When I look back at where this journey began, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and fulfilment.
In early 2024, I had the privilege of starting the curriculum development journey together with Tomoko Ota from Japan, working closely with her as the subject matter expert in Tsumami Zaiku. As the Lead Master Trainer, curriculum developer and facilitator, I was able to bring together her deep knowledge and expertise in this beautiful Japanese craft and contextualise it for learners here in Singapore and Asia.
What made this journey especially meaningful for me was being able to work with subject matter experts, understand not only what they know but also the impact their knowledge can create, and then translate that knowledge into meaningful learning experiences for our trainers.
At the same time, I brought in another dimension from my own 30+ years of experience in branding, marketing, public relations, digital marketing, publicity, social media and content creation. I wanted our trainers to learn more than just how to make beautiful Tsumami Zaiku pieces. I wanted them to understand how to tell their stories, build their own identities and brands, communicate with their audiences, create content, market their work and take confident steps towards entrepreneurship.
This became much more than a craft certification programme.
It became a journey of Learn, Create, Market and Retail.
Watching this community grow has been one of my greatest joys. What started as an idea has evolved into a growing community of Tsumami Zaiku artisan trainers who are not only developing their craft skills, but also discovering their own voices, building confidence and creating possibilities for themselves.
And behind every milestone are people who have supported us along the way. I am truly grateful to our amazing team, and especially touched by the spouses, family members and friends who came by to lend a helping hand, encourage us and support us throughout our events and activities. Your kindness and unwavering support mean so much to us.
Tsumami Zaiku has also reminded me that crafting can be so much more than learning a technique.
It brings like-minded people together. It nurtures friendships. It encourages creativity and patience. It builds confidence and self-assurance. It gives us a sense of purpose and, perhaps most importantly, creates moments of happiness, contentment and self-fulfilment.
There is something deeply meaningful about creating something with our own hands and then sharing that creation with someone else.
This is where the Japanese spirit of Omotenashi resonates so strongly with me — the thoughtfulness of creating an experience and serving others with sincerity and care.
As I watch our trainers grow from learners into confident artisans, educators and entrepreneurs, I am reminded that education is not simply about transferring knowledge. It is about creating opportunities for people to discover what they are capable of and giving them the confidence to take that next step.
To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you for believing in our vision, for learning with us, growing with us and contributing to this wonderful community.
From that first idea in early 2024 to where we are today, there have been many iterations, challenges, lessons and milestones. Every step has made the journey worthwhile.
And this is only the beginning.
I look forward to seeing where this beautiful Tsumami Zaiku community takes us next.
Art of Tsumamizaiku 