Our Philosophy
Creating quiet moments of presence
through Japanese culture.
Founder
Kumiko Jistukawa （Cultural Visionary & Curator of Japanese Artistry)
Based in New York, Kumiko works with private clients to create intimate, highly personal cultural experiences that bring Japanese aesthetics into everyday life.
As the founder of Ki-Chu New York, she draws on her background as a high-end lighting designer, contributing to some of New York’s most refined spaces, including a private residence valued at over $100M at One57 and the Shibui Spa at the Greenwich Hotel.
Her sensitivity to light and shadow—and their subtle influence on how we feel within a space—forms the foundation of her work. She approaches the environment not simply as a physical setting, but as a vessel for stillness.
With a deep connection to Japanese artistry and traditional aesthetics, Kumiko creates experiences that invite a quiet pause—an opportunity to reconnect with a more natural rhythm of life.
Her work moves between New York and Japan, guided by trusted relationships that allow access to artisans and cultural figures not typically available to the public.
These experiences are shared quietly, often by invitation or introduction only.
Rooted in the philosophy of Ki-Chu “其中” — meaning “everything is within” —
we create intimate moments of stillness within a fast-moving world.
Each experience reflects the beauty of imperfection,
the art of quiet presence,
and the harmony between people, objects, and space.
Through Japanese culture,
we offer a gentle return —
to nature, to time, and to oneself.
MY STORY
More than twenty years ago, matcha was still widely seen as something reserved for formal tea practitioners. At the time, I was working in New York as a lighting designer. One day, hoping to bring a small moment of joy to my French boss, who deeply loved Japanese culture, I brought matcha, a tea bowl, and a bamboo whisk to the office and prepared a bowl of tea for him.
The Story Behind This Experience
Reflections