Art of Nippon family in traditional kimono at historic Lisbon location

Japan's Culture, Curated for Europe — by Japanese.

Discover Our Services

These Brands Trusted Us

Partnerships built on trust and excellence

480th Anniversary Japan-Portugal / JAPÃO-PORTUGAL
在ポルトガル日本国大使館 / Embaixada do Japão em Portugal
iscte - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa
St. Julian's School - Lux Tua Nos Ducat - Founded in 1932
DIOR
KABUKI Michelin 2025
IPS Cascais - British International School Portugal
きものやまと
SakeMico - Premium Sake
Embassy of Hungary
Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa
Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre
ESHTE - Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril
RHS Chelsea Flower Show

ABOUT
ART OF NIPPON

Art of Nippon is an innovative cultural exchange platform that shares the essence of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with the world.

Going beyond superficial cultural introductions, we create a space where participants can discover true cultural value through deep understanding and hands-on experience of Japanese culture.

Founded by Tatsuo and Reina Ueno, Art of Nippon is built on a lifetime of living Japanese culture — not studying it. Raised in Japan with cuisine, ceremony, and tradition woven into daily life, they carry an insider's knowledge of experiences that most visitors will never encounter.

For those who seek more than the expected, they open doors that only a Japanese can.

Embassy of Japan Portugal 480th Anniversary Project
Embassy of Japan Portugal
480th Anniversary Project
HERMES Saut Hermes at Grand Palais - Family in traditional kimono
HERMES SAUT HERMES
DIOR collection tea ceremony
DIOR
Traditional Japanese folding screen art - child viewing historical Japanese painting

OUR
VISION

The Art of Nippon aims to bring about lasting transformation in the hearts and minds of people through Japanese spirituality and authentic cultural experiences, contributing to the creation of a richer and more harmonious world.

We believe that each cultural encounter brings profound inspiration and learning to our participants' lives, becoming a force that transforms the world.

Japanese couple in kimono at international cultural gala event
Cultural Exchange
Children experiencing traditional Japanese Tanabata festival workshop
Cultural Learning Program
Japanese family in kimono at cultural exhibition in Germany
International Exhibition

Our Services

Experience the Essence of Japanese Culture — across Food & Sake, Japan Experiences, and Personal Services. Brands and institutions will find their starting point in Food & Sake and Japan Experiences; individuals based in Europe can explore Personal Services below.

Food & Sake

Kikisake-shi (Certified Sake Sommelier)
Nigiri on a wooden board at a sushi counter

Japanese Private Chef

Authentic Japanese dining at your home, produced by Japanese. Choose from three courses — washoku built on the ingredients of the season, an authentic izakaya evening, or omakase sushi at your own table. Every course closes with a bowl of tea in the Omotesenke tradition, with optional sake pairing by a certified sake sommelier. We accept one evening a month.

Discover the Private Chef
Japanese cultural event - Sake presentation with traditional kimono

Sake & Japanese Food Produce

As a certified Kikisake-shi (Sake Sommelier), Tatsuo curates sake pairing menus, tasting events, and product introductions built on genuine expertise rather than performance. We produce Japanese cuisine parties, sake pairing dinners, tea ceremony classes, Japanese language and culture classes, and kimono wearing experiences — serving as a bridge for multicultural exchange, actively promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Collaboration team with Japanese chefs and Portuguese partners in traditional restaurant

Brand Collaboration

Building deep relationships of trust with Portugal's leading chefs and up-and-coming Japanese chefs, we create unique encounters and synergies with authentic Japanese food culture that cannot be experienced anywhere else. Going beyond conventional dining events, we offer an expression of Japanese cuisine that will leave a lasting impression in the hearts of participants.

Japan Experiences

Traditional tea ceremony master in formal kimono with golden screen

Tea Ceremony Mindfulness

Centered on the tea ceremony principles of "Wa-Kei-Sei-Jaku" (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility), we study and share the way of mindful living. We offer tea ceremonies and experiential courses, particularly for those interested in spiritual enrichment and mindfulness practice. Through the way of tea, we aim to bring new perspectives and deeper richness to everyday life.

