You've got a question?
You can send me a message with this form
ブログについて
About
My name is Kristina Minami, and I’ve been living in Japan since 2016.
After graduating from language school in Osaka, I moved to Tokyo for work. But life in the city — with its constant noise and pressure — quickly became overwhelming. As someone highly sensitive to my environment, I started seeking out quiet, overlooked places across Japan — places where the air feels different, the stories are older, and time seems to stretch.
After graduating from language school in Osaka, I moved to Tokyo for work. But life in the city — with its constant noise and pressure — quickly became overwhelming. As someone highly sensitive to my environment, I started seeking out quiet, overlooked places across Japan — places where the air feels different, the stories are older, and time seems to stretch.
Before becoming independent, I spent several years in Japan’s travel and hospitality industry. I helped launch hotels like MIMARU Tokyo Suitengumae and The LIVELY AZABUJUBAN TOKYO, and later worked as a producer at the inbound media company MATCHA, introducing Japan to a global audience. Through this, I learned how tourism isn’t just about destinations — it’s about storytelling, relationships, and honoring the people and culture behind each place.
In 2023, I became a freelancer, working with small towns, local governments, and regional businesses to support sustainable, community-based tourism. And in July 2025, I officially founded my company - Inner Japan Inc.
Opening this company was more than just a career step — it was a deeply personal decision. Over the years, I met so many locals who said things like "There’s nothing special about our town." But I also met others whose eyes lit up as they spoke about preserving local crafts, protecting historical houses, or passing on traditions to future generations.
Those conversations stayed with me.
They made me realize that what feels ordinary to some can feel extraordinary to others — especially to travelers searching for meaning, not just sightseeing. I wanted to create a bridge between these heartfelt local efforts and curious, respectful travelers. That’s why I started this company: to support the places that are quietly loved, and to help them be seen, understood, and cherished across borders.
Each town has its own story. Each region holds irreplaceable beauty and wisdom. I believe Japan’s charm isn’t found in just the famous spots, but in the slower, quieter corners — the ones still shaped by nature, tradition, and memory.
Through storytelling, photography, and content creation, I want to help local places express their value in their own voice. My goal is to bring lasting attention to these communities — not through trends, but through trust, care, and genuine connection.
In 2023, I became a freelancer, working with small towns, local governments, and regional businesses to support sustainable, community-based tourism. And in July 2025, I officially founded my company - Inner Japan Inc.
Opening this company was more than just a career step — it was a deeply personal decision. Over the years, I met so many locals who said things like "There’s nothing special about our town." But I also met others whose eyes lit up as they spoke about preserving local crafts, protecting historical houses, or passing on traditions to future generations.
Those conversations stayed with me.
They made me realize that what feels ordinary to some can feel extraordinary to others — especially to travelers searching for meaning, not just sightseeing. I wanted to create a bridge between these heartfelt local efforts and curious, respectful travelers. That’s why I started this company: to support the places that are quietly loved, and to help them be seen, understood, and cherished across borders.
Each town has its own story. Each region holds irreplaceable beauty and wisdom. I believe Japan’s charm isn’t found in just the famous spots, but in the slower, quieter corners — the ones still shaped by nature, tradition, and memory.
Through storytelling, photography, and content creation, I want to help local places express their value in their own voice. My goal is to bring lasting attention to these communities — not through trends, but through trust, care, and genuine connection.
