Since ancient times, Japan has valued the connection between the unseen spiritual world and the tangible world,finding light in all things that exist.

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The word for “tourism” in Japanese—観光 (kankō)—literally means “observing light.”

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Makarita Japan strive to offer visitors who come to experience Japan’s light my heartfelt hospitality,

and to help them fully feel the beauty of the light that resides in the Japanese spirit.

 

The “Maka” in Makarita Japan is derived from the term in the Mahā Prajñāpāramitā Sūtra, meaning “great,”

while “Rita” represents the spirit of altruism.

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Through Makarita Japan, I aim to let this great spirit of altruism resonate throughout the world,

and to contribute to a harmonious world where people unite in collective well-being,

while sharing the precious essence of the Japanese spirit globally.

 

Long ago, in the Jomon and Katakamuna periods of ancient Japan,

people lived in a state of peace without ego or conflict,

fully connected with the universe, honoring life above all,

and united by love.

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The world John Lennon sang about in Imagine actually existed on this Earth.

 

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In today’s Reiwa era, people are returning to their origins—

a time of “origin revival.”

Amid materialism, ego expansion, and the exhaustion of civilization,

what we must reclaim is the most important thing of all—

the invisible, yet indispensable, human heart.

 

I believe that a world bound together by love and harmony will come.

Through my work of sharing and spreading the Japanese spirit,

I hope to bring love and happiness to everyone I encounter along the way.

 

I hope someday you’ll join me,

and the world will live as one—

just as John Lennon imagined.

 

Crossing borders, hand in hand as citizens of the Earth,

I continue to walk the path toward a world filled with harmony and compassion.

 

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Mariko Kishin Oku — Founder, Makarita Japan