About Monogatari
Monogatari (物語) means 'story' in Japanese and the meaning of the word projects what this shop is all about. We aim to create a space where stories from Japan come together in different forms: craft, design, accessories, illustrations, study material, but also workshops about the country's culture and language. It is a multi-faceted project founded by an enthusiastic Japanologist.
Currently, Monogatari will be centered around own creations and study material for your Japanese learning experience. The collection will later be joined by a selection of design, craft and unique things imported directly from Japan.
日本
Japan
Japan is often described as a land of contradictions. A subtle mix of the past and a flight forward into the future. A combination that is rarely found in one space. By finding inspiration in both traditional and modern Japan, Monogatari will bring an imperfect harmony of different products and experiences.
アート
Art
Japan is a great source of inspiration for many artists: take for example the Japonisme-influenced works in the West. Monogatari was once a creative outlet for the founder's passion for Japanese culture. By combining art from Japan and art inspired by Japan, Monogatari hopes to gather a unique collection shown at art- and Japan-related events.
教育
education
Learning a new language is so much more than studying new words and grammar. It is about discovering the environment in which they were born. Monogatari wants to help dedicated learners achieve their goal by providing workshops and individual lessons, and creating fun and unique study material based on methods that once helped me to achieve my own goal of passing N1 in three years and studying in Japan without a language barrier.
The Team
There is a story behind every person and a person behind every company. Currently Monogatari is a one-(wo)man business ready to close the distance between West and East and bring a little bit of Japan to your doorstep!
Tosca Dierens
こんにちは！
I am Tosca, or トスカ, as they would 'write' in Japan. I have a master in Japanese Studies, the N1-certificate and had the opportunity to study International Business in Tokyo for three years.
For me it all started when I first read Marmalade Boy: a very romantic and girly manga from the 90's. I quickly decided that I wanted to watch Japanese movies without subtitles and read manga in their original language. By the time I was 16, I had a clear vision in my head: learn Japanese, get a scholarship, study business in Japan and open my own shop to spread my passion for the country! 12 years later I'm at the final stage of fulfilling my childhood dreams.
There are so many things I could talk about: the culture, my experiences, the beauty of the language, ... That is why I chose the name Monogatari: countless stories to be told through workshops, products, art and more!
I will personally be involved in creating and selecting products, establishing unique collections and giving language and culture classes.
I hope you enjoy the journey!