Junko Sophie Kakizaki
Founder/ CEO
Cultural Curator & & Brand Cultural Strategist
Junko Sophie Kakizaki
Based in Kyoto, Junko Sophie Kakizaki is a Cultural Curator dedicated to sharing the beauty and spirit of Japanese culture with the world. Centered on the traditions of the tea ceremony, incense ceremony, Ikebana (Japanese flower arramgement and kimono culture, she curates, directs, and hosts bespoke cultural experiences for international VIPs, luxury brands, hotels, and global media, offering a deeper understanding of the aesthetics and philosophy that underpin Japan's cultural heritage.
Over many years, she has built trusted relationships with Japan's leading master artisans, UNESCO World Heritage temples, and cultural properties and tea houses that are ordinarily closed to the public. Through this exceptional network, she creates one-of-a-kind cultural experiences while developing cultural projects that reinterpret the authentic identity of brands, hotels, and destinations through the lens of Japanese culture.
She serves as the Official Ambassador for Kyoto Hand-Painted Yuzen Kimono and Kyoto Yuzen Saree, and is a certified master of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. Introduced to the tea ceremony and ikebana by her grandmother from an early age, Junko later studied in Paris after graduating from university. She completed the Civilisation Course at the Sorbonne, earned a diploma in French Floral Design from the École Française de Décoration Florale, and obtained the First-Class National Qualification from the French National Horticultural Society. She also studied international protocol at Belle École, the finishing school formerly housed within the Hôtel de Crillon, before returning to Japan to establish Atelier Junko Sophie.
Having travelled to more than sixty countries, Junko draws upon a broad international perspective in her work. She delivers lectures and cultural demonstrations in Japan and abroad, while promoting Japanese culture and traditional craftsmanship through collaborations with international publications, global luxury brands, overseas institutions, and Japanese government–endorsed commemorative projects celebrating diplomatic relations.
She is the co-author of "TASHINAMI: 9 Mindful Japanese Rituals to Feel Beautiful Inside Out" (GBS LLP).
She also received the Excellence Award in Table Coordination and Culinary Presentation at the Kateigaho Grand Prize, presented by Sekai Bunka Publishing.
Selected Partners & Collaborations
We collaborate with select global luxury brands, cultural institutions,
public organizations, and private networks serving UHNW clients.
Our work goes beyond surface-level experiences.
We focus on conveying the inner spirit of Japanese culture — its aesthetics, presence, and philosophy — through refined, lived experiences. Some collaborations remain confidential due to contractual agreements.
Public & Cultural Institutions
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Daigo-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
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Kyoto Prefectural Government
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Embassy of Japan in France
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Japan–Taiwan Cultural & Economic Association
Traditional & Cultural Partners
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Fukujuen Co., Ltd.
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Kyoto Artisans Dyeing Kimono Cooperative Association
Luxury & Private Clients
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American Express Centurion
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VIRTUOSO
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The World | Luxury Residences at Sea
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Crill Privé
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LUXURIQUE Co., Ltd.
Corporate / Educational
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Toray Industries, Inc.
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Temple University, Japan Campus
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Global Luxury Brands (names undisclosed due to confidentiality)
Recent Highlights
May 2026
Curated an Incense Ceremony for Suntory Hibiki’s Global Campaign
As part of Suntory Whisky Hibiki’s first global campaign, The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry, curated a private incense ceremony experience for editors-in-chief of 12 leading APAC luxury magazines.
Designed as an introduction to the philosophy and aesthetic principles embodied by Hibiki, translating Japanese spirituality through the art of fragrance.
May 2026
Appointed as Cultural Experience Director for Luxury Hotels
Started directing cultural experience programs for luxury hotels in Hakone, Nikko, and Kyoto, centered around tea ceremony and incense ceremony.
Crafting site-specific narratives rooted in local history and context, while overseeing curation of utensils, spatial aesthetics, and staff training.
Apr. 2026
Appointed Cultural Curator of Mizunagi An
Appointed Cultural Curator and Director of Mizunagi An a private cultural residence in Kyoto.
Hosting distinguished international distinguished guests while curating immersive Japanese cultural experiences through Kyoto’s deeper cultural landscape. Responsible for concept development, aesthetic direction, hospitality design, and PR.
Jan. 2026
Japanese Culture Salon in Taiwan – Tea Ceremony, Japanese Aesthetics & Kimono Art
Hosted a cultural salon at Hsinchu Museum, featuring a tea ceremony, a lecture on Japanese aesthetics, "Ma", and the unveiling of Kyoto Hand-Painted Yuzen Kimono & saree.
Dec. 2025
Appointed Official Ambassador for Kyoto Hand-Painnted Yuzen Kimono
Appointed by the Kyoto Crafts and Dyeing Artisans Cooperative Association as the Official Ambassador for Kyoto hand-painted Yuzen Kimono, centuries-old Kyoto tradition.
Advocates internationally for the artistic excellence and cultural legacy of this hand-painted Kyoto textile tradition, fostering its global recognition and contemporary relevance.
Oct. 2025
A Private Tea Ceremony at the Hidden Temple of Jōruriji
In the profound quiet of Jōruriji, a secluded and little-known temple,
we curated a rare tea ceremony with Fukujuen in the normally closed Kanjn-cho Hall.
