Keep Kaisu (Tokyo Hostel) into the future
Donation protected
When we opened Kaisu in June of 2015, we had one thing in our mind. Meeting a need of the fast-paced city of Tokyo which is to create a space where everyone feels welcomed. At that time, there were very few affordable accommodations with relaxed vibe. We named the place Kaisu, literally means “to meet” in Japanese in hope of the place become a hub of connection.
We found a little gem right in the heart of Tokyo, originally a ryotei or traditional Japanese restaurant with performing geishas, the former Shimazaki Restaurant. We have converted the traditional wooden building into a hostel with a café and bar. A Ryotel, we called it. The idea of converting the traditional space into reasonably priced stay in center of Tokyo was an immediate success. Artists, surfers, doctors, chefs, teachers, and consultants, all kind of people, they stayed in our bunks and shared their life at our lounge with coffee and beer. It was a dream come true as we named our company “Coterie,” in fantasy of creating a utopian safe heaven at Kaisu.
In the past 5 years, Kaisu has been a safe home for thousands of travelers from all around the world, and least to say that these years have been a magical ride.
As you may be aware, Kaisu has been temporarily closed due to the global pandemic, and our business has been completely shut down. Now we are on the verge of survival. With no income coming in, we are exploring every means of possible support, including government and local grants and loans.
We know everyone is having a difficult time, and we understand that there are many entities and people needing the help. If you are in a position to help us in any ways, we are enormously grateful to accept your kindness. Any support will contribute to help taking care of our staff, and to build the necessary adjustment to welcome you back.
We are determined to be your guide and home whenever you are in Tokyo. Traveling empowers people, gives hope, inspiration, and better perspective of the world. We are awaiting to be part of the experience when our door is opened again.
Thank you for your support and for being a part of Kaisu.
A Message from Adam Otten, Co-fundraiser of this campaign below.
Hey everyone, this pandemic has affected all of us whether it be physically, mentally, or financially. I am currently one of the lucky ones living in Taiwan, but most of the world is struggling to get through this lockdown.
My friends Shige and Takaki run a hostel/cafe in Tokyo called Kaisu and are struggling to keep their business alive since they have been forced to close during this shutdown. It saddens me to think that Kaisu, which was my home for almost a 3-month period, is in danger of closing because of this pandemic. I want to do whatever I can to help so that future travelers will have a chance to experience Japan as I did.
I traveled to Tokyo in 2015 with the intentions of exploring the country, learning Japanese, and finding a potential graduate school. It was my first time in Japan and I did not speak the language well, but a Jiu jitsu friend recommended to ryotel Kaisu to stay at, since it was affordable and close to our Jiu jitsu gym. I was extremely nervous about coming to Tokyo since I did not know how to communicate or use the transportation systems. But after arriving at Kaisu, my fears lessened with each passing day.
Shige, Takaki and the staff helped me with anything I needed and helped me improve my language skills. Living at Kaisu I was also able to meet and make friends with dozens of people from around the world, of who I am still in contact with today. After staying at Kaisu for a few weeks, I developed connections with people who I now consider family and I wanted to continue to build a life in Japan. But I was offered an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree back in the states, and my friends in Tokyo were the ones who encouraged me to further my education and I wouldn’t have been able to make the decision without their guidance. Its honestly hard to put into words how much I love Kaisu, Japan, and all my friends who live there. They have given me so much love, support, guidance, and I wouldn’t be where I am today, pursuing a PhD in Asia if it wasn’t for them.
From my time at Kaisu I was able to find a family and place where I belong thousands of miles away from home, which is something I would not trade for all the money in the world. So as my Tokyo family is struggling in this time of need, I ask you to please help in any way you can. Anything you can contribute will go a long way and be greatly appreciated. I hope you are all staying safe in wherever place you may be and thank you all for the support.
*Co-fundraiser Adam Otten was one of the first guests Kaisu have had. Adam still holds the longest staying record of close to 80 nights at Kaisu.
We found a little gem right in the heart of Tokyo, originally a ryotei or traditional Japanese restaurant with performing geishas, the former Shimazaki Restaurant. We have converted the traditional wooden building into a hostel with a café and bar. A Ryotel, we called it. The idea of converting the traditional space into reasonably priced stay in center of Tokyo was an immediate success. Artists, surfers, doctors, chefs, teachers, and consultants, all kind of people, they stayed in our bunks and shared their life at our lounge with coffee and beer. It was a dream come true as we named our company “Coterie,” in fantasy of creating a utopian safe heaven at Kaisu.
In the past 5 years, Kaisu has been a safe home for thousands of travelers from all around the world, and least to say that these years have been a magical ride.
As you may be aware, Kaisu has been temporarily closed due to the global pandemic, and our business has been completely shut down. Now we are on the verge of survival. With no income coming in, we are exploring every means of possible support, including government and local grants and loans.
We know everyone is having a difficult time, and we understand that there are many entities and people needing the help. If you are in a position to help us in any ways, we are enormously grateful to accept your kindness. Any support will contribute to help taking care of our staff, and to build the necessary adjustment to welcome you back.
We are determined to be your guide and home whenever you are in Tokyo. Traveling empowers people, gives hope, inspiration, and better perspective of the world. We are awaiting to be part of the experience when our door is opened again.
Thank you for your support and for being a part of Kaisu.
A Message from Adam Otten, Co-fundraiser of this campaign below.
Hey everyone, this pandemic has affected all of us whether it be physically, mentally, or financially. I am currently one of the lucky ones living in Taiwan, but most of the world is struggling to get through this lockdown.
My friends Shige and Takaki run a hostel/cafe in Tokyo called Kaisu and are struggling to keep their business alive since they have been forced to close during this shutdown. It saddens me to think that Kaisu, which was my home for almost a 3-month period, is in danger of closing because of this pandemic. I want to do whatever I can to help so that future travelers will have a chance to experience Japan as I did.
I traveled to Tokyo in 2015 with the intentions of exploring the country, learning Japanese, and finding a potential graduate school. It was my first time in Japan and I did not speak the language well, but a Jiu jitsu friend recommended to ryotel Kaisu to stay at, since it was affordable and close to our Jiu jitsu gym. I was extremely nervous about coming to Tokyo since I did not know how to communicate or use the transportation systems. But after arriving at Kaisu, my fears lessened with each passing day.
Shige, Takaki and the staff helped me with anything I needed and helped me improve my language skills. Living at Kaisu I was also able to meet and make friends with dozens of people from around the world, of who I am still in contact with today. After staying at Kaisu for a few weeks, I developed connections with people who I now consider family and I wanted to continue to build a life in Japan. But I was offered an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree back in the states, and my friends in Tokyo were the ones who encouraged me to further my education and I wouldn’t have been able to make the decision without their guidance. Its honestly hard to put into words how much I love Kaisu, Japan, and all my friends who live there. They have given me so much love, support, guidance, and I wouldn’t be where I am today, pursuing a PhD in Asia if it wasn’t for them.
From my time at Kaisu I was able to find a family and place where I belong thousands of miles away from home, which is something I would not trade for all the money in the world. So as my Tokyo family is struggling in this time of need, I ask you to please help in any way you can. Anything you can contribute will go a long way and be greatly appreciated. I hope you are all staying safe in wherever place you may be and thank you all for the support.
*Co-fundraiser Adam Otten was one of the first guests Kaisu have had. Adam still holds the longest staying record of close to 80 nights at Kaisu.
Co-organizers (3)
Shigetada Suzuki
Organizer
Boonton, NJ
Adam Otten
Co-organizer
Takaki Kawatsu
Co-organizer