people

岡 雄大 | YUTA OKA

Staple Inc., CEO

Raised in the US and Japan, Yuta has always had strong interest in discovering new cultures and tracing their roots through travel. Through Staple, he realizes his passion in tracing those roots by creating hotels as a medium to express each locale, and by getting involved in broader neighborhood development. Yuta started his career in real estate and hotel investments at Starwood Capital Group's Tokyo and San Francisco offices. After Starwood, he co-founded a boutique asset management and consulting business focused on small luxury hotels and had the opportunity to work with multiple luxury resort brands. BA Waseda University, Global Political Economy.

小林 亮大 | RYOTA KOBAYASHI

Staple Inc., Executive Officer
Shiomachi Kikaku Inc., CEO
Ryota joined Staple after graduating from Keio University in 2019. After moving to Setoda as Development Manager for SOIL Setoda in 2020, he has since become a trusted figure within the local community and has opened a fresh juice shop within Onomichi Station with a bold mission to enhance value for Setoda's citrus produce. From 2022, he was promoted to become CEO for Shiomachi Kikaku, Staple's subsidiary established to lead neighborhood development for Setoda's Shiomachi Shotengai district.

川口 貴之 | TAKAYUKI KAWAGUCHI

Born in Miyazaki, Takayuki graduated from the architecture course at Yokohama National University and is a licensed first-class architect. After working for five years as a designer at a housing manufacturer following university, he realized that the direction of a project is determined at the starting point of design and space creation, which led him to switch to UDS to learn planning. He has planned and managed various projects, including hotels, shared offices, commercial facilities, share houses, and complex buildings, overseeing them from planning to opening. In parallel, he has worked on store and graphic design in his hometown of Miyazaki. His favorite things are tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and shochu (a Japanese spirit).

園部 優樹 | YUKI SONOBE

Staple Inc., Manager
Born and raised in Ibaraki, Yuki eventually aims to launch a project back home. After graduating from Rikkyo University's College of Tourism, Yuki joined Staple as HOTEL K5's Front Desk Staff, and eventually became supervisor. After shifting to Staple's develoment division, he remains involved with K5 as its asset manager and revenue manager.

清永 真紀 | MAKI KIYONAGA

Staple Inc., Director
Born and raised in Kumamoto, Maki started her career as a back officer at a company in Kumamoto city, where she very much loved. In the year she turned 30, Maki went to London that she loved for many years. Through the study at City University and the life there, Maki came to think she would like to choose to spend her time with people, things, and time that move her heart.
After returning to Japan, she decided to restart her career in Tokyo, not Kumamoto, as an accounting staff at a couple of hotels. In 2021, Maki joined Staple, and now mainly in charge of accounting in Corporate division.

渡邊 加奈子 | KANAKO WATANABE

Director/K5 General Manager
Born and raised in Ibaraki prefecture, to a family that has been running a hotel for 4 generations. Kanako decided to be part of the Hospitality industry after visiting many hotels and ryokans with her family in her childhood. Despite working with major hotels and ryokans to fulfill her dreams, the business operations has been a challenge for her and decided to go Southeast Asia by herself. She co-founded a retail business, trained more than 50 staff of different origins. There, she engaged in store branding, space design and development for other stores. After working overseas with product development, she started to realize the impact of not just the front but also managing behind the scenes. October 2019 back to Japan, she then joined Staple as the development project manager of HOTEL K5. As of July 2021, she became the General Manager, working hard with her team to build a new hotel industry for future hoteliers.
Graduated from Japan Hotel School

島津 恵理奈 | SHIMAZU ERINA

I was born in Hiroshima and grew up freely by the calm Seto Inland Sea until high school. After graduating from university, I returned to my hometown and worked at a local financial institution — and even served as a tourism ambassador for a year. While grateful for the comfort of my hometown, I decided to seek new inspiration and moved to Tokyo at 25 — a decision I still thank my younger self for.

In Tokyo, I worked in industries related to interior design and real estate, areas I had been interested in since my student days. My experience includes managing a prop rental shop, buying, renovation projects, planning share offices, and selecting OSE items for luxury hotels.

Now, as a community manager at Soil Work, I dedicate my days to running and shaping the space. I love essential oils, flowers, yoga, stretching, writing, and calligraphy — and lately, I’ve been fascinated by customizing bicycles. These days, I cherish time spent surrounded by beautiful things.

