Why Kinasé, Paris, Niigata?

One man's passion for Franco-Japanese exchanges

Having lived in France for several years for his studies and then developed activities in the world of communication, Mr. Akira Sakamoto wanted to participate more directly in the Franco-Japanese rapprochement by offering French consumers the opportunity to discover Japan differently: this is the opening of the “Kinasé” store.

Kinase
The symbol of welcome in Niigata

In regional dialect, the term Kinasé means “Welcome” and emphasizes friendliness and authenticity. As soon as they enter the store, the visitor finds themselves immersed in a real place of experiences around regional products, including a selection of the best sake, typical gourmet foods and tableware products. Kinasé is also a place of learning and discovery of Japanese culture and traditions which are highlighted throughout the seasons.

An evolution guided by passion and authenticity

Opened in 2018, Kinasé initially focused on offering exclusive products from the Niigata region, reflecting our commitment to authenticity and quality. Faced with enthusiasm and high demand from our customers, we began to import products from other regions of Japan starting in 2022. This expansion aligns with our desire to meet our customers' expectations while broadening our range. However, we remain true to our commitment to guarantee authentic and high-quality products, often difficult to obtain without direct relationships with the producers. At Kinasé, each item is carefully selected to bring you the best of Japan.