Who We Are

Words from the founder:

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Greetings! I'm Yoko Sato, the founder of this vibrant community initiative. Let me share with you the story behind the inception of this project.

Born and raised in Hyogo and Chiba, Japan, I embarked on a journey abroad immediately after graduating from high school. This experience, living between cultures, transformed me into a unique blend of Japanese and international identities. During my formative years, Japanese culture surrounded me, yet I took it for granted, considering it merely a part of my everyday life.

However, as time passed and my perspective widened, I began to perceive the depth and richness of Japanese culture with newfound appreciation. I found myself refining my own identity and pondering my role within the community. The desire to reconnect with my cultural roots grew stronger, compelling me to delve deeper into the essence of being Japanese, to honor my ancestors, and to cherish our heritage.

This journey of self-discovery also ignited a profound longing to forge connections with others and share the joy of collaborative art experiences. The combination of the COVID pandemic and rapid technological advancement has increasingly left me feeling disconnected from meaningful human interactions.  As an amateur artist with a love for drawing and a passion for Japanese calligraphy, I found solace and inspiration in the strokes of the brush. My dedication to Japanese calligraphy led me to attain the status of a sensei (shihan), yet despite my cultural background, there were many aspects of Japanese tradition that remained unexplored.

Although I am Japanese and have learned some cultural skills, I still have much to discover. I cannot even wear a Yukata properly, I do not know how to make and drink tea properly, and I've never attempted Kado, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. I'm eager to delve into all facets of Japanese culture, enriching my life alongside fellow enthusiasts who share similar interests and values, fostering deeper connections and greater joy together.

Thus, the vision emerged to create a space where individuals could immerse themselves in Japanese culture and art, learning and growing together in a cozy, welcoming environment. Driven by a passion to provide both locals and travelers with an authentic cultural experience, I realized the need for a location that would cater to the needs of international visitors as well as local residents. Roppongi, with its vibrant atmosphere and central location, emerged as the perfect setting for our community hub.

We've carefully chosen to host our events on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in the late afternoon, ensuring a relaxing and meaningful leisure time for couples, parents and children, singles, and friends alike. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler passing through, our events provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and explore Japanese culture in a laid-back setting. Conveniently located, it's easy to drop in as part of your Sunday plans, adding a touch of cultural enrichment to your weekend.

I hope you join us on this exciting journey of cultural exploration and friendship-building. Together, let's embrace the spirit of collaboration, learn from one another, and foster a sense of unity that transcends borders.

We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community!

Warm regards,

Yoko Sato

Director

LUCREA, Inc.

Sponsor: 

The Japan Cultural Stage Support Organization

一般社団法人 日本文化舞台支援機構