Discovering the Heart of The Art of Japanese Living: Nurturing Health, Hope, and Happiness | 和のこころ：健康・希望・喜びを育む

As a member of the GenderX generation, I recognized the significant challenges in shaping our future, specifically after the drastic transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. It made me realize how important it is to prepare for getting older and taking care of myself, physically and mentally.

During this period, freezing my plan of starting a business prevented me from earning income. Being uncertain about when I could return to Japan added sadness and anxiety. I felt helpless not being around my friends and family when they were in critical condition and in distress. I felt immense pain during the pandemic.

Nevertheless, I slowly emerged out of the dark. That was when I knew it was time for a change, urging me to take action and find a new direction. I am now prepared to face whatever lies ahead and ready to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the environment I am living in.

こんにちは！今回のブログ記事では、私が将来への目的意識を深め、自分の新たな挑戦に踏み出すきっかけをお話しすると共に、これからしていこうと考えていることを共有したいと思います。

ジェンダーX世代として幼少期の頃から好奇心旺盛な子どもでした。異なる国の人や文化に触れる機会が多く、興味を持ったものはなんでも試してみました。好きなことは突き詰めていく性格だったかもしれません。そして日々の生活を通して経験したことは、こころを育み生きる糧となりました。もちろん全てが順風満帆に進んだわけではありません。挫折や困難な状況に直面する時期も当然ありました。自分に自信が持てなくなったり、他の人と比較して焦りを感じたりすることもありました。しかし、そうした試練を乗り越えていく中で、本当に追いかけたい情熱や価値観に気づき始めます。

COVID-19パンデミックの影響を受けた時期は、自己や周囲の人々と向き合う時間が増えました。制約された日々の中で、自己の内面と向き合い、健康や幸福に対する意識が今まで以上に高まりました。起業する計画が凍結し収入源が減り、日本に帰国できる時期がいつになるか不確かな状況に、悲しみと不安を感じました。友人や家族が重篤な状態の時、そばにいられない無力感も抱えました。パンデミック中は非常に苦しい時期でしたが、この経験は、自分の新たな挑戦に踏み出すきっかけとつながりました。自分の興味と価値観に合った分野を探求し、それが人々の心を少しでも満たす何かに繋がればという思いが芽生え始めたのです。

そういった中で、日本の歴史・芸術文化、健康的なライフスタイルなど、自分の身の回りの豊かさを見出し維持してくれる事柄に日頃から強く関心を持ち、日本特有な生活文化を世界と共有したいと考えていました。そして、Kiki’s T Houseを立ち上げることを決めました。”The Art of Japanese Living: Nurturing Health, Hope, and Happiness”という理念に自分の想いを込め、「和のこころ」を体現できるよう、衣・食・住の3つの要素に焦点を合わせています。そして、日本文化の無限の可能性を知り、体験し、日常生活の中に取り入れていってもらうと共に、さらに交流の場をも提供していくことを望んでいます。

今後、Kiki’s T Houseの活動のついての詳細をお楽しみに。では、次回まで！！

I want to share the captivating beauty of Japanese culture with the world. My background in Home Economics, my career working at a Financial Processing Corporation, and my focus on Environmental Planning have made me conscious of the challenges our world faces today. I realized the urgent need for sustainable living practices and felt a deep calling to be part of the solution.

With a heart full of inspiration and stimulation, I launched Kiki’s T House, driven by three compelling reasons:

1. Studying and Preserving Japanese Culture: My enjoyment in studying the wonders of Japanese culture with its intricate artistry and profound traditions, and my dedication to preserving the precious cultural heritage of Japan for future generations, became a fundamental pillar of my mission.

2. Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle: An unwavering dedication to promoting a wholesome and health-conscious lifestyle, inspired by the deep knowledge and valuable insights from Japanese traditional ways of living, further fueled the vision of Kiki’s T House.

To position my business thoughtfully, I researched the trends and changes that could shape the world in the next decade. The dynamics of the aging population, increasing globalization, evolving fashion and beauty trends, shifting health and lifestyle choices, technological advancements, environmental factors, and cultural identity. They all influence the future landscape of the way we live.

I delved into exploring various places in Japan and watching YouTube videos. So many people were involved in transformative initiatives I found inspirational. I discovered vibrant communities in rural areas, a wholehearted embrace of sustainable tourism, Continuing Care Retirement Community, and an unwavering commitment to promoting zero-waste practices. 

As I became aware of Japan’s aging population being a significant challenge, I also recognized the lack of global appreciation for its cultural treasures as a root of the difficulties in preserving them.

This realization gave birth to the concept of ‘The Art of Japanese Living,’ with a mission promoting well-being, hope, and happiness beyond Japan’s borders, connecting with people worldwide.

These captivating ideas formed Kiki’s T House, infusing life into a compelling Positioning Statement that guides every endeavor with passion and purpose.

‘The Art of Japanese Living: Nurturing Health, Hope, and Happiness’ is not only a business endeavor but also a heartfelt reflection of my deep passion and unwavering commitment to fostering a positive impact on the future of living, promoting well-being and happiness through Japanese cultural elements. Through a deep understanding of the changing world and a celebration of diversity, identity, and well-being, my mission is to empower individuals to a more mindful and fulfilling life.

The Art of Japanese Living: Nurturing Health, Hope, and Happiness

For all culture enthusiasts and individuals aspiring to cultivate well-being, balance, and happiness in their lives, Kiki’s T House warmly welcomes you. We invite you to immerse yourself in the essence of ‘The Art of Japanese Living,’ where we cherish three essential elements of living:

• 衣 (i: clothes/fashion/style): to unlock the essence of self-expression and creativity through the art of fashion.

• 食 (shoku: food/taste): delight in the rich flavors, tastes, and culinary experiences of Japanese food while immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

• 住 (jyu: home/comfort) to discover serenity and create cherished memories in the comforting embrace of your home.

Our exceptional DiscoverX Lab will present an opportunity to Experience, Experiment, Exchange, and Expand the endless possibilities of Japanese culture, all beautifully showcased to transform your life.

Additionally, our Cultural Language Hub opens the doors to vibrant cities like Chicago and Japan, presenting unique opportunities for children and adults to broaden their horizons through cultural exchange.

Together, we are committed to guiding you to a more mindful, joyful, and fulfilling life. Embrace the magnificence of nature and join hands in crafting a better tomorrow for all!