Culture-Preneurs: The Saviors of Kyoto's Traditional Crafts

2月15日読了時間: 3分

Japan artisans have been keeping the value of Japan.

Japan's traditional industries are a treasure trove of techniques and culture cultivated over centuries, a source of pride for the nation. However, due to declining demand, these crafts are facing a steep decline. While the importance of balancing supply and demand from a marketing perspective is clear, Japan's traditional industries hold not just functional value in their products, but also deep cultural significance.

For instance, tea bowls often have a "face," and it's customary to slightly turn the bowl when drinking so as not to directly face it. This stems from the Japanese belief that it's impolite to engage with a superior face-to-face. If the artisans who have preserved these subtle cultural practices for generations disappear, we risk losing the very essence of Japan's charm.

This is where the rise of the "culture-preneur" becomes crucial. Culture-preneurs are entrepreneurs who approach culture as a business, working to expand and grow it. They collaborate with artisans to create new products, introduce Japanese art to markets like Paris, and breathe new life into traditional industries.

Business networking with culture-preneurs in Kyoto

At a recent gathering of culture-preneurs in Kyoto, I was struck by the shared vision of entrepreneurs dedicated to prioritizing culture in their business growth. What sets cultural ventures apart is their unique time horizon.

Unlike today's startups focused on rapid growth, those involved in cultural endeavors work with a 10- or 20-year vision, striving to improve the future. This is why investors seeking quick returns often shy away from such businesses (and many culture-preneurs themselves don't seek such investments).

Japan's appeal to tourists worldwide stems from the cultural richness built over centuries. Our role in this era is to ensure that this value endures for the next 100 years and beyond.

However, attracting tourists who share this long-term perspective remains a challenge. Our initial focus is on showcasing the allure of Japanese culture from a business standpoint. We aim to attract discerning travelers who not only seek enjoyable experiences but also contemplate the future impact of these experiences.

This is why we specialize in business and investor-focused tours in Japan.

While overseas travel agencies often request artisan experiences, their focus is invariably on "cheap experiences." At Japagrit, we believe deeply in the value of these crafts, and refuse to compromise on price. To do so would be to devalue the artisans' skills and the rich heritage they represent.

Inspired by the recent gathering of culture-preneurs, Japagrit is embracing this philosophy, shifting our focus from simply being entrepreneurs to becoming true culture-preneurs, dedicated to promoting culture and enhancing Japan's value.

The Value Japagrit Offers

Japagrit curates business trips to Japan that seamlessly blend business objectives with enriching cultural experiences.

Our goal is to serve as a bridge, expanding your business potential through tourism in Japan. We offer more than just cultural experiences; we provide opportunities for meaningful exchange with local communities, fostering potential future business collaborations.

What sets Japagrit apart:

* Our founder is a founding member and current mentor of BSJ (Business Support in Japan), an organization dedicated to assisting foreign entrepreneurs in Japan.

* We maintain close ties with BSJ's network of accountants, administrative scriveners, judicial scriveners, real estate managers, consultants, and co-working space operators.

* Japagrit is not a travel agency, but rather a marketing alliance with various travel agencies throughout Japan, enabling us to quickly connect with local artisans and those involved in traditional crafts.

* Our experience in promoting B2B collaborations with maritime travel agencies in Italy, Portugal, and Australia gives us unique insight into the needs of inbound travelers.

* As members of the Japan-India Business Council and the Australia-Japan Society of Osaka, we stay abreast of global business trends.

* Japagrit's origins as a business Japanese language school for foreign entrepreneurs in Japan provide us with invaluable data on the challenges and successes of doing business in the country.

The Future Japagrit Envisions

Through tourism, Japagrit aims to connect Japan with the world, fostering a future where those who visit on business trips are inspired to establish their own ventures in Japan.

Join us in sharing the richness of Japanese culture with the world and enhancing Japan's global standing.