Custom Japan Tourism - Authentic sushi experience with expert guide

Custom Japan Tourism

We provide services that help you maximize your enjoyment of Japan. From suggesting hidden gems to introducing recommended spots, handling reservations, and offering interpretation services. Our customized plans that accommodate a wide range of requests, from historical landmarks to hidden local favorites, have been well-received. In particular, our special experience of enjoying authentic Edomae sushi while listening to commentary from an expert known as "Japan's #1 Sushi Enthusiast" has been highly praised, with guests describing it as "an unforgettable experience of a lifetime."

Football Exchange program meeting at SC Braga facilities in Portugal

Football Exchange

Portugal is one of Europe's leading nations for football development. It is safe, welcoming, and — for Japanese players experiencing life abroad for the first time — an ideal environment in which to learn the game. Drawing on our relationships with top clubs including SC Braga, we support young athletes through training experiences, trial participation, and transfer support with local clubs, guiding each step of the journey with care.

Visit Write The Future

Personal Services

For Individuals in Europe
Quiet tatami room set for a Ki Tuning session

Ki Tuning Therapy

A private energy alignment practice guided by Reina and Tatsuo Ueno, restoring balance and releasing tension through the gentle, precise handling of Ki. It is not a massage, a medical treatment, or a spiritual ritual — it is a quiet, attentive session for those who feel overloaded and want to reconnect with their own clarity. Offered by request only.

Visit Ki Tuning Therapy
Japanese language class with students in a traditional setting

Japanese Language Lessons

Private and small-group Japanese lessons for adults and children, taught with the same attention to detail we bring to every cultural program. Lessons combine language fundamentals with cultural context — reading, conversation, and everyday etiquette — tailored from complete beginners through intermediate learners, in Lisbon or online.

Renovated kitchen finished to Japanese craftsmanship standards

Home Repair

We bring Japanese-level carpentry and finishing standards to homes across Portugal, connecting trusted craftsmen — through our sister companies K's Carpentry and Yoshioka Koumuten — with local renovation needs. From kitchen and bathroom reforms to precision joinery and finishing work, we manage the project from first estimate to handover, in Lisbon and the surrounding area.

Key Achievements

Major Activities 2024-2026

480th Anniversary

Japan-Portugal Commemorative Event

Michelin 1-Star

Tea Ceremony at KABUKI LISBOA

DIOR

Collaboration Achievement

Embassy of Japan

Cultural Events Hosted

Case Studies

How we create value with luxury brands and world-class events

Tea ceremony for DIOR VIP clients
DIOR

A Special Tea Ceremony for a VIP Day

Challenge
For a collection themed on Japan, DIOR wanted to offer its culture-loving VIP clients an unforgettable, on-brand experience.
What we did
A special tea ceremony for VIP celebrities on the exclusive VIP day — serving freshly whisked matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets.
Result
Guests were captivated, and the brand told us the experience contributed to sales.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Authentic Tea Ceremony on Britain’s Grandest Stage

Challenge
In a Japanese garden that has won awards 13 years running at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, convey the true depth of Japanese garden culture to international VIPs.
What we did
Served matcha to international VIPs using tea utensils prepared exclusively for the occasion, creating a truly one-of-a-kind seat.
Result
Broadcast on the BBC. Guests felt the depth of Japanese garden culture, bringing a Japanese world view to life in Britain.
Tea ceremony at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Japanese garden

Detailed Achievements

View Our Achievements by Category

Customer Testimonials

Reviews from Our Participants

"The washoku experience at Art of Nippon was truly a journey for all five senses. I could feel the care put into each dish and the depth of Japanese culture."

M

Maria S.

Lisbon

"Through the tea ceremony, I gained a deep understanding of Japanese spirituality. Experiencing the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility was a wonderful, calming experience."

J

João P.

Porto

"The 480th anniversary commemorative event was wonderful. It made me realize again the importance of cultural exchange between Japan and Portugal."

A

Ana L.

Lisbon

For Brands & Institutions

Let’s Create Something Unforgettable Together

We design authentic Japanese cultural experiences for brands, hotels, institutions, and schools across Europe — from VIP tea ceremonies to bespoke events.

Luxury Brands

VIP experiences and in-store activations that move customers — like our work with DIOR.

Hotels & Fine Dining

Tea ceremony, sake pairing, and gastronomy for Michelin-level venues.

Institutions & Embassies

Cultural programmes and ceremonies for embassies and cultural centres.

Schools & Education

Immersive Japanese cultural classes for international schools.

Contact Us

Feel Free to Reach Out