沼田 恵梨子 | Eriko Numata

I’m from Himeji, Hyogo. After years of lacrosse as a student, I chose French cuisine and trained at Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris and Japan. I moved to Tokyo to help launch Blue Bottle Coffee Japan, then returned to France for four years in restaurants, where I also took up pottery. Back in Japan, my love of travel drew me to “culinary experiences in hotels,” and I joined Azumi Setoda in Onomichi as both Service Manager and Chef.
Now at Staple, I plan and develop hotel F&B. My goal is to make hotel dining as inspiring for chefs as it is for guests.

鏡 勇人 | Hayato Kagami

I’m from Funabashi, Chiba. While studying tourism at university, I interned from year one at a startup selling into hostels and guesthouses, and worked front desk at Tokyo hotels to learn the business. After graduating I joined a hotel operator, covering day-to-day operations and the opening/management of hotel condominiums.
Introduced by a friend from my student days, I joined Staple to create places loved by both communities and guests over the long term.

My hobbies include coffee, music (occasionally DJing), and running. With my team, I strive every day to create as many moments as possible where everyone involved can smile.

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山田 菜美 | Nami Yamada

I’m from Minakami, Gunma. As a kid I treated the hot spring town like my backyard—and I was so outgoing I even ended up helping the lady at the shooting gallery mind the shop. Now I want to help build a hometown that kids who grow up here will always want to come back to as adults.

谷野 夏羽 | Natsuha Tanino

I was born and raised in Okayama in 2001. Right out of high school I spent three years interning at a startup, then helped open a local accommodation and fell for the depth of the hotel world. I completed two cohorts of the GM GYM manager-training program, started interning at Staple in August 2023, and joined full-time after graduation.
I’m good at crisp minutes and being the extra set of hands that keeps things moving. I love the sky and the sea—and I’m learning more about flowers and kimono.

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鈴木 慎一郎 | SHINICHIRO SUZUKI

I was born in Fukushima and began my career as a chef at Curry Dining Bar Em in my hometown. I later joined Backpackers’ Japan, working across accommodation and F&B operations at toco. and Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE.

In 2020 I relocated to Setoda, put down roots, and focused on connecting the local community with visitors. From pre-opening through day-to-day operations, I helped build SOIL Setoda and served as its manager. As part of regional promotion efforts, I was appointed an Onomichi Tourism Ambassador.

In March 2024 I moved to Tokyo/Nihonbashi and became the manager of timsum.
I graduated from Fukushima University (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration).

中井 慎二 | SHINJI NAKAI

Born in Nagahama, Shiga, and coming from a family of rice farmers, he developed a strong desire to work in the food and beverage industry. After graduating from university, he joined Starbucks, where he discovered a passion for coffee, which led him to move to Tokyo at the age of 27. Since then, he has primarily worked in the café industry, with a brief stay in Fukuoka.

Currently, he is gaining various experiences with the goal of opening his own café in his hometown.

中尾 有希 | Yuki Nakao

I grew up in Fukuoka and spent university years in Kagoshima. After about five years at a small architecture practice in Tokyo, I joined Staple. Over time I’ve come to value slow, deep conversations—I try to design through dialogue.Raised in Fukuoka, Yuki spent his university years in Kagoshima. He moved to Tokyo for work and after working for about five years at an individual architecture design office, he joined Staple. Over time, he has come to believe that having slow, deep conversations is important. He focuses on design through dialogue.

田島 美里 | Misato Tajima

Born in Hamura City, Tokyo. After graduating from a technical school specializing in architecture, I spent four years at a design firm focusing on renovations. During that time, I worked on designing hotels, coworking spaces, cafés, and even gained experience with coffee stand pop-ups at in-house facilities. Thanks to a connection introduced by a former supervisor, I joined Staple. My hobby is mountain climbing, and my favorite mountain is Mt. Tsubakuro.

堀川 笑里 | Emiri Horikawa

I’m from Urayasu, Chiba. After university I enrolled in a one-year spatial design program. Visiting many spaces taught me how much I love design with a story and places that spark connection. I then joined an interior design firm focused on hotels and offices.
I came to Staple to work on regional revitalization and create spaces that keep supporting people even after handover. My current dream is to build unforgettable spaces for travelers with a team I trust.

