What brought you to AJ InterBridge Inc. and why did you choose this role?
I had been working in resort and business hotels, but I wanted to take on something new as my next step, and the machiya style of accommodation felt like a genuinely different challenge. I wanted to bring the hospitality experience I had built up over the years into a setting where you work closely with each individual property rather than operating at scale.
I also wanted more opportunities to interact with guests from overseas. As AJ InterBridge Incs’ machiya accommodations attract a wide range of visitors, both domestic and international, and the idea of supporting each person’s stay while engaging with different cultures was something I found very appealing.
Can you walk us through your day-to-day responsibilities?
My main focus is guest-facing operations across the board. That includes check-in, pre- and post-stay email correspondence, and phone inquiries. The goal in all of it is to make sure each guest’s stay goes smoothly and comfortably, and I try to stay flexible in how I respond depending on the situation.
I also liaise with contractors on matters like repairs and supplies, sharing and coordinating anything that comes up from guest requests or on-site observations. As a leader, I keep an eye on the team’s overall workload, work to maintain consistent service quality, and step in to support wherever it is needed.
Is there a past guest interaction that has made a big impression?
There was a guest I helped during their stay with restaurant recommendations and sightseeing suggestions. After they checked out, they mentioned me by name in a review, which meant a great deal to me.
Some time later, that same guest came back to Kanazawa, and by chance I was the one handling their check-in. They remembered my name and greeted me warmly. Knowing that my small contribution had become part of their memory of that trip, and that they had chosen to return, reminded me of exactly why this work matters.
What gives you the most satisfaction in your work?
Hearing a direct thank you from a guest, or being mentioned by name in feedback, never gets old. Those moments make it clear that what you did had a real impact on someone’s stay.
As a leader, the satisfaction comes from seeing the team work well together. When everyone understands their role and naturally supports one another without being prompted, and operations flow smoothly as a result, I feel a real sense of collective progress. Knowing that good service is coming from the team as a whole, not just any one person, is the most rewarding feeling of all.
チームや職場の雰囲気はどんな印象ですか？
自由で、意見やアイディアを出しやすい雰囲気があると感じています。立場に関係なく「こうしたらもっと良くなるのでは」といった声を発信でき、それを前向きに受け止めてもらえる環境です。
リーダーとしても、メンバーが安心して意見を出せる空気づくりを大切にしています。日々の小さな気づきや提案がサービス向上につながることも多いため、チーム全体でより良い形を探し続けられる関係性が、この職場の魅力だと思います。日々く、チーム全体の成長が形として表れる瞬間が、この仕事の原動力になっています。
How would you describe the atmosphere in your team and workplace?
It is an open environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and suggestions regardless of their position. If someone thinks something could be done better, they can say so and know it will be received positively.
As a leader, I place a lot of importance on creating a space where team members feel at ease speaking up. Small everyday observations often lead to real improvements in service, and having a team that is always looking for ways to do things better is one of the things I value most about working here.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your team and workplace?
I want to expand beyond English and develop proficiency in additional languages, so that I can support a wider range of guests from different countries and backgrounds. The goal is to create an environment where language is never a barrier to feeling comfortable and well looked after.
I also want to deepen my knowledge of Kanazawa as a place. Not just the information you find in a guidebook, but the kind of local knowledge that only comes from living here: the hidden spots, the seasonal rhythms, the things that make the city worth returning to. I want to be someone who can share all of that with guests.
Ultimately, I want to be more than someone who provides a place to stay. I want to be a real part of what makes a guest’s time in Kanazawa memorable!