How a Cup Transformed My Life

Cups... I never paid much attention to them, especially when it came to my daily coffee routine. But one day, everything changed, and my perspective on cups and tableware shifted dramatically.

Before I became bound to a wheelchair, I was a super busy mom juggling a full-time teaching job and raising two young boys. My days were filled with endless tasks: preparing for school, creating lesson plans, grading papers, checking homework, and making dinner. Then, in the summer of 2015, everything turned upside down. I became ill and lost my mobility from the waist down. It was a devastating blow that shattered my sense of independence.

My husband and sons' help and unwavering support were beyond words during this challenging time. Their presence was a source of strength that carried me through each day. I am forever grateful for his love and dedication.

There was one moment, however, that brought a glimmer of light back into my life. I mustered the strength to make coffee alone when everyone left for school and work. It took me nearly ten minutes, but that small act made me feel indescribable—a sense of being alive again. The glaze on the coffee cup appeared crystal clear and beautiful as if I had been transported to the depths of an ocean. At that moment, I knew I had to embark on a new journey.

It took a couple of years, but I finally made the decision to leave teaching and start something entirely different. That's when WAZA Tokyo came to life—a manifestation of my newfound appreciation for life's little joys, like the simple act of savoring a cup of coffee. Through WAZA Tokyo, I aim to bring that same sense of wonder and appreciation to others, offering them handcrafted tableware that sparks joy and reminds us to embrace beauty in every moment.

Join me on this incredible journey as we rediscover the profound impact a cup can have on our lives. Let's raise our cups to a world brimming with inspiration and the endless possibilities that lie before us. 

Join us at Japan Fair, where you'll have the opportunity to explore and discover the many incredible cups from Japan. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and exquisite craftsmanship that make Japanese tableware truly remarkable. Let's celebrate the beauty of cups together!

[Japan Fair 2023] 

July 8, 10am-6pm

July 9, 10am-5pm

Meydenbauer Center

11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA