Some moments stay with you long after they happen. Months after Reyner & Mitha’s wedding in Kyoto, we still find ourselves reminiscing about that day. The crisp air, the serene outdoor holy matrimony, the golden hues of the sunset, and the warmth of their intimate dinner — it was all just right. Nothing over the top, nothing excessive, just beautifully intentional. The small details and thoughtfulness make every experience special. It reminded us of a beautiful Japanese concept: Omotenashi.
Omotenashi is more than just hospitality; it’s The Art of Welcoming with Heart. It’s about creating moments with care and respect that feel effortless yet deeply meaningful. No hidden motives, no forced gestures — just genuine care and thoughtfulness in every little detail. It’s a way of life, a way of loving. It’s about being true, that everything has to come from the heart. And when you think about it, isn’t that what love is all about?
So, how do you bring Omotenashi into your relationship?
- Be Authentic
Love should never feel like a transaction. Care deeply, not because you have to, but because you truly want to. Be sincere and genuine in your care.
- Be Empathetic
Try to see the world from their perspective. Walk in their shoes. Understand their joys, their struggles, and their quiet thoughts. Therefore, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what they want.
- Be Thoughtful
As a natural consequence of that deep empathy, you are able to anticipate their needs. Prepare their needs before they even say a word. That morning coffee, that reassuring text, a warm hug on a tough day, their favorite snack waiting for them, that little act of kindness — it all adds up.
- Be Selfless
Give without expecting. Love without expecting anything in return.
At the end of the day, what matters most is how you make each other feel. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And that’s the kind of love that lingers, long after the moment has passed.
Love,
AXIOO David, Fen, Joe, and Kris
from Kyoto, Japan
Wedding Organizer: Poetyque Events, Your Moon
Stylist & Decor: Lily of The Alley Studio
MC: Daddo Parus
Make-Up Artist: Archangela Chelsea
Gown: Hian Tjen
Suit: Wong Hang
Venue: Westin Miyako Kyoto
