About Junko Sophie Kakizaki
CEO
creative director
Junko Sophie Kakizaki
Junko Sophie Kakizaki, based in Kyoto, is a master of Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and French floral design, a tea ceremony expert, a Japanese etiquette instructor, and a passionate advocate of kimono culture. She also serves as the official brand ambassador for "Kyoto Yuzen Sarees".
Guided by her grandmother, Junko began studying Ikebana and the tea ceremony at a young age. After university, she refined her expertise in Paris at the Cours de civilisation française de la Sorbonne and "École Française de Décoration Florale". Studied protocol at "Belle École," the former finishing school once located at Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. Upon returning to Japan, she created and taught an innovative course combining Ikebana and French floral artistry, a practice she has continued for over 15 years.
As the founder of MAISON DE KAKIZAKI G.K., Junko promotes the timeless beauty of Japanese culture, traditional crafts, and art through workshops, international publications, and collaborations with prestigious global organizations. She has traveled to over 60 countries, delivering lectures and demonstrations across Europe and Asia, and offers bespoke tea ceremonies tailored for VIP clients, including royal families, luxury maison, global CEOs, and ambassadors.
Her acclaimed book, “TASHI-NAMI : 9 Mindful Japanese Rituals To Feel Beautiful Inside Out” (co-authored with Aishwarya S. Nir), has been featured in prominent international media. With a social media following of approximately 40,000, Junko continues to inspire as a cultural ambassador of Japan.
Recent Achievements
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.
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.
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 ~ Collaborations with Global Luxury Agencies and Brands
Partnered with leading luxury agencies and brands to offer exclusive cultural experiences.
Collaborations include AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION, VIRTUOSO (USA), Dynasty Travel, Travel Curator (Singapore), APDJ, Kinsen Voyage (France), Oxford International Exchange, Inside Japan Tours (UK), CRIL Privée & Cie., and Luxurique (Tokyo).
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
Multilingual Cultural Series "Junko Sophie's Hidden Kyoto" & “Hidden India”
Launched a cultural series in Japanese, English, Chinese, and French, sharing deep insights into Kyoto and India via Kyoto Kimono Market’s web media.
2020
Kyoto × Greece – Art Installation with Kimono
At Hogon-ji Temple in Kyoto, staged an installation with kimono by Greek artists, later exhibited at Thessaloniki Archaeological Museum.
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.
2019
Lectures & Tea Demonstrations in Taiwan
Gave lectures on Japanese culture and aesthetics, and conducted tea demonstrations in Taipei and Kaohsiung.
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.