伴 恵里香 | ERIKA BAN

I grew up in Saitama City. After leaving my first job at an apparel company, I used my savings to study short-term at Chelsea College of Arts in London and then traveled solo across Europe. That trip made me obsessed with how diverse expression can be—and with the patterns that make spaces feel welcoming.

Back in Japan, I worked at a Backpacker’s Japan guesthouse while studying interior design. I later joined TOTO, proposing products to end users and consulting on new builds and renovations. I’m still a proud toilet nerd—I check every new model and restroom layout I come across. After that, I moved to an interior design firm, working on concepting, fixture/furniture design, and FFE/OSE selection. Along the way I realized what I love most is the story in every element of a space—and the people who bring that space to life, comfortably and as themselves.
Someday I want to live close to nature and take my dog for a walk every morning.

大谷 祐里佳 | Yurika Otani

Born in Fukushima Prefecture, I moved to Kyoto for seven years starting from university, and then relocated to Tokyo the day before starting my job. During my university years, I traveled all over Japan, discovering the charm of various regions and connecting with many people's passions. After graduation, I worked at a restaurant, spending my days surrounded by regular customers from the neighborhood and visiting tourists.

Over time, as my desire to not just offer a single product but to provide value in the form of options and experiences grew stronger, I began to think about what "space" and "community" mean. This led me to join Soil Work with an interest in creating communities that connect regions.

I want to create options that can bring a little extra happiness to someone's life, and I aspire to expand the circle of happiness. I continue to hold onto this broad and gentle dream.

柳内 幸子 | Sachiko Yagiuchi

I was born in Shizuoka and moved to Tokyo to attend beauty school with the dream of becoming a hairstylist. I trained at salons in Hiroo and Azabu-Juban, later managing an organic salon in Hayama before going independent as a freelance stylist — spending nearly 20 years in the beauty industry.

After moving to the Miura Peninsula, my perspective shifted. The fishing town I settled in had a unique atmosphere shaped by locals and newcomers working together to bring fresh energy. I found myself wanting to make the town — which would become my children’s hometown — more vibrant. This sparked my interest in community development. While working as a freelance hairstylist, I also studied space design.

Wanting to work in a field that connects Japanese culture with future generations while evolving it into something new, I decided to change my career path — and through various connections, I joined Staple.

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小見山 菜摘 | Natsumi Komiyama

I grew up in Hashima, Gifu. At university I studied management, economics, politics, and law, while working four years on bridal service and volunteering at a community market run by a local design office. I then joined a regional financial institution and spent five years in front- and back-office banking—mutual aid, investment trusts, loan intake, operations, and sales. My interest in place-making never left, so I moved to Tokyo to study spatial design for a year, supported a town-planning architecture office for six months, and stepped into my current role.

I’m drawn to the craft behind things—the process and the maker’s intent—and try to connect people, products, and ideas as I build spaces and goods. I grew up in an outdoor family that camped more than we stayed in hotels, so I still head for the mountains whenever I can. Tea ceremony and flower exhibitions with my grandmother sparked a love of Japanese culture; I’ve studied tea ceremony, ikebana, and calligraphy. Lately my days off are for galleries and museums, catching artists’ solo shows.

田中 颯 | HAYATE TANAKA

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八重樫 一紗 | Kazusa Yaegashi

I was born in Hanamaki, Iwate. From elementary school through university, basketball was my life. I earned a PE teaching license and planned to become a teacher back home, but at the last minute I got curious about advertising and joined an agency instead.

In September 2024, still wondering how I could help energize my hometown, I took part in a bamboo tent–making workshop for the Shimanami Film Festival in Setoda — arriving from Sendai, which may have seemed a bit too fired up. The five days I spent with the Setoda team and locals stayed with me, and I decided this was the place to learn and grow. I joined the company soon after.

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早野拓真 | Takuma Hayano

I was born in Chiba and grew up in Wakayama. I spent ten years away from home at a free-spirited school, where classes on social issues sparked my interest in social business. After a few twists and turns, I’ve come to believe that creating places—and building healthy flows of money around them—is a practical way to move society in a better direction together.

