​Meguro Canvas

​Hidemi Otaguro (Demi）

　Founder / Chief Culture Officer
　＆ Culinary Director

Growing up in a family of restaurateurs, I developed a deep-rooted passion for the culinary arts and the spirit of Japanese hospitality. I refined my skills through eight years of training under a professional chef from Hilton’s "Dynasty" (Ocho), mastering the nuances of authentic flavors.

I have also built a versatile career as a professional translator and interpreter, supporting high-stakes projects across various industries—most notably at Sony. There, I personally managed the translation and coordination process for PlayStation 5 documentation and legal NDAs, ensuring precision across engineering and legal departments.

Leveraging my extensive background in language education and intercultural communication, I founded Meguro Canvas to be a dedicated "Second Home" for international residents and their families. My mission is to ensure that cultural differences become bridges, not barriers, transforming the challenges of relocation into a journey of discovery. By blending professional expertise with authentic culinary traditions, I go the extra mile to help global professionals and travelers truly connect with the heart of Japanese society.

Toshio Otaguro (Toshi)

　Co-Founder / Strategic Planning
　& Cross-Cultural Consultant

A veteran of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for 43 years, I am a specialist in Global Talent Development and Manufacturing Quality. During my time in Ohio (Honda of America), I focused on training local staff and bridging cultural gaps through technical education and the "Honda Philosophy." I excel at decoding Japan’s high-context culture and addressing structural challenges such as "siloed" organizations (Tatewari), where a lack of cross-departmental collaboration can hinder growth. By identifying these gaps, I provide actionable advice for international professionals to navigate Japanese business environments and help create cultures where psychological safety fosters innovation.

While our backgrounds are in business, our dinner table is all about relaxing, laughing, and sharing good food. We can't wait to host you!

Nala & Malo

 Chief Happiness Officers (CHO)

As our dedicated Chief Happiness Officers, Nala and Malo are the heart and soul of Meguro Canvas. Both are adopted dogs who once navigated the uncertainty of new environments, much like international professionals adjusting to life in Japan. Their journey of overcoming communication barriers to find their "forever home" mirrors our mission: transforming the unfamiliar into a place of belonging.

Nala, our "Head of Comfort," and Malo, our "Director of Playfulness," play a vital role in fostering Psychological Safety. They have an intuitive gift for melting away the stress and language barriers that global residents often face. By welcoming you as part of the family, they prove that connection transcends words—ensuring every guest feels truly at home in the heart of Tokyo.