H I S A H I O I N U M A
Interview} Michelle Maurel
Photographed by} Ken Waller
Location} Mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection
MM: What inspired you to join MESM Tokyo?
HO: I leveraged my 25 years of experience in operations and management across multiple global hotel brands to join a significant initiative: the opportunity for Nippon Hotel Co., Ltd.,
A subsidiary of East Japan Railway Company (the world’s largest private railway company), to partner for the first time with Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel chain. This collaboration aimed to introduce a new modern luxury brand from Japan to the world. It has been six years since I joined Mesm Tokyo, and I take great pride in the fact that Mesm Tokyo, part of Marriott Groups & Autograph Collection," is a brand that gathers uniquely selected independent hotels, each reflecting originality and passion through their design and expression, offering guests an exceptional and one-of-a-kind experience.
MM: What sets MESM Tokyo apart from other luxury resorts?
HO: First of all, mesm comes from the word mesmerize, meaning to enchant or captivate as if by magic. At Mesm Tokyo, we deliver a unique, creative experience that enchants all five senses of our guests in a sophisticated environment. As mentioned earlier, Marriott Greflects9’s Autograph Collection is a brand that brings together carefully selected independent hotels, each with unique design and expression reflecting originality and passion. Under the concept of TOKYO WAVES, mesm Tokyo distinguishes itself as a hotel that constantly embodies Tokyo’s evolving, cool pulse and spirit. An example of this experience is the digital piano installed in every guest room. We call it The Mark,", and it allows our talents (hotel staff) to play the hotel’s original melody, the "mesm Jingle, inviting guests into the world of me. Guests can also enjoy playing the piano themselves or use it as a Bluetooth® speaker for automatic playback, offering an experience unlike any other, which has been highly praised by many of our guests. We also take pride in the breathtaking view of the Hamarikyu Gardens, a historic site with over 300 years of history and prestige, and the stunning Tokyo waterfront. Wrapped in the wavelengths of Tokyo, where tradition and innovation merge, mesm Tokyo offers an inspiring and creative experience that captivates the heart, providing a truly unique hotel stay where guests can experience a side of Tokyo like no other.
MM: What are the most popular amenities and activities for guests?
HO: The in-room items and amenities are realized through collaborations with Japanese brands embodying craftsmanship and a global outlook. As mentioned, each room
features a digital piano provided by Casio Computer Co., Ltd., a renowned Japanese electronics manufacturer known worldwide. In addition, we offer mesm Tokyos, original specialty coffee made from high-quality single-origin beans carefully selected from four continents and roasted in-house by Sarutahiko Coffee. This specialty coffee shop values traceability and sustainability. Guests can enjoy this coffee brewed by hand-drip and experience making matcha in their rooms with matcha provided by Maiko no Cha Honpo, a Kyoto-based tea shop, stimulating all five senses. We offer bath amenities in the bathrooms created in collaboration with BULK HOMME. This skincare brand focuses on delivering new value for men’s skin worldwide by pursuing the basics of men’s skin care. These mesm Tokyo original amenities appeal to the senses of smell and touch. Additional unique touches include milk candies packaged in collaboration with the iconic Peko-chan from Fujiya, 99.99% pure original Epsom salts by NEHAN TOKYO, an original midnight blue calligraphy pen, and a kimono-style bathrobe made of soft knit fabric that also serves as pajamas—all part of our commitment to environmental sustainability. We also provide towels made from a special type of yarn by Asano Nenshi Co., known for being 1.5 times more absorbent and highly quick-drying. Furthermore, to reduce waste from disposable toothbrushes, we offer BUBBLE MOUTHWASH," a gum-care product developed in partnership with the Toyo Carbonic Laboratory. These items, created through collaborations with companies that share our values, provide an experience that delights all five senses for guests from around the world. mesm Tokyo also hosts a live event called " Showcase" every night, where artists freely express themselves through musical performances. In this space, filled with various performances regardless of genre, hotel guests can immerse themselves in the passion of the artists and the raw sound, experiencing it with their eyes, ears, and skin. This sensory experience will thrill all five senses. mesm Tokyo is located in the waterfront area of Takeshiba, just a five-minute drive from Ginza, a well-known shopping area, making it an ideal location with excellent access to Tokyo’s popular landmarks. Among the activities offered, the water bus that departs from the dock below the hotel is especially popular with international guests, as it provides easy access to areas like Asakusa, Ryogoku, Odaiba, and Toyosu.
MM: Can you describe the dining experience at MESM Tokyo? What culinary options do guests have?
HO: On the 16th floor, we have a Che Chef’s Eatre, which offers authentic French cuisine in a "bistronomy" style. In the lively setting of an open kitchen, which acts as a stage, dishes are crafted with the extra touch from the curiosity sparked by the flowing sounds, aromas, and vibrant atmosphere. These creations are brought to life by Culinary Meister Koki Kumamoto, who has won prestigious awards, including the 64th Prosper Montagné International Culinary Competition, along with his team. On the same floor, there is also the bar and lounge Whisk," which is themed around the concept of an artist atelier. Here, guests can enjoy original mixology cocktails inspired by "art" and partake in an afternoon exhibition themed around famous artworks from around the world, all designed to stimulate the senses.
MM: What do you believe is the true essence of luxury, especially in a place like MESM Tokyo?
HO: At Mesm Tokyo, we believe that the essence of true luxury lies in creating a relationship of mutual & respect between the hotel and its guests, which enriches life through personalized experiences and meticulous attention to detail, offering a refined lifestyle. Of course, we strive to provide services that meet the expectations and desires of each guest, but we also aim to harmonize an urban yet creative atmosphere in line with the concept of TOKYO WAVES. Beyond luxurious amenities and modern design, one of the attractions of Mesm Tokyo is the hospitality and heartfelt service provided by our staff, whom we refer to as talents. The talents greet guests with a unique gesture—placing their hand over their left chest. This greeting is inspired by the curtain call of a theater, enhancing the anticipation of the special moments about to begin. The talents are also dressed in stylish, all-black uniforms designed by Yohji Yamamoto BANG ON!, embodying a fashionable yet approachable presence. We hope that the sense of excitement and the creative, special atmosphere experienced during a stay at mMesmTokyo will leave our guests with an unforgettable memory.
MM: What is the one dish or drink that consistently surprises guests and becomes their new favorite?
HO: As mentioned above in point 4, mesm Tokyo features a Chef. The restaurant, led by Executive Chef Kumamoto, has received numerous prestigious international awards. Here, you can enjoy dishes based on classic French culinary techniques, with sauces that bring out the ingredients’ natural flavors, utilizing high-quality produce from around the world. Guests are invited to enjoy a journey through the senses with our exquisite gastronomic experience, available for both lunch and dinner. I recommend Chef KumaKumamoto’ssommé soup, which he crafts carefully, dedicating time and effort to create a refined flavor. This signature dish, made with Chef KumaKumamoto’sret recipe, is a clear soup that leaves a deep implTheo taste. The simplicity yet profound depth of flavor results from Chef Kumamoto’s skills honed through crafting every element from scratch. The lunch and dinner experiences are enriched with theatrical touches that befit the restaurant’s name, Theatre. The course menus, designed in collaboration with theater companies, offer a storyline that unfolds with each dish, bringing surprise and delight to guests, especially those visiting for the first time.
For more information, visit: https://www.mesm.jp/en/