Keeping Traditions Alive: A Talk with Terakoya NINJA

Tae Iwasawa, founder of Terakoya NINJA, started the company to share the cultural experiences she cherished from childhood, spending time at her grandparents’ 300-year-old samurai residence, built during Japan’s Edo period. From hand-rolling sushi to conducting tea ceremonies, Terakoya NINJA offers visitors an immersive introduction to four of Japan’s most iconic traditions. Join us in this interview as we explore Terakoya NINJA’s approach to sharing Japanese culture.

Could you introduce yourself and share a little about Terakoya NINJA?

Thank you very much for visiting Terakoya NINJA.

My name is Tae Iwasawa, the founder of this cultural experience project. Allow me to share a little about my background and how Terakoya NINJA came to be.

As a child, I spent nearly a month every summer at my grandparents’ samurai residence, a traditional Japanese home built over 300 years ago during the Edo period. At the time, I didn’t think much of it — but as I grew older, I came to realize just how special it was to be immersed in traditional Japanese culture and surrounded by nature as part of my daily life. In my early twenties, I traveled solo to more than 20 countries, mainly across Europe. Rather than backpacking, I stayed for extended periods in each place to experience and learn about the local traditions and culture. Through these journeys, I came to understand how important it is—regardless of age or gender—to be familiar with one’s own culture, manners, and sense of dress as a form of personal refinement and cultural literacy.

After returning to Japan, I began studying traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, ikebana, and kimono dressing in greater depth. Along the way, I encountered countless schools and styles, which led me to question whether it was truly necessary to strictly adhere to a single school in order to understand Japanese culture. Rather than being bound by form, I felt it was more important to view Japanese culture as a comprehensive art form—and to create a place where people could freely experience its essence from multiple perspectives. That desire is what led me to establish Terakoya NINJA. I still consider myself a lifelong learner. Through Terakoya NINJA, I hope to continue exploring, passing on, and rediscovering the richness of Japanese culture—together with all of you.

Could you go over the different types of experiences offered?

At Terakoya NINJA, we currently offer the following hands-on Japanese cultural experiences:

• Tea Ceremony: Experience the beauty and mindfulness of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
• Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement): Create seasonal floral arrangements in the spirit of traditional Japanese aesthetics.
• Wagashi (Nerikiri) Making: Handcraft delicate and colorful Japanese sweets inspired by the four seasons.
• Japanese Cuisine (Temaki Sushi) Making: Use uniquely Japanese ingredients to create your own personalized hand-rolled sushi.
• Kimono Dressing Experience: Learn how to dress yourself in a traditional kimono through personalized instruction and hands-on practice.

You grew up spending summers in a 300-year-old samurai residence. How did those experiences from childhood shape your passion for preserving and sharing Japanese traditions through Terakoya NINJA?

Spending summers in a samurai residence with over 300 years of history has profoundly shaped my understanding of Japanese culture and strengthened my commitment to preserving and sharing its traditions.

My grandparents’ home was a place visited daily by many people — prominent figures from politics and business, cultural leaders, former servants who once worked there, as well as relatives and extended family. Every morning, offerings of food and flowers were carefully placed at the Buddhist altar and household shrine, maintaining a solemn and respectful atmosphere. Growing up surrounded by the distinctive spaces of a samurai residence — such as the connected Japanese-style rooms, the engawa veranda, the storehouse, and the Japanese garden — was an invaluable experience that I deeply appreciate.

As I grew older, I came to realize that what I once considered ordinary is actually a rare and precious cultural heritage that few have the opportunity to experience today. It is my sincere wish to pass on these treasured experiences and knowledge to younger generations, helping to keep Japan’s traditional culture alive in the modern age.

You mentioned that you’ve visited 20+ countries. How did your time spent abroad influence the way you designed Terakoya NINJA’s experiences for international visitors?

My experience of traveling to over 20 countries has greatly influenced how I design cultural programs at Terakoya NINJA for international visitors.

