Opened in the fall of 2013 by actor Ken Watanabe as a part of
earthquake recovery assistance in the afflicted city of
Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, K-port is a café that also
transforms into an event space.
[History]
On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake hit northern
Japan. Ken learned about the earthquake on his way back
from the United States. Pushed by a powerful urge to do something
for the affected region, he launched UNITE FOR JAPAN, a
fundraising site to solicit donation from abroad. He visited
the stricken area repeatedly, and many friendships were born
from those trips.
The idea for K-port arose out of such friendship with the locals
who were scrambling to rebuild their hometown.
“What could I do to help?”
Since his first visit, Ken discussed this over and over
with his local friends in search of an answer, and reached a
conclusion – to build a “port of heart” for them. A port of heart
to warm and encourage. A port of dreams. A port that offers
opportunities to bond with others. A port where fun awaits.
Ken felt that such a place was needed here.
The most important concept of K-port is “connection.” As a café,
an event space, and a gallery, K-port offers a place to connect
the residents of Kesennuma. It could even connect Kesennuma
with those from other parts of Japan and the world. K-port hopes
to become a lighthouse that sheds light on the future of
Kesennuma and the hearts of its residents.
[Architecture]
On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake hit northern
Japan. Ken learned about the earthquake on his way back
from the United States. Pushed by a powerful urge to do something
for the affected region, he launched UNITE FOR JAPAN, a
fundraising site to solicit donation from abroad. He visited
the stricken area repeatedly, and many friendships were born
from those trips.
The idea for K-port arose out of such friendship with the locals
who were scrambling to rebuild their hometown.
“What could I do to help?”
Since his first visit, Ken discussed this over and over
with his local friends in search of an answer, and reached a
conclusion – to build a “port of heart” for them. A port of heart
to warm and encourage. A port of dreams. A port that offers
opportunities to bond with others. A port where fun awaits.
Ken felt that such a place was needed here.
The most important concept of K-port is “connection.” As a café,
an event space, and a gallery, K-port offers a place to connect
the residents of Kesennuma. It could even connect Kesennuma
with those from other parts of Japan and the world. K-port hopes
to become a lighthouse that sheds light on the future of
Kesennuma and the hearts of its residents.
[Café]
K-port provides a place to relax over a cup of drink. Fresh,
stone-oven pizzas topped with heaps of local produce, dishes
served in collaboration with local establishments, and original
shrimp-broth curry, with its recipe developed in person by
Kiyomi Mikuni, a master of French cuisine and a friend of
Ken, are but a few of the menu items. Ken is personally
involved with the menu development, joining discussions and
test kitchens along with the staff, engaged in the process to
the end.
[Event Space and Gallery]
As an event space, K-port plans and operates original contents
such as live entertainment, talk shows, and networking
activities. It hosts workshops as well, in which locals could
have fun and learn at the same time.
As a gallery space, K-port displays professional paintings and
photographs, along with works by the residents, offering
everyone an opportunity to experience and present art.
The space can be reserved for personal events, such as after
parties of weddings, reunions, and end-of-the-year bashes, as
well as for business meetings and live performances.
[FAX from Ken]
No matter where he is in the world, Ken sends a FAX message
to the visitors of K-port almost every day. Anyone could read
these FAX messages, including the ones from the past.
Location :
1-3 Minatomachi, Kesennuma-city, Miyagi Prefecture 988-0021
Approx. 10 minutes by taxi from JR Kesennuma Station
Tel : 0226・25・8715 Fax : 0226・25・8716
Mail : kport.2013.11.25＠gmail.com