Our motto is “We create the future with our own hands.” I may not be able to change the whole world, but I believe I can help nudge my own town in the right direction. Not alone, but with others, I want to do everything it takes to build the kind of city we’d all want to live in.

菅原理恵 | Rie Sugawara

I was born and raised in Hakodate. I love food and nature. When I discovered Staple, I was drawn to its approach to place-making and its belief that who you build with matters as much as what you build.

I try to enjoy each encounter and stay present with the people around me, living and working with care and meaningful connection.

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松本 愛琉 | Ataru Matsumoto

I was born and raised in Hakodate—a true Hokkaido native. I worked at the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, one of the city’s signature spots, gaining experience across tourism, tenant management, warehousing, events, wholesale, and retail. Later I moved to a regional production company in Hakodate, where I managed a ramen shop that doubled as a place-making and community space. That’s where I met our Hakodate Area Manager, who invited me to join Staple.

I started with six months of training at timsum, and I’m now learning both F&B and hotel operations at SOIL Nagatoyumoto. Ultimately, I plan to return to Hakodate and work with the person who first brought me into this journey.

永原 大奨 | DAISUKE NAGAHARA

SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel General Manager

Born in Tokyo and raised in Osaka.During Daisuke's student years, he devoted himself to rugby before stepping into the hospitality industry after graduation. He began his career with Plan·Do·See, serving as F&B Manager during the openings of Halekulani Okinawa and Janu Tokyo.

Guided by passion “to create places in the world’s most inspiring cities where people can gather and feel uplifted,” I joined Staple in May 2025. Currently pouring his energy into the opening preparations for SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel.

Hobbies: the ocean, sauna, music, good food, and drink.
My ideal evening is a seaside bonfire—drink in hand—talking life with good friends.

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甫足 賢人 | Kento Hoashi

Born in Ome City, Tokyo. At university, I studied sustainable urban development and traveled domestically and internationally, focusing on permaculture as a core theme of my learning. Recognizing that the circulation of economic factors is also essential for sustainability, I joined Toho Leo, which engages in urban development combining both environmental and economic sustainability.

During my time there, I worked alongside condominium management boards, managed vegetable garden communities, handled HR, and produced conceptual spaces.

Inspired by my travel experiences, I aspire to become a hotel owner in the future. My previous experience as a SOILwork member and the potential for unique business development at Staple drew me to apply for this role.

My long-term goal is to build a hotel with my siblings in my hometown, Ome, while gaining business management skills. I want to enjoy life with my friends by doing meaningful work in places we love, and even as an old man, I hope to remain someone with a playful spirit.

黛麻里子 | MARIKO MAYUZUMI

I’m from Takasaki, Gunma. I started out in apparel retail and later moved to MUJI, where I worked in customer service and product management. For about seven years I worked in an after-school day program supporting children with disabilities. That experience taught me the value of family and community connections—and showed me the limits of existing systems.

In 2025 I transitioned to hospitality and am taking on new challenges on the front lines of hotel operations. I’m deeply interested in community building and place-making, and want to create spaces that connect people with each other and with the places they live. Drawing on my background in service and social care, my aim is to offer warmth and a sense of ease to everyone I welcome.

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佐藤⿇⾥⼦ | MARIKO　SATO

SOIL Nihonbashi Hotel

建部大樹 | TAIKI KENPE

I’m from Hakusan, Ishikawa, and studied architecture at university. During my student years in Kyoto, a part-time job at Len Kyoto Kawaramachi opened my eyes to travel and the power of community, and that led me to an interest in both hotels and hotel architecture.

After graduation I worked in site management at a construction firm, driven by the belief that to make something truly good you have to understand the site firsthand. With that mindset, I joined the team from the pre-opening phase of SOIL Nihonbashi. My ambition is to create a kind of hotel this city hasn’t seen—combining high-quality service and hospitality with beautiful architecture and a touch of rawness. In short: something seriously cool.

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落合乃彩 | NOA OCHIAI

I was born in Higashimurayama, Tokyo. From a young age I was drawn to the world beyond Japan—studying abroad, interning overseas, and taking a working holiday. I also joined a student travel group and backpacked across Japan and abroad. Seeing Japan from the outside gave me a renewed appreciation for its appeal and made me want to share it with more people.

