Risshisha was founded in Kyoto in July 2014. Originally from Tokyo, I spent four years of my university life in Kyoto, growing to love the city deeply. Despite having lived in Tokyo and abroad for work, I always made time to frequently visit Kyoto.

I witnessed the streetscapes of Kyoto, especially those of the traditional machiya townhouses, change progressively. Due to the labor and cost of repairs among various other reasons, these machiya were often relinquished by their owners, only to be replaced with concrete buildings.

Concerned that this would alter the cityscapes of Kyoto that I so dearly loved, I wanted to protect Kyoto's landscapes. My aim was to revive the machiya not merely as landscapes in memory but as part of modern living. This desire became the foundation upon which Risshisha was established.

Beyond Kyoto, Japan is home to magnificent traditions and cultures that should be preserved for the future. Yet, just like the machiya, there are historical buildings, cultures, and traditions throughout Japan at risk of disappearing for similar reasons.
We commit to preserving these historical assets, traditions, and cultures across Japan, helping to ensure they endure into the future. It is my hope that by slowly expanding this circle of commitment, we contribute to protecting Japan.