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 the École Française de Décoration Florale. 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, 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.
最近の実績
January 2025
A Japanese culture salon was held at ”Li Manor Museum" in Taichung, Taiwan.
It included a tea ceremony, a lecture on Japanese aesthetics, and the unveiling of Kyoto Yuzen sarees.
January 2025
A tea offering and tea ceremony was held at "Du Mu chan si" Tibetan Zen temple in Taichung, Taiwan.
June 2024
Offered a tea ceremony demonstration and a talk show as a guest of honor at the Japanese Culture Festival sponsored by the French Consulate General and organized by the Association “A Propos du Japon” in Arles, France.
Jan, 2024〜
Launched a collaboration of luvury cultural experiences with AMERICAN EXPRESS CENTURION (U.S), Dynasty Travel, Travel Curator (Singapore), Kinsen Voyage (France), Oxford International Exchange, Inside Japan Tours (UK), and CRIL Privée & Cie., Tokyo Luxey (Tokyo)
Sep. 2024
Held a tea ceremony experience and a talk show on Japanese etiquettes at the Toray “Silook Kimono” Fair at the Umeda Hankyu main store.
Oct, 2024~
Planning and curation of product development for HNWI inbound visitors at Fukujuen Kyoto Main Art Gallery.
October 2023
Cultural exchange event entitled "Kimono and Ao Dai - Autumn Colors of Japan and Vietnam" was held at the Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi by the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, recognized by the Japanese Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a project to commemorate "The 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and Vietnam" and "The 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation".
October 2023
Ikebana workshop, kimono dressing demonstration, and tea ceremony at IKEBANA HOUSE in Hanoi, Vietnam.
2023
As the opening manager and landlady of a luxury hotel in Ohara, Kyoto, which is limited to one group per day, she was responsible for building organizational structures, consulting, etiquette training for staff, decorating flowers in the hotel's interior, tea ceremony.
2022
Attended the Rolls-Royce Owners Club event in London as an ambassador for the "ART SAKE" created to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee.
2022
Market research on Kyoto Yuzen Sarees at The Art Club London and Japan House London.
2022
The Ambassador of the Kyoto Yuzen Sarees, recognized by the Japanese Government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a project to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of foreign relations with India.
2022
Hold the Japanese Culture Salon at Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur, India. Demonstration of tea ceremony.
2021
Collaborated with Global Beauty Secrets, India, to develop "Kyoto Beauty Secrets by Junko Sophie," a skincare line based on the ancient culture and wisdom of Japan. The product was featured in "VOGUE FRANCE", "VOGUE INDIA" and "INDIA TODAY" and many other press. In collaboration with LVMH Luxury Retail.
2021
Started a series on "Junko Sophie's Hidden Kyoto" in Kyoto Kimono-Ichiba in Japanese, English, Chinese and French.
2020
Installation of kimono created by a Greek artist at Hogonji Temple in Kyoto. The photos were exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki in Thessaloniki, Greece.
2021
Appeared as American NBC's 2020 Olympics special program "Japanese women practicing traditional Japanese culture in modern times".
2019
Coordinated the documentary film "Gates of Shinto" by French film director Jean-Claude Lubtchansky.
2019
Lectured on Japanese culture and beauty, and tea ceremony demonstrations in Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
2018
Collaborated with Alberto Moro, chairman of the Japan-Italian Cultural Friendship Association, in Milan, Italy. Lectured on "Kimono and their beauty" with demonstration of kimono dressing.
2018
Collaborated with a magazine "A Propos du Japon" that introduces Japan in France. Interviews and photos about kimono and tea ceremony.