After studying hospitality management, I worked as a barista while gaining experience in hostels, and now I’m stepping fully into hotel work. My goal is to build a place that becomes a destination in itself and fosters real human connection. A pivotal moment in junior high set my life’s aim: to move people with something I’ve created. My guiding question is simple—does it spark genuine excitement?

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高平葉奈 | Hana Takahira

Donna Joaquin

佐々木 良子 | Ryoko Sasaki

静岡県生まれいろんなところ育ち(静岡→北海道数カ所→東京数カ所→モスクワ)
親の仕事の関係で、昔から初対面の人と話す機会が多く、色んな人と関わることが大好きです。お洋服も大好きです。

K5の前はアパレルで、自分の得意な部分を考え、高校生の時からなんとなく頭にあった業界を思い出し、雑誌で見つけたK5に即連絡。あっという間に4年経ちましたが、直感で決めて本当に良かったと今でも思える大好きな場所です：）

春日 咲 | Saki Kasuga

田嶋 香奈 | Kana Tajima | K5

二瓶 涼 | Ryo Nihei

森川 綾乃 | Ayano Morikawa

松本 雄輝 | Yuki Matsumoto

黒井 さゆり | Sayuri Kuroi

木村 維吹 | Ibuki Kimura

峯田 真優 | Mayu Mineta

辻 晴香 | Haruka Tsuji | K5

白石 美南海 | Minami Shiraishi

吉積 悠 | Haruka Yoshizumi

Born in Hyogo Prefecture and graduated from an international school in Osaka. I spent my high school years studying abroad in Ireland and attended university in California. I also did a working holiday in Dublin, often finding myself abroad in between those experiences. When I travel, I typically visit friends, as I enjoy the local vibe.

After a career in sales ranging from general contractors to KOMBUCHA sales to an advertising agency, I made a career change to a back-office position at a foreign law firm. Having experienced difficult times myself, I value creating a workspace where everyone can work comfortably and enjoyably.

In the future, I hope to live between Japan and Europe.

横田 尚子 | Hisako Yokota

I was born in Tokyo. During my student years, I discovered flavored coffee while studying in the United States, and that’s where my love for coffee began. On my days off, I enjoy waking up early to spend time at cafés. Please feel free to stop by and visit me!

早川 由衣 | Yui Hayakawa

I was born and raised in Kitasenju, a downtown neighborhood in Tokyo.
Growing up surrounded by a big family, I was inspired by my grandparents, who ran a sushi restaurant.
I joined Café Company Ltd., where I spent 12 years working across various roles—from service and kitchen operations to store management and new brand launches—guided by the philosophy of creating community-centered spaces.
Wanting to deepen my craft, I later joined a restaurant specializing in wine and Vietnamese cuisine.
When I first encountered Parklet, I instantly fell in love with it—and that brought me to where I am today.
I want to make people happy through food, treating it as a form of storytelling and connection, and I hope to continue enjoying this industry to the fullest.
I love hearing stories about people’s home-cooked meals—it’s in those moments that I feel the heart of a region, its food culture, and the person behind it.

渡邊 遥 | Haruka Watanabe

I’m from the Tokachi region of Hokkaido. After graduating from high school, I moved to Sapporo to study culinary arts. At 25, I met JJ.Kate at BabyJs and started working there as a kitchen staff member.

After seeing them off to Tokyo, I continued working in Italian and French cuisine, which I had originally specialized in. With the reopening of BabyJs, I moved to Tokyo and now work as the kitchen manager. I hope to continue improving my skills while sharing the joy and flavor of our chicken burgers with as many people as possible.

水口 遊 | Yu Minakuchi

I was born in Osaka and grew up in Yokohama, with a father who traveled the world photographing marine animals and a mother who ran a café, making sweets with organic fruits and vegetables.
While studying at art school in high school, I traveled to Europe every year to visit museums, but over time, my journeys turned into café and bakery explorations.
During my first trip to Europe, I baked bread and made soup at places like Gontran Cherrier and Rose Bakery.
My long-time dream is to visit Rosendals Garden in Stockholm and a soup shop in the market in Helsinki.

松本 実南 | Minami Matsumoto

I was born in Hiroshima and raised in Yokohama. I majored in nutrition at university, and during four years of part-time work at a restaurant, I discovered the joy and depth of the food and beverage industry. After graduating, I decided to pursue it as my career.

