TOKYO_KYOTO KAMAKURA (JPN)

>> 温故知新 – ONKO CHISHIN.

( Japan Learning Journey )

To #shapewhatsnext, we looked back. Just returned from a learning journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Kamakura, Mino, and Tajimi — five cities, one shared intention: to explore the meaning of

> ONKO CHISHIN ( 温故知新 ) and
> OMOTENASHI  ( 御もてなし)

as design mindsets.

In a world obsessed with the next big thing, Japan reminded us that progress doesn't always mean disruption. Sometimes, it means reconnection — with history, craft, rituals, and care.

>> ONKO CHISHIN  — "revisiting the old to discover the new" — guided our conversations, our curiosity, and our steps. (credits to : Stefani Bardin )

>> OMOTENASHI  — the „radical empathy“ embedded in Japanese hospitality — challenged our definition of what it means to serve, host, and design for others.

It was a trail — blazed by a group of sharp minds and open hearts. Special thanks to our trailblazers Ryo Kataigi and Raphael Gielgen – whose questions, perspectives, and humor lit up the path.

These insights will directly inform how we take hospitality design to the next level .

To everyone who joined: your spirit turned every moment into meaning.
Now we return not just with memories, but with momentum. Stephanie Meetz, Sabine Sauber, Julia Schreiter, Verena Merz , Dominik Merz, Karsten Kühn, Richard Winter, Christine Flasche, Erasmus Eller