The gathering began with an offering of matcha to the Buddha, creating a truly sacred moment.
Jun. 2025
A Global Luxury Brand (name withheld due to company policy) – VIP Cultural Experience
We organized and curated an immersive Japanese cultural experience for international VIP guests.
Through tea ceremony, kimono, and ikebana workshops personally hosted, we focused not on form alone, but on conveying the spirit and philosophy at the heart of Japanese culture.
Jun. 2025
"The Tea Train" – Produced the Luxury Train “West Express Ginga”
In collaboration with Fukujuen, JR West, and Kyoto Prefecture, transformed the luxury train into a “moving tearoom,” curating everything from program design to onboard tea ceremonies and talks.
Jan. 2025
Tea Offering at Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Taichung
At Prajñālín Dölma Temple, conducted a sacred tea offering to the Buddha, followed by a tea gathering that bridged spiritual and cultural traditions.
Sep. 2024
Experiencing the Elegance of Kimono — The Aesthetics of Movement and Tea Ceremony
At Toray’s Kimono event held at Hankyu Umeda Main Store, Presented special programs: The Grace of Japanese etiquette and The Art of casual tea ceremony at the Table.
Jan. 2025
Japanese Culture Salon in Taichung – Tea, Aesthetics & Kimono Art
Hosted a cultural salon at Le Manor Museum, featuring a tea ceremony, a lecture on Japanese aesthetics, and the unveiling of Kyoto Yuzen sarees.
Jan. 2024 ~
Through collaborations with international luxury agencies and distinguished brands.
Began offering bespoke cultural experiences that convey the spiritual depth and refined aesthetics of Japanese culture.
Working closely with trusted partners across the United States, Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Japan, we curate private, high-value programs centered on the Japanese tea ceremony, designed for a discerning global clientele.
Jan. 2024 ~ Start the Course on Graceful Etiquette and Japanese Aesthetics
Launched the lessons in graceful behavior, protocol, and traditional Japanese etiquette.
The program shares the charm of Japanese culture by showing how the elegance of daily gestures can enrich modern life.
Jun. 2024
Tea Ceremony & Cultural Talk in France
Invited as a guest of honor at the Japanese Culture Festival in Arles, France, sponsored by the French Consulate General and organized by A Propos du Japon. Offered a tea ceremony demonstration and cultural talk, sharing the essence of Japanese hospitality.
Oct, 2024~
Cultural Tourism Partnership with Fukujuen
Partnered with Fukujuen to design cultural tourism projects, develop bespoke services for high-end inbound travelers, and curate exhibitions at their cultural gallery.
Curator & Cultural Tourism Producer for Fukujuen – Japan’s Premier Luxury Tea Maison
Oct. 2023
"Kimono and Ao Dai - Autumn Colors of Japan and Vietnam"
At the invitation of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented a cultural exchange event at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Officially recognized by both the Japanese Government and MOFA as part of the 50th Anniversary of Japan-Vietnam Diplomatic Relations and the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
Oct. 2023
Cultural Exchange in Hanoi – Ikebana, Kimono & Tea
At IKEBANA HOUSE, hosted workshops on ikebana and tea flowers, kimono demonstrations, and a tea gathering, creating a harmonious cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam.
2023
General Manager & Okami for Luxury Hotel Opening in Ohara, Kyoto
Served as opening manager and hostess for a luxury one-group-per-day hotel in Ohara, Kyoto, overseeing operations, staff etiquette training, floral arrangements, and tea gatherings.
2022
Art Sake at Rolls-Royce Owners Club
Attended the prestigious Rolls-Royce Owners Club event in London as an ambassador for “ART SAKE,” a special creation dedicated to Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, celebrating the fusion of Japanese artistry and luxury heritage.
2022
Market Research of Kyoto Yuzen Sarees in London
Conducted market research for Kyoto Yuzen sarees at The Arts Club and Japan House London, exploring its potential in the global market.
2022
Kyoto Yuzen Sarees Project Ambassador – 70th Anniversary of Japan-India Relations
Served as ambassador for the Kyoto Yuzen sarees project, part of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ 70th anniversary program with India, promoting its global presence.
2022
Japanese Culture Salon at Taj Rambagh Palace
Hosted a Japanese cultural salon at the historic Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India. Conducted a tea ceremony using utensils from Kyoto alongside Indian bowls, blending the traditions of Japan, India, and China into a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere.
2021
"Kyoto Beauty Secrets by Junko Sophie" – Global Skincare Collaboration
Co-created a skincare line inspired by ancient Japanese wisdom with India’s Global Beauty Secrets. Featured in "VOGUE FRANCE", "VOGUE INDIA" and collaborated with LVMH luxury retail.
2021
Featured on NBC Olympics Special
Appeared on NBC’s Olympic special as a Japanese woman practicing traditional culture in modern times.
2019
Coordinator for French Documentary “Gates of Shinto”
Coordinated the Japanese side of Jean-Claude Lubtchansky’s documentary film Gates of Shinto.
2018
Kimono Lecture & Dressing Demonstration in Milan
In collaboration with Alberto Moro, president of the Japan-Italy Cultural Friendship Association, gave a lecture and demonstration on the beauty of kimono in Milan.
2018
Interview & Feature in French Magazine
Featured in the French cultural magazine A Propos du Japon, discussing kimono and the tea ceremony.