Interview with Kato Yuko, representative of rental space ripple
We spoke with Kato Yuko, who is involved in a wide range of activities in Soja City, primarily through her rental space.
Tell us how you came to open rental space ripple.
Kato (honorific omitted)
At my former workplace, I spent my days working with people struggling with mental health issues and injuries. Through that experience, I came to want to create a place to learn joyfully and play wholeheartedly, a place where people can feel ready to do their best again tomorrow.
My father was self-employed, so I had always wanted to run a business myself, too. Wanting to help people by connecting with them personally, I opened rental space ripple in May 2018.
Tell us about the origin of the name.
Kato
“Ripple” means “a wave pattern” in Japanese.
I chose it in the hope that the connections and ideas shared here would spread like ripples.
I hope this will be a place where people can find comfort, different from work or home.
Did you face any difficulties when starting the business?
Kato
When I opened in 2018, there were few examples of rental spaces in Okayama Prefecture, and there was almost no information to use as a reference. People often compared the prices with inexpensive facilities such as community centers, and some around me opposed the idea, saying, “It’s difficult because there’s no precedent.”
Even so, an experienced entrepreneur I met at the time encouraged me, and I was able to keep taking on the challenge.
You offer a wide range of services.
Kato
I’d be happy if people could find the use that suits them from among the many options. Friends can get together to unwind, or you can try mugwort steam therapy to care for your body.
I hope this can become another place to belong, outside of family and work.
Tell us how you feel about your customers.
Kato
What matters most to me is that visitors leave thinking, “I’ll do my best again tomorrow.”
When customers leave, I say “Take care” to them in my heart.
I want this to be a place they can always come back to.
Tell us about your plans for the future.
Kato
Since people from many different backgrounds use the space, I’m planning to hold networking events for people in different industries, where users can connect with one another.
I also hope to offer gifts that bring comfort to people who can’t meet us in person at the space.
I’d like them to be thoughtful treats for someone who has worked hard—such as a gift for a new mother after childbirth, or a gift of condolence or get-well wishes.
I also hope they’ll be something people can choose as a little gift to themselves.
I’m also considering opening a HAKKO STAND shop where people can enjoy kombucha and easily incorporate wellness into their daily lives, as well as offering courses that combine mugwort steam therapy with time to focus on the body.
Currently, you can enjoy these at the rental space anytime.
I hope this will be a place where visitors can feel better in both mind and body.
From the Writer
Rental space ripple is more than just a room for rent; it’s a place where people can connect with others and take time to care for themselves.
“I’d like to try hosting an event.”
“I’d like to take a little time to recharge.”
When you feel that way, why not visit rental space ripple?
Rental Space ripple Information
| Name | Rental Space ripple |
|---|---|
| Address | 1511-45 Higashi-Aso, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 【Phone number】 090-7997-0722 【Email address】 rural.rural.2017@gmail.com |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Rental Space ripple |
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