Yoshie Doi

   When we launched Kyo-Suzume in 2001, we defined Kyoto as “Kyoto, a city where just being there enriches your spirit and transforms it into energy.” 24 years have passed since then, and that feeling has only grown stronger. Just as we were launching, we had the opportunity to receive guidance from Akemi Nishimura, the proprietress of Hiiragiya.

　I remember being deeply touched by the information I received about Hiiragiya’s hospitality, including the “Raisha Nyoki” sign at the entrance. Since then, over the 24 years since, I have received various information about Kyoto from her. Whenever I visit, I learn a lot from her hospitality, which is overflowing with the “Raisha Nyoki” spirit, and I have learned that the philosophy of a long-established store lives on in this environment.

　The word “Omotenashi” (hospitality) used in the Tokyo Olympics became popular not in English, but in Japanese. In English, it is translated as “hospitality,” but “hospitality” is a word that comes from “Hospital,” and originally comes from the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, which is also mentioned in the Bible, and means to give blessings from God.

　In Japanese, it has a meaning similar to “entertainment,” and it is said that hospitality originated in Japanese festivals, and the original meaning of hospitality was to welcome and show hospitality to gods. However, the word “Motenashi” is also found in “The Tale of Genji,” so we can see that it is a word that has existed since the Heian period.

　More than just simple service, it is the ultimate expression of Japanese culture, which values ​​consideration for others and provides hospitality in both material and spiritual ways.

　Hiiragiya was the regular lodging for Yasunari Kawabata, but other famous people from all over the world have also stayed at the hotel. It was also Chaplin’s regular lodging. 70 years later, when Chaplin’s daughter and son stayed at Hiiragiya, they are said to have said the following as they were leaving: “Since I was born, I have only stayed in the best hotels around the world, but Hiiragiya is incomparable to the others. It’s the best,” said Chaplin researcher Ohno Hiroyuki. (Kodansha Gendai Shinsho 2419 value of Kyoto,  Hiroyuki Ohno)

   Since its establishment, the company has always offered its utmost in hospitality, in line with its motto of ” Raisha-nyoki ,” and I have always had the opportunity to learn from it. I hope that the government will also take steps to provide this kind of opportunity to learn about hospitality to those involved in accommodation, food and beverage, and souvenir shops.

(Continued in the next issue)

The end of document
Translated by Masami Otani

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