June 6, 2025 (Fri) – Telling Cafe & Gallery: Reception Party
On June 6th 2025, we gathered to celebrate the beginning of Telling with our reception party.
To everyone who joined us on that day—thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Your presence made this day deeply meaningful. And to those who couldn’t be there, we hope to welcome you to Telling very soon.
Throughout the afternoon and evening, our space came alive with performances and conversations that embody what Telling stands for: the beauty of craftsmanship, the power of tradition, and care—for one another, for culture, and for our shared future.
The reception began with a prayer by the priest of Aoyama Kumano Shrine, who is also the store's Ujigami (guardian deity), involving our CEO and all those hands and hearts who were deeply involved in the making of Telling and brought it to life.
As the evening unfolded, we were honored to host a series of breathtaking performances:
Starting the evening, a live flower arrangement performance by Mario Hirama followed, bringing transience and beauty into the moment.
Shinozaki Chika showed a Japanese dance performance. What started with a traditional dance performance was followed by a performance with talk and explanation, making this traditional experience accessible for everyone, no matter how much they know about Japanese dance. We experienced a performance of blending tradition with accessibility through storytelling and explanation.
ALUMA, singer-songwriter of “Tsutsumu the Earth”, impressed with her voice and message during a heartfelt mini music live performance. Her message deeply resonates with the values we hold dear at Telling.
Yusuke Wakamisho, Wakamisho-ryu Second Generation Master, shared a powerful performance of Japanese dance and lion dance. The latter, especially, became a special highlight and shared experience, as members of the audience joined in and became part of the show through feeding the lion.
The evening also invited us into conversation and reflection. Following the breathtaking performances, various talk sessions were held, leaving us informed, impressed and inspired.
・Hideaki Ito, director of “Silent Fallout” shared insights in a Special Talk Session
・Yuya Nishimura, CEO of Miratuku/esse-sense, gave an Event Announcement
・Toshi Asaba, CEO of Freewill, Inc. and Executive producer of Telling, gave a deeply personal Special Talk, giving insight into his thoughts, visions and the background ideas behind Telling as well as future aspirations and plans.
Each performance and conversation was a moment of presence—a reminder of the richness that comes from gathering, sharing, and creating with intention.
This reception also offered a first glimpse into our second-floor gallery space, officially opening this fall. A special photography exhibition, Jikon No Hana (而今の花), is currently being held in the gallery ahead of the opening from June 7 to July 31, 2025 (extended until August 31, 2025!). Please come and take a look.
This gallery will continue hosting artists‘ works and traditional crafts, touching on the spirit of craftsmanship and the nature of beauty.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and to those who shaped the experience with their artistry. Thank you for being part of this beginning.We look forward to growing this space together—with care and a deep respect for culture and community.
