What inspired you to start Regional Workshop hana?

Tsutsui-san: In my previous job, I had the opportunity to work with people with disabilities and realized that there were very few workplaces available for them in the Kisarazu area. That experience made me want to create a place where anyone – regardless of ability – can work with a sense of security and continuity, while making the most of their individual strengths. That’s what led to the founding of hana.

Can you tell us about the daily activities?

Tsutsui-san: At hana, about 20 people with disabilities from the Kisarazu area come to work each day. Our core philosophy is to ‘create work according to each characteristic, rather than forcing people to fit into existing roles.’ Based on this idea, we offer a variety of jobs, such as making eco-bags from English newspapers, baking sweets under the supervision of a top patissier, sewing work, and fulfilling orders from partner companies.

Team staff: That’s wonderful. Being able to apply your strengths and develop your talents through work must make each day feel truly meaningful.

You also run a café and shop. Could you tell us what makes them unique?

Tsutsui-san: Yes, we launched “Natural Cafe + Shop hanahaco (referred to as hanahaco)” to better accommodate the diverse needs and abilities of people with disabilities. From the perspective of job creation for them, one of hanahaco’s strengths is that tasks can be tailored to each person’s pace and working style. Tyey are mainly involved in tasks such as food prep, dishwashing, working at the drink counter, cleaning before opening, and managing inventory.

Team staff: I see – hanahaco was created as a new workplace for those whose strengths may lie outside of traditional crafts. When I visited, I was struck by how great the atmosphere was. It felt like such a comfortable space.

Tsutsui-san: Thank you. At hanahaco, we intentionally avoid promoting it as a welfare-related space, either in our messaging or the space itself. In fact, most customers probably don’t even realize it’s connected to a support facility for people with disabilities. That’s by design – we aim to boost sales so we can pay higher wages to the users with disabilities. That goal shapes how we run the shop.

Team staff: It really shows that the atmosphere, the menu, and every detail have been thoughtfully crafted to appeal to a wide range of people. I already can’t wait to visit it again!

Finally, could you share your hopes and goals for the future?

Tsutsui-san: Our goal for both hana and hanahaco is to eventually offer at least minimum wages to the users with disabilities who work with us. Currently, we are still at about one-third of that target, so we need to attract more customers and continue broadening the scope of work we provide. To make that happen, it’s crucial that more people become aware of our activities. As a team, we’re committed to steadily building on our efforts, step by step.

Team staff: We are excited to see what the future holds for you and wish you continued success!