About Us
At Bespoke Discovery, we create tailor-made journeys into Japan’s hidden essence —
its artisanship, heritage, and natural beauty.
Our diverse team of curators, storytellers, and marketers
blends global insight with deep local knowledge
to craft premium, culturally immersive experiences.
Rooted in personal passion and cross-cultural curiosity,
we are more than guides — we are interpreters of Japan’s soul.
Our Journey Begins with a Story
Every vision starts with a story—ours is rooted in Japan’s timeless beauty and heritage.
Bespoke Discovery was founded to unveil and share the hidden cultural, artisanal, historical, and natural treasures of Japan, offering new perspectives to audiences both at home and abroad.
Inspired by the founder’s childhood encounters with Imari, Arita, and Nabeshima ceramics, a circle of like-minded members came together — driven by a shared desire to celebrate Japan’s rich traditions, artistry, and the natural environment that sustains them.
What “Bespoke Discovery” Means to Us
A name born from our belief in rediscovering Japan’s value and sharing it with the world.
Shohei Toguri, one of our founding members,
was deeply influenced by his grandfather’s art collection,
which nurtured a lifelong appreciation
for Japanese culture and craftsmanship.
His studies abroad and work in global settings
revealed a striking contrast:
while Japan’s traditions are revered overseas,
they are too often overlooked at home.
This realization inspired a vision
to reintroduce the true value of Japanese culture —
both domestically and internationally —
creating a virtuous cycle of cultural “reimportation.”
Bespoke
Bespoke is more than customization.
It reflects a philosophy of care,
a commitment to craft experiences
that go deeper than the ordinary.
Each journey is shaped around you —
your curiosity, your values, your aspirations.
We listen closely so what unfolds
feels authentic and personal.
From your pace to your sense of wonder,
every detail is attuned to who you are —
ensuring no two experiences are ever alike.
Discovery
Discovery is our passion for unveiling Japan’s hidden layers.
It is about seeing what is often missed
and finding meaning beneath the surface.
From timeless traditions of artisans
to the beauty of everyday life,
discovery opens doors to perspectives
that inspire awe and renewal.
True encounters with Japan go beyond the familiar,
offering insights that remain with you
long after the journey ends.
Together, these words express the spirit of Bespoke Discovery:
co-creating journeys that capture Japan’s essence
in ways both personal and profound.
By weaving curiosity with cultural richness,
we offer experiences that not only reveal beauty,
but also create lasting meaning —
for guests, for communities,
and for the story of Japan itself.
The People Who Bring Stories to Life
We are cultural stewards and translators of curiosity.
At Bespoke Discovery, artisans, curators, and creatives come together
with perspectives shaped in Japan and across the world.
We are not merely guides — we are storytellers
who reveal the deeper layers of Japanese culture
and shape them into narratives that resonate globally.
With roots in crafts, hospitality, regional development, art, and digital technology,
we bridge people, places, and time — guided by a vision
to turn Japan’s essence into meaningful experiences.
Our Members
After postgraduate studies in Australia, Shohei began his career in sales and marketing before joining a B2B software firm’s Japanese subsidiary as its first local hire, leading marketing strategy and execution. With broad expertise in in-house marketing, consulting, and media, he now drives Bespoke Discovery’s overall development and marketing. Influenced by his grandfather, a collector of Japanese ceramics, he has long cultivated a deep appreciation for art and craftsmanship, often visiting museums and galleries worldwide.
Maoko transitioned into B2B marketing after sales roles at global software and medical device firms. Holding a master’s in Digital Marketing from Dublin, she has lived in Sweden, Spain, and other countries, experiences that renewed her passion for sharing Japan’s cultural appeal. At Bespoke Discovery, she plans and writes narratives that highlight the country’s beauty and depth. In her personal life, she enjoys traveling, exploring food culture, and especially visiting Hida-Takayama.
Koki earned a master’s degree from Tokyo University of the Arts, then studied in Germany and lived in Stuttgart for 15 years, exhibiting photography and visual works internationally. He now lectures on Art Theory at Matsumoto University. At Bespoke Discovery, he directs visual content production, ensuring a refined and consistent identity across image and video. Based in Matsumoto, a growing tourism hub, he is deeply engaged with local culture and committed to sharing Japan’s richness through art.
After studying in Toronto, Maiko built her career as Senior Producer at a global ad agency and a major Japanese web portal. Now a consultant in social media strategy, she helps brands craft impactful digital narratives and meaningful audience connections. At Bespoke Discovery, she contributes her expertise to social media planning and storytelling. Passionate about culture through cuisine, she explores food traditions and cooking worldwide, enriching her creative perspective alongside her love of travel and the outdoors.
After graduating university, Narihira Sahara worked as an in-house marketer across three companies — a B2B SaaS venture and two startups — moving from hands-on execution to management, with experience spanning web, content, and event marketing. Since childhood he has been drawn to history and art, regularly visiting temples, shrines, and museums. His hobby is watch appreciation — he admires Grand Seiko for its relentless pursuit of “time” and Japan's finest craftsmanship. He is especially fond of Kyoto and Nara.
After graduating university, Tsuyoshi Mitsui joined the video production division of an advertising agency, working on web commercials. He later went independent, producing product promotional videos, publicity photography, and animated web advertisements. His strength lies in a one-person, end-to-end workflow — planning, filming, and editing himself — supporting corporate branding and promotion from multiple angles. In his personal time, he enjoys portrait photography, capturing the expressions and atmosphere of the people in front of his camera.
Juneh has been involved in performance since childhood and, after graduating from the Department of Cinema at Nihon University College of Art, moved to the production side of the camera. At Bespoke Discovery, she serves as Video Director, specializing in interview-driven filmmaking — distilling words that only that person could say. She also actively seeks out “zero-degree” experiences, from growing rice to guiding sea tours, and currently lives on Ishigaki Island.
What We Believe In
Autonomy and Trust
fostering a culture where independence strengthens collaboration.
Empathy and Compassion
creating space for genuine connection and respect.
Flexibility and Growth
continually exploring new ways to create value and evolve together.
Diversity as Strength
transforming contrast into creativity and innovation.
Appreciating the Unsung
recognizing them as the foundation on which excellence is built.
