Thinking About 'Staying' and 'Belonging': Talk Event at Shibuya Hikarie

A talk event exploring the concept of 'staying' and fostering connections with local communities will be held at Shibuya Hikarie. Mitsuru Sato, owner of the lodging facility 'HIKE' in Tamana, Kumamoto, will be the guest speaker.

Exploring 'Staying,' Community, and 'Belonging'

This event features Mitsuru Sato, who runs 'HIKE,' a complex facility offering accommodation, dining, and retail in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Sato will share insights on how 'staying' in a place cultivates relationships with the local community, drawing from his own experiences. He will discuss how to create spaces where travelers and locals can connect gently, and how accumulating encounters and relationships can develop through the experience of 'staying.' Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their own travel styles and ways of engaging with communities, pondering what constitutes a 'place of belonging' for themselves.

About the Guest Speaker, Mitsuru Sato

Born in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, in 1981, Mitsuru Sato studied industrial design before working as a graphic designer at an advertising agency and for apparel companies. He and his wife then traveled to 37 countries for about 15 months. Upon returning to Japan, they moved to Tamana City, Kumamoto, where they opened 'HIKE' in 2020. Through events like morning markets, exhibitions, and food gatherings, Sato fosters a space where people and communities can connect.

Event Details

• Title: Thinking About 'Staying' and 'Belonging': From the Practices of HIKE
• Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
• Time: 18:00 - 19:00 (Doors open at 17:30)
• Venue: 8/COURT, Shibuya Hikarie (2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
• Fee: 1,650 JPY
• Capacity: 60 people
• Reservation: Required

How to Register

Reservations can be made via the event's official URL, in person at Shibuya Hikarie, or by phone. Registration will close once capacity is reached, so early booking is recommended.

Access

Shibuya Hikarie is easily accessible, directly connected to JR Shibuya Station and Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station. Using public transportation is advised on the day of the event.

For more details and the latest information, please check the official website. Information regarding ticket availability and potential same-day tickets can also be found there.