“We’re not just entertainers—we’re facilitators of connection. And we approach each gathering with a spirit of hospitality.”

— Kaoru, Geisha Proprietress

“When I make something by hand, I can never make it perfect. There are always tiny inconsistencies, but I think that’s exactly what gives it character and beauty. I believe those slight imperfections speak to people’s hearts.”

— Takahiro, Kumiko Artisan

“In an increasingly digital, disembodied world, the slow, sensorially rich process of making washi also has much to offer us in connecting us to the earth and to our own creativity.”

— Hiroko, Washi Master

“I found the origin of karate and since then I wasn’t able to quit.”

— Suguru, Karate Master

“I chose to become a Katana-kaji swordsmith when I realized that “katana” wasn’t just a weapon, but something passed down from generation to generation.”

— Fusahiro, Katana Master

“It would be a shame to waste something that still has good use. And it’s rewarding to repair something so that it can be useful again.”

— Toshie, Kintsugi Master

“The biwa is not just an instrument that produces sound - the biwa has a soul.”

— Nobuko, Biwa Master

“Take kitchen knives, for example. The more you beat it and use it, the better it cuts and the longer it lasts. In a similar fashion, I believe that we tatami craftspeople have grown stronger from being beaten down, and hence, I will always put forth my best effort.”

— Satoshi, Tatami Weaver

“I can share stories of being a craftsperson and about the difficulties of being a craftsperson, from my own experience. I hope I can convey such things to incoming guests. I think that is very important for those who come to experience our work here.”

— Yoshiharu, Mujizome Artisan