My life theme is “Delivering love through food.”
My favorite beers are an ice-cold draft with glossy foam served in a thin glass, and the one I sip while cooking in the kitchen.

On my days off, I love taking drives to places where I can see the ocean. My secret talent? Catching super balls.

小見山 楓 | Kaede Komiyama

I first fell in love with coffee during university and began working as a café staff member. After graduation, I took an office job, something I had always been curious about, but before long, I found myself wanting to return to the world of coffee. So I started over—learning about coffee again from the ground up.

Over time, I also gained experience in office work and management, deepening my skills in hospitality. Wanting to serve coffee in a space I truly love, I joined Parklet.

After receiving the opportunity to become a manager at JJ.Kate, I’m eager to bring my experience into a new environment and continue growing through new challenges.

鎌田 星那 | Sena Kamada

I’m from Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, and moved to Tokyo for university.
Having grown up surrounded by beautiful terraced rice fields, I naturally find myself seeking nature—spending my days off at parks or taking short trips to the mountains.
At Parklet, a place nestled next to a peaceful park, I hope to offer guests a relaxing and heartwarming experience away from the bustle of the city.

エド リ ヒスン | Edmond Hee Seung Lee

I was born in South Korea and moved to Canada at a young age, growing up in Toronto. I’ve spent the past five years living in Japan.
With 13 years of professional cooking experience, I’m passionate about creating delicious food and constantly refining my skills.
As the Head Chef at Parklet, I’m excited to take on new challenges, continue learning, share my knowledge, and help the brand grow even further.

Parklet

（左から）
ケイト・ジャクシッチ | KATE JAKSICH, Parklet Co-owners
ジェリー・ジャクシッチ | JERRY JAKSICH, Parklet Co-owners

藤澤 優 | Fujisawa Yu

Born in Osaka Prefecture, I spent every day immersed in baseball from the age of 5 to 18.

At the age of 19, I started my career in the entertainment industry after being scouted, primarily working in theater and modeling. As I pursued this career, I began to wonder how I could gain more recognition and decided to improve my English skills, leading me to study abroad in the Philippines and Canada. While in Canada, I worked as a barista while studying performing arts. Although I had planned to attend university in Canada, I had to give up that opportunity due to the social climate at the time.

After returning to Japan, I resumed my work in the entertainment industry but felt a growing desire to deepen my involvement in my barista work, which I had continued on the side. Currently, I’m studying from scratch as a GM to learn store management. My role model is Kanako Watanabe.

鎌田 萌 | Moe Kamata | Parklet

I was born and raised in Tokyo.
I love delicious food and places surrounded by lots of trees.

章 漢硯 | Zhang Han Yen | Parklet

Hi, I’m Kenzo!
I’m from Brazil, but I lived in Yamanashi, Japan, from the age of 5 to 10. When my younger sister was born prematurely, my family returned to Brazil, but the memories of Japan have always stayed with me.

I’ve loved cooking since I was a child. Watching my mother in the kitchen was so much fun, and her meals were always delicious. That’s what sparked my passion for food.

In 2018, with my father already in Japan, I had the opportunity to return. I first worked in a factory, then moved to Tokyo in 2020, where I still live today.

Besides cooking, I also enjoy drawing, watching movies, and playing volleyball.

山崎 萌 | Moe Yamazaki | Parklet

I grew up in Nerima, Tokyo.
After graduating from high school, I went on to a vocational school and began my journey as a pâtissier and baker, always focusing on bringing smiles to people.
Through my sweets and cooking, I want to create moments of joy and connection that warm people’s hearts.

迫 采音 | Ayane Sako | Parklet

I was born and raised in Hiroshima, the younger of two sisters. Influenced by my older sister, I started calligraphy at the age of three, and to my surprise, I grew to truly enjoy it, which led me to pursue a degree in calligraphy at university.

During my student years, I tried to study abroad, but those plans were cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. While feeling uncertain about what to do next, I discovered coffee—and through it, the joy of meeting people and building connections. Captivated by that experience, I decided to pursue a career as a barista.

In January 2024, I moved to Tokyo, and the following month I joined Parklet as a barista and service staff member. I love the feeling of connecting with people through what I do, and I want to continue working in roles that allow me to be part of those connections. My goal is to brighten someone’s day and add a little color to their everyday life.

