A Traditional Mexican Home with Japanese Influences

Kazuya Kawakami appears to have lived nine lives already; from leaving behind his family’s metal hardware business in Toyama, opening Mexico City’s first Karaoke bar, helping fellow expats through a career in real estate, and now bringing Fukiya, a Japanese blowpipe sport, to Mexico. The common theme among all these pursuits – a passion for sharing his native culture with his newfound home. Residing on the edge of the city, in Contadero, Kazuya has lived in the same house for over 20 years, slowly improving and tending to this sacred space over the passage of time. Surrounded by woodland, it feels like a natural home for the born adventurer, where, over tea around his traditional chabudai table, stories of a life-well-lived unfold…

“I’ve been living here since 1988. My ex-wife Monique and I spent over 20 years building the house little by little. What I enjoy most is the garden and the view - the house is designed with the garden as the center. I sunbathe or practice golf there. I set up a fishing net and hit balls into it.

“The house is in the outskirts of Mexico City, in an area called Contadero, in a street called Herradura, further along is the La venta area. Contadero is an old town with a very Mexican character. There are horse stables nearby, and the area names reflect its past - “Contadero” means “to count,” “Herradura” is “horseshoe,” and “La Venta” means “to sell.” In the past, people used to sell, count, and shoe horses around here.

What I enjoy most is the garden and the view - the house is designed with the garden as the center.

“It’s only 40 minutes from the city center, but it feels like a retreat in nature. Nowadays, many people come here to cycle or hike. But when we bought the land, most of our friends thought we were crazy for moving so far out. There’s a national park nearby called Valle de los Monjes - the Valley of the Monks - with beautiful mountain views.”

Kazuya's bed is made with a combination of 100% Linen in Lake & Mist

“My family has a long history in the metal hardware business - kanamono in Japanese. The company was founded in 1894. I was supposed to take over the family business, but I wanted a different kind of life. I learned English by renting cassette tapes, and made a deal with my father that I would finish university, if I could travel for a year.

“I hitchhiked across many countries, looking for freedom. Eventually, I arrived in Mexico. Because of my ex-wife, I decided to stay and I started to build something here.”

“I often think of my Japanese homeland from here in Mexico. It used to feel so far away, but thanks to modern times, it feels a bit closer now. Still, I miss my hometown with a deep sense of nostalgia. But I’ve also become used to Mexico. Contrary to my hometown Toyama, here I’m in contact with all sorts of international people with a global profile like myself. I'm very social, and I think Mexico's warm and welcoming culture suits me well.”

A measuring tape is pinned in Kazuya's study. Here he marks the years spent in front of the computer. At a glance he can see how long he has lived, and not waste any time in the future.

“The house follows the traditional Mexican style - clay roof tiles, exposed wood beams, white walls with a blue border. Inside, we don’t wear shoes - just like in Japan. For that, we use a wooden cabinet at the entrance. It was probably meant for other objects, but we added shelves to store more shoes. A mix of Mexican aesthetics with Japanese function.

“My interior design is based on items collected during my life that bring me memories from travels and experiences. I like the house to feel cozy.

“There’s also a wooden beam where I marked my daughter Aki’s height every year. In Japan, we sing a children’s song on May 5th 背くらべ: Sei‑kurabe and mark their height. That beam is one of the treasures of this home. I was happy Diego captured it.”

“What I enjoy most is the view and the hummingbirds that visit every day. The windows are lower than standard height, so you can sit or lie down and still see the woods outside. It’s a quiet and peaceful place.”

The windows are lower than standard height, so you can sit or lie down and still see the woods outside.

Kazuya wears our 100% Linen Sleepwear in Kohl

“The chabudai table was custom-made here in Mexico. I have strong memories of sitting around a similar one on the floor with my family as a child.

The chabudai table was custom-made here in Mexico. I have strong memories of sitting around a similar one on the floor with my family as a child.

“I also have pre-Hispanic sculptures that I collected when I worked as a tour guide after arriving in Mexico. In the garden, there are some nice cacti - the result of years of collaboration with a Japanese client doing cactus research.

“Near the entrance and rest area, there are some lithographs by Rufino Tamayo, a beloved Mexican artist. I used to import them to Japan and kept a few for myself. So the house is a reflection of the cultural exchange - Mexican influence I shared with Japan, and Japanese influence I brought back to Mexico.”

“I was struggling to find a profession that would allow me to build something meaningful. The catharsis one experiences through singing karaoke is universal - it's a unique subculture created by Japan. Back when I opened the bar, I had to bring from Japan all the Vinyls to play the songs and video tapes to play on the big televisions. Which made Karaoke such a special and unique activity to go do outside. Nowadays it’s much easier to do Karaoke.”

Kazuya and his daughter, Aki.

“I go mountain biking in the Desierto de los Leones forest, just 10 minutes away. I also enjoy small local restaurants. Some dishes, like sopa de médula (bone marrow soup) or morelianas (burnt milk sweets), you can’t find easily in the city.

It’s peaceful. The village-like atmosphere that’s very different from the busyness of the city. I like the balance.

“It’s peaceful. The village-like atmosphere that’s very different from the busyness of the city. I like the balance - close enough to work in the city, but quiet enough to feel calm. Some of our visitors from the city are surprised with the silence, some even feel uneasy because they are so used to noise.”

Kazuya's worldly possessions, alongside our 100% Linen Bedding paired in of Lake & Mist

“I introduced Fukiya, a Japanese blowpipe sport, to Mexico. I’m looking forward to sharing it with more people. The charm of Fukiya lies in its simplicity, which deepens with practice. It encourages a healthy and friendly competitive spirit, focused not on beating others, but on self-improvement and sharing the experience. From kids to elderly people, everyone can enjoy it. You can find us on Instagram: @fukiyademexico.

“I also run a real estate company in Mexico City. I hope to grow together with my team to build a more solid and impactful company.”

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