Resident Interview: Mari | “Meeting Housemates Expanded My World”

2026.09.13
2026.09.13

Hello, I’m Inoji from Kobe Share House WARAI.

In this interview, we speak with Mari, a former resident of WARAI Garden in Kasumigaoka–Maiko. Curious and an excellent listener, Mari brought a warm, reassuring presence to the house. She shares her thoughts on share-house living and life in Kobe’s Tarumi area.

Mari at the airport

About Mari

From: Hokkaido
Stayed at: WARAI Garden, Kasumigaoka–Maiko (December 2017–October 2018)
Interests: Watching wild birds while walking in mountains, fields, and along rivers
Why Kobe: She came to study for a Japanese-language teaching qualification while exploring a new chapter in life.

Why did you choose WARAI?

While looking for a home, Mari found WARAI by chance. A share house meant she would not need to move a large amount of furniture, and the photos of events made it look like a lively, welcoming place.

She also appreciated that WARAI’s website and blog showed the owner’s face and voice. That sense of knowing the person behind the house helped her choose it.

Tarumi Music Festival

How was life at WARAI?

“I wasn’t lonely. I wasn’t alone. The sense of security was incredible.”

What did you enjoy about Tarumi?

Mari found the seaside scenery in Tarumi remarkably beautiful and calming. Akashi is nearby and Kobe is easy to enjoy. The town has a relaxed, lived-in feeling: she loved its shopping streets, the sea, shrines, and its nostalgic character.

What were you doing at the time?

Mari attended a school in Sannomiya to earn her Japanese-language teaching qualification. Before coming to Kobe, she worked in elder care in Hokkaido.

Reading an English picture book at an English conversation cafe

What is special about WARAI?

For Mari, the appeal was connecting across generations. Meeting many housemates and sharing everyday experiences made her world feel wider.

Her message to readers: “WARAI had gentle, warm connections. You can meet many different people, and it is a lot of fun.”

Seaweed harvesting experience in Suma

At Mari’s farewell party, around twenty housemates gathered and some were moved to tears. Her kindness and smile had brought people together.

WARAI welcomes viewings throughout the year and holds regular viewing and community events. You can also watch resident interview videos on WARAI’s YouTube channel.