瀧澤 友樹 | YUKI TAKIZAWA

I was born in Yokohama. After majoring in acoustics, I worked in concert halls and film-related facilities, then moved to Canada on my own. While working in vintage clothing, I became fascinated by coffee through a barista job and built experience at roastery cafés both in Canada and after returning to Japan. Although I’d never lived outside Kanto, I decided to move to Ikuchijima—a place I’d never even visited before. “Tasting” is my joy in life, and my motto is: everything is about timing.

寺田 祐太郎 | YUTARO TERADA

I’m from Osaka. Meeting many fascinating people drew me into the culinary world, and I worked at a restaurant in Osaka. When I happened to visit Setoda, I was captivated by the warmth of the people and the atmosphere, so I moved here. I’m striving every day in this uniquely “glocal” place.

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谷口 諒 | Ryo Taniguchi

旅が好きでこれまで多くの時間「旅」を軸に活動してきて分かったのは、旅すること≒移動すること自体が自分の生き甲斐であること。しかし旅の目的がないとどこへも出かけられない性分で、長いこと家と近所だけで生活をしているとメンタルが良くない方へと傾く。旅人が旅人らしく生きるために、目的はなんでも良いので、どこかのそこへ足を運ぶ何かしらの理由や言い訳を作ることが大事だと考え、自分と自分以外の家に引きこもっている旅人がまた旅に出る理由と言い訳を作ろうと試行錯誤中。SOIL Setodaでの宿泊プランやアクティビティーツアーがその言い訳の1つとなり、たくさんの旅人に瀬戸田を訪れてもらうことを目指して仕事をしている。

森越 雪乃 | Yukino Morikoshi

籠田 亜紀 | Aki Kagota

I’m from Tokyo. I studied architecture at junior college but chose a freer path in my 20s, working in Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Zushi. In my 30s I worked in event floral design. Realizing I didn’t want to stay in Tokyo forever, I looked for a new place to live and, through a friend, joined SOIL Setoda. Going forward, I want to help create a welcoming environment for visitors and new residents in Setoda and support the town-building initiatives at Shiomachi Kikaku.

平田 莉奈 | Rina Hirata

I was born in Kyoto and grew up in Shiga. I spent most of my 20s doing PA (sound) work at live music venues in Osaka, and later worked across food service, nail salons, and other customer-facing roles. Having grown up near Lake Biwa, I always wanted to work by the water, so I moved in April 2024 to Setoda, my mother’s hometown. Someday I’d love to open a small café in nature where locals and longtime friends can gather to enjoy music.

永野 優風 | Yu Nagano

Growing up between the countryside and the city, putting down new roots has always felt natural—even without a single hometown. I first set my sights on advertising, discovered Staple at university, and chose to move into hotel operations, PR, and planning. I want a single hotel stay to be a gateway to belonging in a new local community. I love nature as much as a good drink with good company.

池田 和也 | Kazuya Ikeda

I’m from Ibaraki. Not quite fitting into the local car culture, I moved to Tokyo after winning a band contest. I loved the Chofu and Komae area, but at 27 I moved to my dream city, London. Two years later I found a job in Germany, struggled to find housing, and eventually landed in Onomichi/Ikuchijima. Now I’m happily working at SOIL Setoda.
In the future, I hope to run a barista/coffee business in the west of the UK, Oslo, or Copenhagen—and get involved in projects across Setoda, Okayama, and Tokyo.

谷平 亮 | Ryo Tanihira

竹内 祐子 | Hiroko Takeuchi

I once dreamed of big-city life, studied hard, then realized, “Tokyo? Maybe I don’t need to go that far,” and enrolled at an education university in Aichi. After graduation I spent 12 years in real estate sales and earned my real estate license. Life then took a turn—I found myself in Melbourne, Australia, where I studied English over coffee and enjoyed a new sense of freedom. Back in Japan, I honed my barista skills in Niseko and deepened my hospitality experience in Kyoto, eventually finding my way to beautiful Setoda. My life map is a bit unconventional, but I’m using those experiences to shape a life that feels truly my own.

