CAREER

I am Tae Iwasawa, the representative of Pineapple Inc. The background to my entrepreneurial journey lies in the formative experiences of my childhood, the insights I gained abroad, and my deep curiosity about traditional culture.

The foundation of my sensibility was shaped at my grandparents’ home, where I spent every summer growing up. It was a samurai residence built over 300 years ago during the Edo period. Being surrounded by traditional Japanese culture and abundant nature from such a young age was, in hindsight, an incredibly rare and valuable environment.

A major turning point came in my early twenties, when I traveled solo to more than 20 countries, mainly across Europe. I was struck by how people of all ages valued dress codes and etiquette, and how deeply they understood and embodied their own cultures. That experience made me acutely aware of the importance of being able to speak about my own culture as a Japanese person.

After returning to Japan, I began studying tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and kimono dressing. However, as I encountered the many different schools and styles within these traditions, I found myself questioning something: ‘Are these rigid boundaries between schools truly necessary when learning the essence of Japanese culture?’

I wanted to go beyond these frameworks and view Japanese culture as a form of ‘comprehensive art’—something that could be experienced holistically, without being confined to a single style. This strong desire ultimately led to the creation of Terakoya NINJA.

Today, I am still on this journey—learning, preserving, and sharing culture together with others, while continuing to discover new perspectives along the way.

BUSINESS

Terakoya NINJA is a Japanese cultural experience facility where guests can immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture within the setting of temples in Tokyo.

In a serene and authentic tatami room environment, visitors can learn through hands-on experiences such as the tea ceremony, flower arrangement (ikebana), and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) making. Most programs are conducted in English, making them especially accessible to international visitors and helping them understand the beauty and depth of Japanese culture in an engaging way.

One of the most popular experiences is the tea ceremony. Guests learn how to prepare matcha, use traditional utensils, and practice the basic etiquette of the tea ceremony, all while enjoying matcha paired with seasonal Japanese sweets.

We also offer plans that include wearing kimono, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in a traditional Japanese atmosphere while dressed in authentic attire.

In the ikebana experience, participants create their own floral arrangements using seasonal flowers, while learning about Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibilities and appreciation of nature.

All experiences are offered in small groups or private sessions, ensuring a personalized and comfortable environment. Even first-time participants can join with confidence, as our instructors provide careful and attentive guidance.

Set within the unique and serene atmosphere of a temple, Terakoya NINJA offers a memorable opportunity to experience the spirituality and refined aesthetics of Japan—making it a highly popular cultural activity among international visitors.

VISION

Since ancient times, Japan has embraced the belief that yaoyorozu no kami—millions of deities—reside in all things, fostering a cultural foundation that reveres nature and welcomes diverse influences.

The act of sharing a single bowl of tea is not merely about quenching one’s thirst. It is a moment to center oneself, to show respect for others, and to transcend differences—an experience that embodies the spirit of wa, or harmony.

My vision is to share the essence of Japanese culture with the world and contribute to global peace through mutual understanding. At the same time, I aspire to create a society in which the next generation can learn about their own cultural heritage, take pride in being Japanese, and step confidently onto the global stage.

By harnessing the power of culture to dissolve emotional and cultural boundaries, I seek to help build a future grounded in harmony. This is the mission I am committed to achieving.

PROFILE

Tae Iwasawa is the Representative Director of Pineapple Inc. She founded the company in 2012 as the exclusive importer and distributor of Norwegian “ritni Bilberry Juice.” In 2014, she launched a flower shop (now Tokyo small gift) and further honed her expertise in the Netherlands under globally recognized masters in floral design.

As a practitioner of Ikebana in the lineage of Ikenobo—the oldest school of Japanese flower arrangement—she is known as a cultural figure bridging business and traditional arts, with a clientele that includes embassies and distinguished individuals from around the world. She also gained recognition as an official blogger for 25ans magazine.

In 2020, she established Terakoya NINJA, a cultural experience initiative dedicated to sharing the essence of Japanese traditions. Currently, she teaches Ikebana at Kobodaishi Temple (Daihonzan Koboji Temple) in Minato, Tokyo, while continuing to promote the beauty and philosophy of Japanese culture globally through a wide range of activities.

【Website・Social Media】
– Terakoya NINJA
▼ Website
https://www.terakoyaninja.net/
▼ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@terakoyaninja
▼ Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/terakoyaninja/
▼ Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/terakoyaninja

– Tokyo small gift
▼ Website
https://flower.tokyosmallgift.jp/
▼ YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@tokyosmallgift
▼ Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tokyosmallgift/
▼ Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/tokyosmallgift