How long have you been with AJ InterBridge Inc.?
I joined on March 1, 2025, so I am still relatively new to the team.
What brought you to AJ InterBridge Inc. and why did you choose this role?
The concept of restoring machiya properties and contributing to the community and city was something that genuinely resonated with me.
I also had a strong interest in the hospitality industry, and felt that my perspective as a foreigner who has lived in Kyoto for ten years gave me something valuable to bring to the role. I can see the city both through the eyes of a visitor discovering it for the first time, and through the eyes of someone who knows it well. That combination felt like something I could contribute meaningfully, and it was a big part of why I chose this job.
Can you walk us through your day-to-day responsibilities?
Unlike a typical hotel front desk role, my work centers on guests staying in our private machiya holiday homes spread across the city. I meet each guest in person during their check-in, then continue to support them throughout via email and phone. When additional assistance is needed, I also visit guests directly at their reserved machiya.
Day-to-day, my responsibilities include check-in, handling email inquiries, coordinating with delivery and cleaning staff, conducting room inspections, and managing evening calls. It is a mix of guest-facing and behind-the-scenes work, and staying on top of everything relies on good communication across the team.
Is there a guest interaction that has stayed with you?
There was a guest I was able to help with some local recommendations, things they would not have found in a guidebook. They came back to tell me that the experience had exceeded their expectations, and thanked me personally for being their point of contact during their stay. That kind of feedback is what makes the work feel worthwhile.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
When a guest takes the time to mention me by name in a review or in an email, or expresses their appreciation in person, that is when I feel the most rewarded. Knowing that a specific interaction made someone’s stay better is a feeling that stays with you.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your team and workplace?
There is a strong sense of unity in our team, and communication is at the heart of how we operate. Because we provide round-the-clock support to ensure every guest has a comfortable stay, and because our team works across different shifts, we do not always overlap with one another in person. That makes effective handovers and clear communication essential.
When a guest has a specific need or something changes during their stay, everyone on the team needs to be informed, no matter which shift they are working. Looking out for one another and staying well connected is what allows us to provide consistent, reliable support to every guest.
What are you hoping to achieve going forward?
I want to continue building my knowledge and skills in guest service, and to use my leadership to raise the overall standard of operations. My goal is to help deliver a better experience for every guest who visits Kyoto.
I also want to support each team across guest services, maintenance, rounds, cleaning, and inspections, so that everyone can bring their strengths to the work and operate at a higher level together.