黒木 涼 | RYO KUROGI

I was born in Miyazaki and spent my university years in Kagoshima. After graduation I spent eight years in structural and architectural design at a firm and earned my first-class architect license. Along the way I became curious about the field side of things—construction sites and operations—so when I saw the SOIL Nihonbashi demolition workshop on social media, I joined on a whim. That experience led me to Staple in 2023, where I focus on planning and development; today I also serve as the Area Manager for Nagato Yumoto. I love both the ocean and the mountains; at 32 I thru-hiked the John Muir Trail in the U.S., and I’m currently working on my surfing.

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松本 拡 | Hiromu Matsumoto

I’m from Hyogo and grew up in Kansai. From elementary school through high school I was on the baseball team; these days my hobbies are the sauna and surfing. I started my career at a major hotel company and spent 11 years in rooms operations across three city hotels in Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo. Looking for a more guest-centric style of service, I joined TRUNK(HOTEL) CAT STREET in March 2020 and later worked on the opening of TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK in July 2023. After 15 years on the floor, I moved to Staple in September 2024 to widen my scope and help create hotels from the planning and development stages.

近藤 将基 | MASAKI KONDO

I was born in Nagoya. I took a year off from university for a working holiday in Australia, and later backpacked around Southeast Asia and Europe. Those experiences showed me how guesthouses connect people in a simple, powerful way. I first learned about Staple through a podcast a friend sent me; a spontaneous visit to Setoda sealed it—I fell for the place and its people and decided to move. I’m now taking what I learned in Setoda to help build spaces in Nagato Yumoto, Yamaguchi. I love going for runs at sunset.

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佐々木 真実 | Mami Sasaki

I’m from Hanamaki, Iwate. I moved to Tokyo for university and researched LGBTQ rights in the workplace through graduate school. After graduating I joined an NPO and helped establish Japan’s first LGBT center. That experience led me into HR and general affairs at Hoshino Resorts, where I handled everything from recruiting to timekeeping—and during peak seasons, even shaped bread in the kitchen. After four years I wanted to return home someday with the skills to help revitalize my region, so I reached out to Staple directly. I ended up taking an unexpected path—first Setoda, then the Nagato opening—where I’m now learning hospitality on the ground.

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児玉 剛 | Go Kodama

I was born in Nagoya and have been friends with Kondo from SOIL Nagato Yumoto for years. After high school I spent nine years at a local bakery. When Kondo invited me to join the restaurant team for the Nagato opening, I visited and was won over by the place and its people. I changed careers to pursue new experiences and connections, and now I’m channeling my bakery background into pizza—still honing the craft every day. I enjoy photography and camping.

杖田 美穂 | Miho Tsueda

I was born and raised in Yamaguchi, and worked for over ten years as a physical therapist at a hospital in Nagato City. I’d long been interested in Staple’s hospitality projects, and when I heard SOIL was coming to Nagato Yumoto it felt like the right moment to make a change. Through a mutual friend I met GM Kuroki and joined the team. After more than a decade here, Nagato truly feels like a second hometown—I’m working to help more people discover what makes this place special.

藤永 敏和 | Toshikazu Fujinaga

I was born in 1969 in Ube, Yamaguchi. After leaving a vocational school in Kansai I worked in the service industry. At 40 I moved back to my home prefecture, managing facilities at a ryokan in Nagato Yumoto and later working the front desk at a ryokan in Hagi. I was drawn to the work around Yumoto Onsen, and after leaving my previous post I took the path that brought me to what I do today.

宮川 皓洋 | Koyo Miyagawa

I was born in Hachioji, Tokyo, and spent my university years in Hiroshima. I started out as a chef at a resort hotel in Onomichi, and through a fellow chef’s introduction became the chef at SOIL Nagato Yumoto. My hobbies are fishing and snowboarding.

和田 太一 | Taichi Wada

I’m from Ube, Yamaguchi. After high school I moved to Tokyo, met people who pulled me into the culinary world, and fell for Italian cuisine, working my way through several restaurants. My hobby is eating my way through good places.

西村 友邦 | Tomokuni Nishimura

I’m from Yamaguchi and grew up in Nagato. I spent four years in sales at an industrial hardware maker before my love of hiking took me to work at a mountain lodge in Nagano—and to walk the Shikoku Pilgrimage—living close to nature. Later, while working as a coffee barista, I looked for ways to connect people with forests and the outdoors. Around that time I met Kuroki, Matsumoto, and Kondo from Staple, and decided to join.