About Us

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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

Shohei Toguri
Founder & Head of Marketing

Shohei Toguri

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 Shibuya
Content Director

Maoko Shibuya

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.

Natsumi Ikeshita
Content Director

Natsumi Ikeshita

Natsumi built her career as an in-house marketer at two listed B2B SaaS companies, working across media, advertising, video, eBooks, and online events. Early experiences in Michigan and Kyoto deepened her sense of hospitality and global culture, later expanded through nomadic work abroad. Sharing Shohei’s vision, she joined Bespoke Discovery to lead media operations, combining her marketing expertise with the spirit of omotenashi to create unique value.

Koki Kobayashi
Visual Content Director

Koki Kobayashi

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.

Maiko Akasaka
Social Media Director

Maiko Akasaka

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.

What We Believe In

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Autonomy and Trust

We build mutual trust by acting with discipline and accountability,
fostering a culture where independence strengthens collaboration.
Empathy

Empathy and Compassion

We listen deeply and seek to understand each other’s perspectives before responding,
creating space for genuine connection and respect.
Flexibility

Flexibility and Growth

We embrace change as an opportunity to learn,
continually exploring new ways to create value and evolve together.
diversity

Diversity as Strength

We value different backgrounds, perspectives, and lifestyles,
transforming contrast into creativity and innovation.
Appreciating

Appreciating the Unsung

We honor the quiet contributions and craftsmanship that often go unnoticed,
recognizing them as the foundation on which excellence is built.