Your Neighbors in Tokyo
Tokyo is made up of millions of innovative and passionate folks adding their personal spark to the neon city. In these articles, I interview local Tokyoites about what makes them tick and show how you too can enjoy, support, and connect with their work and creative pursuits.
Locals of Tokyo
About This Series
The "Locals of Tokyo" series essentially portrays the reason why I started Tokyo Alleyways in the first place. I am a originally from a very small town, and I was very intimidated to move into Tokyo after a few years living out in the countryside of Japan. I wondered how I would make friends and survive in the hustle and bustle of the city.
After the move, I was shocked to find so many spaces with the opportunity to connect with others. I encountered many of the most friendly, welcoming people I had ever met. More than that, the people I met all had such varied stories and backgrounds. These are the people that became my community, and I'll never forget how they welcomed me to the city.
My original purpose for starting the blog was to share the stories of people like these. I am inspired by the creatives and local business owners who put everything they have into their craft. As a writer, I started Tokyo Alleyways as a place to share others' stories and work in English for readers inside Japan and all over the world.
Some of these articles are people I knew already, and some are new friends I made through reaching out and asking to tell their story. Whether you're visiting Tokyo or living here to stay, I hope that if you take the time to read their words and feel their passion, you'll find the same warm, welcoming feeling I had when I found my first community in Tokyo. Thank you for reading, and welcome to the neighborhood.