Hach, before the KFC, restaurants and what not.
Go until it T's off and you can only go right or left...make another RIGHT. This will keep you on the 104.
Again, go for a bit until it T's again! This time make a LEFT. Past the pachinko parlor...it seems like a bit, but you're going the right way! You will turn left onto the 104, again.
Go all the way up the windy road until you see the very tall building in the very first picture, on your right.
 Side Note: If you don't know how to get to Central Hach. Go out the POL gate and go straight until you see the toll road bridge. Turn left before that bridge and hop onto the toll road. It's past Homac, past Universe...you will see it. The tolls are 350Y each way.

We really hope that everyone had a fantastical Thanksgiving weekend!