Meet the members of Soho House Tokyo

With the opening of our first Japanese outpost on the horizon, we hear from a few of our newest faces waiting to call Soho House home

Tuesday 28 October By Emma McCarthy

Konnichiwa Tokyo! We’re counting down the days until we open our first House in Japan. Situated in the Aoyama district – close to Omotesando – Soho House Tokyo spans four floors and features a coworking club space, an infinity-style rooftop pool and terrace, a wellness studio, and 42 bedrooms, giving members a home away from home in the city where they can work, rest, and play.

As always, the city’s culture is at the heart of the design of our Houses, and our Tokyo outpost is no exception – it features everything from furnishings made from upcycled kimono fabrics and sakiori weaving in the bedrooms, to workout spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows for taking in the Aoyama-dori skyline. But what we’re most excited about is the new community of members we’re ready to welcome. Here, we introduce a few of the local creatives you can look forward to meeting soon at Soho House Tokyo.

YUTA
‘I was raised in Tokyo and after graduating from university, spent about five years working in sales at a major advertising agency. When I turned 29, I decided to move to Iga city in Mie Prefecture; I was drawn to the region’s rich clay reserves and the charm of the wood-fired kilns, and began my journey as a ceramic artist there. My grandmother was a tea ceremony master and my mother practised flower arrangement, so ceramics were always part of my everyday surroundings. I’ve long been drawn to the idea of working closely with nature, and that connection ultimately led me to choose ceramics as my life’s work.
‘I’ve lived abroad for around six years, in Shanghai, the United States, and Taiwan. Those experiences may have planted a seed – a desire to carry something distinctly Japanese in the things I create. Living in Japan also means being constantly surrounded by art, music, and culture – all of which inspire me and fuel the work I create back in my studio in Iga. Today, my tableware is used in restaurants, and my works have been exhibited at the Art Dash Gallery in Haneda Airport as well as at Japan’s Mastery Collection.
‘I’m a new Soho House member. I’m looking forward to making full use of the workspace. More than anything, I’m excited to meet people from different fields, exchange ideas and ambitions, and see what new collaborations or inspirations might grow from this community.

‘I love music, so I hope to join events and any opportunities to experience art and culture. At the Hard Hat Event in Tokyo, I really enjoyed the shiso-infused Highball. Shiso is a herb often used in Japanese cuisine, but pairing it with whisky was brilliant – it felt both refreshing and deeply Japanese. It was so good that I ended up having more than one…
‘One of the highlights of that event was seeing my handmade tea bowls in the hands of Soho House members and receiving such kind feedback. It was truly rewarding. For me, Soho House represents new inspiration, learning, and community. I’ll keep dedicating myself to my craft so that more people can experience my work, and I look forward to meeting everyone soon.’

SARA
‘I’m a producer and artist living in Tokyo. Japan is a crazy intersection of creativity meets technology – and that’s exactly where I found my career. I am a producer for Japan’s first virtual human company, Aww Inc., where I help create our virtual-human influencer talent. It’s definitely not a common career and it has brought me to the global stages of the official TED talks. I am so excited to pave the way to where AI technology can be led by creativity.

‘I’ve been visiting Soho Houses for three to four years now, all over the world. I recently went to Soho House Mexico City and was so taken by its beauty. I love nature, too, especially the ocean, so visiting Soho Beach House Miami was a dream come true.

‘I’m excited that a global community powerhouse like Soho House will make its debut here in Tokyo. We have a strong local community, but local creators and artists have a hard time connecting to the outside world, where I think a lot of inspiration lies. That said, I’m also excited for the global community of members to discover more about Japan – not just the typical tourist spots and sights but about local artists and deeper cultural contexts through the House. You’re most likely to find me in front of the DJ, partying with my gyaru friends. Or chowing down on a Mac & Cheese (which is to die for).

‘To me, Soho House is a hub of creativity – and sparks happen from that. Real spaces are becoming more valued and time spent together with great people is becoming more sparse. I hope the space gives people opportunities to share, inspire, and come out for some good times.’

TOMO
‘I'm a fashion designer, based in Tokyo. I founded my own label – Tomo Koizumi – 14 years ago. I mostly design gowns and recently launched a bridal collection.

‘I’ve been a Soho House member since 2023. I'm so excited to have a House in my home city. There are so many possibilities. To me, Soho House means quality time with great people. I'm looking forward to meeting new people there and having a space to meet with my clients over a long lunch. My go-to order is a hamburger and a matcha latte.

‘When I go to London, I mostly stay in the east so I go to Shoreditch House every day (and party at the weekend). But I love my city. In Tokyo, there are so many different areas to explore and every local neighbourhood has a distinct personality.

‘One thing most people don’t know about me is that I’m a keen artist, too, and specialise in oil paintings. I hope I can do an exhibition in a city somewhere abroad soon.’

BEBETAN
‘I studied spatial design at an art university and later moved to the UK. In 2007, I founded my fashion label, Bedwin & The Heartbreakers. In 2020, I opened DAYZ – a concept store in Shibuya, Tokyo, where we introduce my friends’ brands to visitors from around the world. I also work as a creative director for various brands both in Japan and overseas.
‘I’ve been part of the Soho House Committee since the very beginning – hard to believe it’s been about seven or eight years already. I’m really looking forward to meeting new creative people and seeing what kind of energy and ideas will come out of Soho House Tokyo. When I’m at Soho Houses abroad, you’ll probably find me in the lounge – sometimes with work friends or hanging out with my family, usually with a cup of tea.
‘I have so many fond memories of Soho House it’s hard to pick just one, but I’d have to say spending the new year with my family at the outdoor pool at Soho Farmhouse – it was such an unforgettable moment for us. To me, Soho House is a place that feels both comfortable and inspiring – a community where I can relax, connect, and share great moments with different people.
‘I love cycling around Tokyo, discovering new corners of the city and meeting interesting people along the way. I’m often around Shibuya or Aoyama – if you happen to see me, please don’t hesitate to say hello. I’d love to connect and perhaps share something creative or fun together.’

AYA

‘I was born in Shanghai and raised in Japan, before cofounding a creative and brand management agency while I was at university. We work across brand representation, in-house labels, OEM production, creative direction, and PR, including offline events and parties. Towards the end of this year, I plan to start working more independently, focusing on exploring the creative side and building more personal collaborations in the future. I also occasionally work as a stylist and model, and I hope to explore new professions in the future – and discover new sides of myself along the way.

‘I became a Soho House member this year. I’m really excited to see how different creative worlds connect under one roof. I’m also looking forward to the events. You’ll probably spot me and my friends at one of the parties; we tend to be quite noticeable, so you’ll recognise us right away.

‘To me, Soho House is where people from different creative fields naturally come together to share ideas, collaborate, and just be curious about one another. I’m always fascinated by creative people and how their minds work. One of my best memories is when my partners from Japan and London all gathered in LA. We met at Soho House West Hollywood and shared a lovely lunch together. I have a big sweet tooth, so desserts and Espresso Martinis are my go-to – there’s something about coffee and sweets that always puts me in a creative mood.

‘I love how easily you can escape from Tokyo; within one or two hours, you can be in the mountains or by the sea. It always surprises people how many sides of Japan you can experience so close to the city. I really recommend exploring beyond the centre. I often travel alone, so if we ever meet at a Soho House somewhere in the world, please tell me your favourite city for solo travel and one restaurant you love there.’

Explore Soho House Tokyo and apply for membership