KAWAGOE, JAPAN — Entrepreneur and community leader Mina Shimazaki is set to bring a unique family dynamic to her latest business venture. Shimazaki, whose diverse career spans from performing at the Japan Expo in Paris as a core member of the “Kimono Dancers” to serving as the Vice President of her local shopping district, has announced a special collaboration for an upcoming event in Kawagoe.
For the past three years, Shimazaki has operated “Cafe Plug,” a space designed to function like an electrical plug—connecting people and fostering community growth. The cafe, which she describes as a “secret base” for excitement, has become a cornerstone of her business portfolio. Her work effectively bridges different worlds, ranging from international cultural performance to local initiatives like producing art by individuals with disabilities as a director of Re-Art.
The upcoming “Tea Festival” marks a significant milestone for the business owner. While her regular partner, Nao Tomita, is unavailable for the December schedule, Shimazaki’s son will be stepping in to assist at the stall.
“I never thought the day would come when I would participate in an event with my son,” Shimazaki said, expressing her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to join an event that has been nurtured with such care.
Shimazaki’s background is as eclectic as her business interests. With a past rooted in the education sector, she now manages a company encompassing cafes, kimono rentals, and vintage clothing shops. This upcoming event highlights her ongoing commitment to maintaining “Cafe Plug” as a vibrant hub for connection, now involving the next generation of her family and continuing her mission of connecting Japan and the world.
MINA SHIMAZAKI: CONNECTING JAPAN AND THE WORLD FROM PARIS STAGES TO KAWAGOE ROOTS
