Exploring Art and Cultural Exchange in Sapporo with A Foreigner-founded Art Startup in Hokkaido

Together with the founder of a foreigner-fouded art startup in Hokkaio, we had the pleasure of visiting Sapporo Art Park and Tenjinyama Art Studio in Hokkaido.

Sapporo Art Park is a place where music, craft, and art coexist in harmony with the surrounding forest. As we walked through the outdoor sculpture garden and craft workshops, it felt as though the entire park itself was a living artwork—every path and building infused with creativity and cultural energy.

Our next visit, Tenjinyama Art Studio, offered a very different sense of calm. Located within a tranquil park featuring a traditional Japanese garden, Tenjinyama is an artist-in-residence facility where creators from around the world stay and develop their work in a peaceful environment. The space embodies quiet concentration and deep respect for artistic practice.

The visit reminded us of why we so deeply admire this founder, and her passion. She holds a profound respect for Japanese art and artists—one that goes far beyond business. From the very beginning, her vision for her company has never been solely about entrepreneurship, but about cultural appreciation and genuine exchange.

Her work is shaped by her desire to authentically convey Japanese culture to the world through the unique lens of her Kyrgyz heritage. Despite her homeland being more than 5,500 kilometers away, she feels a nostalgic connection to Japan. It is remarkable to see how she bridges these two cultures, finding shared values between Japanese artistry and the spirit of Kyrgyzstan.

What stands out most is how her sincerity resonates in Japan, a country where trust is fundamental. Everyone she meets quickly senses her authenticity. Wherever we introduce her, people come away deeply impressed by her honesty and naturally become allies in her journey. It is a powerful reminder that when cross-cultural business is approached with heart and integrity, trust can transcend borders.

Rather than pursuing rapid or flashy expansion, she is carefully building meaningful partnerships in Sapporo, Japan’s northern city. She takes the time to connect sincerely with local artists, organizations, and communities. Her progress is not overnight—it is rooted in patience, mutual respect, and genuine collaboration. That steady approach is clearly bearing fruit, as her network of support in Sapporo continues to grow.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the City of Sapporo, the Sapporo Industrial Promotion Foundation, Sapporo Art Park, and Tenjinyama Art Studio for supporting our visit. As a part of Sapporo Transnational Expansion and Partnership (STEP), we are deeply thankful for the warm welcome and for the opportunity to witness how art and entrepreneurship can come together so beautifully across cultures.