Sheffield welcomes Japanese cultural hub thanks to international work

A historic Sheffield building is to welcome a new Japanese cultural hub thanks to the international work of a city business.

The 300-year-old Ikigai House on Arundel Street is the UK home of ethical marketing business Mantra Media, which was set up by Johnny Pawlik and business partner Masa Kuno and has an office in Kyoto, Japan.

Soon there will be a Japanese shop and art gallery opening in space located at the site a former toolmakers’ building, called Kyoto House.

It will showcase Japanese craftsmanship in ceramics or jewellery as well as selling traditional snacks and sake. The hub is able to be launched with the Kyoto Prefectural Government thanks to the international work Mantra Media has undertaken with governments and organisations in Japan over many years.

“Sheffield is one of the most inclusive, considerate and friendly cities in the country”, said Johnny. “That’s why we have a building here in the city centre and I think Japan as a country has such a similar vibe, it’s a very accepting place that welcomes diverse ways of thinking.

“It’s a triumph for Sheffield to have a company bringing commerce from all over Japan to this city, out of all the other cities in the UK. It will be an incredible cultural exchange hub where people will be able to explore Japanese crafts and culture.”

Sheffield has a booming international student population, including many students from Japan. One of the factors in securing the project for Sheffield was the city’s fascinating history of making.

Johnny, who is also working on initiatives to celebrate the start-up business sector in the Japanese city of Fukuoka, added, “we championed the heritage of Sheffield in the bid. “Ikigai House was a toolmakers all of this street was dedicated to making once. In Japan the Government is really committed to keeping traditional crafts alive.”

Through Mantra Media’s work, a second hub is also to be established in London, in a former hairdresser located close to Buckingham Palace.

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