about Shinka

My view on starting a new business

 

Since founding the company in 2018, I have been dedicated to producing and supporting the artists of Japanese traditional performing arts. Throughout this journey, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous collaborators both within and outside the industry. It is solely through your collective support that we stand where we are today. For this, I offer my sincerest gratitude.

Since our inception, I have consistently championed one core vision:

“To reawaken the resilient Japanese spirit—embedded in the 650-year history of Noh—within all of us today.”

Witnessing audiences moved by the profound vibrational energy of Utai (chanting) has solidified my conviction in the enduring power of the traditional arts.

This experience led me to a fundamental realization: my primary mission must be to support the creators themselves—the performers who define the stage and the artisans who provide their essential tools. Coming from a business background, I initially prioritized a “customer-first” approach, focusing on accessibility and detailed commentary for the audience. While important, I realized that as long as the creators exist, tradition can be preserved even without an audience. Conversely, if the creators vanish, the culture itself becomes extinct.

Today, I embrace an “Artist-First” philosophy. By ensuring the highest quality of artistry, we provide a superior experience for our audience. This, in turn, elevates the motivation of our artists, creating a virtuous cycle of cultural and emotional value.

Two Perspectives for 2026

As we enter our eighth year in 2026, I am focused on two contrasting realities: the perceived weakening of the Japanese spirit at home, and the surging global interest in Japanese culture abroad.

The delicate crafts and meticulous traditions of our island nation are not the products of individual ego, but of a collective “craftsmanship” rooted in the spirit of Wa (harmony)—a value cherished since the ancient Jomon period. In a modern era marked by individualism and social fragmentation, the world is rediscovering these values. Ironically, we Japanese are the ones losing touch with this “Japanese Soul.” I believe our mission is to broadcast this spirit of respecting all forms of “life” to the world.

From Traditional Arts to LOHAS: A Holistic Vision

Noh is an art form rooted in the belief that a soul resides in all living things—a concept known as Somoku-kokudo-Shikkai-Jobutsu (the enlightenment of all nature). It is the very essence of the Japanese heart, nurtured by the four seasons.

However, climate change is blurring our seasons, and despite our reputation for longevity, we face rising health challenges and a fading sense of the “vibrancy of life.” In our technologically advanced civilization, we must pause and ask: What is truly essential for life?

To foster a world that cherishes life, Shinka(真花) is launching a new venture this year. To protect our planet and ensure cultural continuity, we are establishing our LOHAS Business alongside our traditional arts promotion.

  • Regenerating Life: Sharing the culture of fermentation—a pillar of Japanese health—to harmonize the body, mind, and brain.
  • Sustainable Living: Proposing a semi-self-sufficient lifestyle blessed by the sun and soil.
  • Social Impact: Utilizing ethical marketing to create new employment opportunities and contribute to individual self-actualization.

Through our LOHAS initiatives, we aim to build a community of conscious consumers and play a vital role in global environmental restoration. We remain committed to being a bridge between tradition and the future.

We look forward to your continued support and partnership.

*What is LOHAS?
Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability. A lifestyle prioritizing personal well-being and environmental stewardship.

KII Noriko, representative Director, Shinka Co., Ltd.

KII Noriko

Profile of the Representative Director

KII Noriko

KII Noriko; Shite (protagonist) & Master, Hosho School of Noh Theater

  • Chair, the Ginpo-kai run by IMAI Yasuyuki
  • Member, the Nohgaku Performers’ Association (a public-interest incorporated association)
  • Associate Member, the Association of Hosho School (a public-interest incorporated association)
  • Chuden (middle grade), Ko School of Kotsuzumi (small hand drum) for Noh theater
  • Jokyu (higher rank), the Urasenka School of Tea Ceremony

 

Personal history

1981
Became a pupil of Imai Yasuyuki, shite actor of Hosho School of Noh play
1985
Graduated from Jissen Women’s University, majored in Japanese literature (Concentration on Noh theater in the Middle Ages)
2003
Studied Kotsuzumi (small hand drum) under mentor Ko Shingo of Ko School
2014
Played shite in Noh entitled “Kakitsubata (Irises)”
2018
Chair, the Ginpo-kai, run by Imai Yasuyuki
2023
Performed the lead role (Shite) in the Noh play “Kiyotsune”

 

Business career

1985
Assistant manager of sales department. Later promoted to manager of product & planning department and then to project leader of cultural events & business at Toppan Forms Co., Ltd.(formerly Toppan Moore Business Forms Co., Ltd.)
2018
Resigned Toppan Forms, founded Shinka Co., Ltd., age of 55
2019
Completed the program for developing workshop designers at School of Social Informatics at Aoyama Gakuin University (the 30th class)

Company information

 

Corporate name Shinka Co., Ltd.
Representative Director Kii Noriko
Date of foundation December 3, 2018
Corporate head office 3-6-1 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-0064
Contact Telephone:090-4703-6989 (Cell) Facsimile:03-3785-2288
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