In my early twenties, I traveled solo across more than 20 countries, mainly in Europe, staying for extended periods in each location to immerse myself in local traditions and ways of life. I valued not only visiting famous landmarks, but also engaging with locals and experiencing daily life in places like libraries, cafes, parks, supermarkets, and public transportation.

One particularly memorable experience was in the Netherlands, where I studied flower arrangement and was invited to my teacher’s home for a warm and intimate dinner party. In Rome, I dressed formally to attend an opera performance, which taught me how attire and language can affect how one is received, and the importance of being mindful of time, place, and occasion. I was also frequently asked questions about Japan, which deepened my appreciation for my own cultural heritage.

These experiences helped me understand that culture is not just something to observe—it must be felt, lived, and shared through genuine interaction. At Terakoya NINJA, I strive to offer immersive experiences that allow guests to connect with Japanese culture on a deeper, more personal level.

Do you cater to people of different dietary backgrounds?

Yes, absolutely. We are happy to accommodate preferences regarding food dislikes, allergies, and religious dietary restrictions. Please feel free to inform us of any requirements when making your reservation.

You describe yourself as ‘in the middle way of learning.’ How do you hope Terakoya NINJA will evolve, and what new traditions might you introduce next?

As the expression goes, “Terakoya NINJA stands at the center of learning,” we strive to continuously evolve while valuing the spirit of learning. We aim to remain a place where many people can deeply experience and connect with traditional Japanese culture. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce a new program focused on Zen practice and meditation. By offering an opportunity to calm the mind and step away from everyday life, we hope participants will gain a richer and more profound learning experience.

Additionally, we are considering cultural walking tours around Tokyo’s historic and culturally significant sites. Experiencing the intersection of tradition and modernity firsthand through these walks will offer a fresh and engaging cultural experience for many visitors. Personally, I am deeply fascinated by the Japanese concept of “道Dō” (the Way), which I intend to dedicate my life to studying. “Dō” is not simply about techniques or knowledge; it embodies a way of life and the state of one’s spirit. I believe that conveying this profound depth is our true mission.

When guests leave a Terakoya NINJA workshop, what’s the one piece of wisdom or feeling you hope stays with them long after?

What we hope most for our guests after experiencing a Terakoya NINJA workshop is that they leave thinking, “I’m so glad I came—it was fun and meaningful.”

Our goal is not only to provide hands-on cultural experiences but also to offer deeper insight into the Japanese mindset and cultural background. We hope guests come away with more than just memories—they take with them a piece of wisdom or emotion that lingers. For example, the concept of “Sokkon” (即今) teaches us to be fully present in the moment—to feel the “now.” Long before the modern popularity of mindfulness, this way of thinking existed in Japanese culture and daily life.

Some may say that Japanese people are not religious, but in truth, Japan has long embraced Shinto, the belief in Yaoyorozu no Kami—the idea that there are eight million gods, or divine spirits, dwelling in nature and all things. This has fostered a culture of reverence for nature, objects, and life itself, and cultivated a uniquely open and accepting attitude toward different beliefs.

We hope that Terakoya NINJA becomes a place guests can always return to—especially when they feel overwhelmed by daily life. A place where the heart can rest, reflect, and reconnect.

Is there anything additional that you’d like to share with our readers?

We are dedicated to offering authentic Japanese cultural experiences — not just performances, but meaningful, hands-on encounters with tradition. Terakoya NINJA is open to all who knock on our door. If you ever find yourself feeling that typical sightseeing lacks depth or heart, we warmly invite you to visit us.

Here, you can connect with the spirit, beauty, and quiet strength of Japanese culture in a way that stays with you long after your trip ends.

Our entire team looks forward to welcoming you with open arms.

Thank you for your time today. Hearing how your personal history connects to Terakoya NINJA’s work has been truly inspiring. We’re grateful you shared your story with us.

Follow Terakoya NINJA on:

Website: https://www.terakoyaninja.net/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terakoyaninja/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terakoyaninja

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@terakoyaninja

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Feature photo credit: Terakoya NINJA

Ready to add any of these amazing workshops to your next trip to Japan? Contact our Tailored Travel team to start crafting an itinerary including Terakoya NINJA and many other cultural experiences!