A short introduction about me
Hello! Thank you for visiting my website dedicated to Basque cuisine and culture. I’m Txoko. The name might sound curious to many of you — even to people from the Basque Country. In Basque, txoko refers to a cosy place where people gather to talk, cook, and enjoy time together.
Another thing you might find surprising: I’m not Basque, but Japanese. I was born and raised in Japan, yet I never truly felt it was where I belonged. So I began travelling, searching for places that resonated with me, and after a long journey I finally found my home in the Basque Country.
Professionally, I’ve been a language educator and interpreter for many years, mainly teaching Japanese. Personally, I’m a mother of two, raising them in a multicultural environment where Basque, Japanese, and Spanish cultures meet and intertwine. Because of this unique mix, we encounter cultural surprises every single day — and honestly, it’s incredibly exciting.
How Discover Japan x Basque was born
The idea for this multilingual blog grew out of the multicultural environment in which I’m raising my children. We live in a small town in the countryside, where almost no one is familiar with Japanese culture. In Japan, the situation isn’t much different — very few people know much about Basque culture. Over time, answering the same questions from people in both countries became a daily routine.
What began as a way to share information with those around us slowly grew into something larger. I realised that the contrasts and similarities between Basque and Japanese culture are fascinating, meaningful, and worth sharing with a wider audience. This blog is my attempt to bring these two worlds a little closer, and to offer a space where their stories, traditions, and flavours can meet.
Small guide to Discover Japan x Basque
This blog is organised around three main categories: travel guides, customs and culture, and gastronomy. The gastronomic section receives special attention, as I previously worked in Japan as a wine professional and I’m passionate about the world of wine and cuisine.
At the moment, I’m focusing on the Basque section because life is quite busy, but I hope to begin developing the Japanese section soon as well. My wish is that this website becomes a useful and enjoyable resource for anyone interested in Basque and Japanese culture.
A personal philosophy and approach
This blog is not meant to offer simple guides or quick answers. Every article grows out of my own experiences, shaped by years of living between the Basque Country and Japan. Before writing, I spend time researching, visiting places, and speaking with people, so each piece blends clear explanations with original cultural insights and personal stories.
The gastronomy section reflects my philosophy most strongly. I don’t present food as a list of restaurants or recipes, but as a cultural language. In both Basque and Japanese traditions, cuisine expresses history, values, and the spirit of everyday life. Exploring food is, for me, a way to understand people, landscapes, and identities. Sharing this deeper layer is what I hope will make the reading experience meaningful for you.
Discover Basque and Japanese cultures with me
Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. If you feel drawn to Basque or Japanese culture, I invite you to explore them here with curiosity and an open mind. Both cultures are full of stories, flavours, and ways of seeing the world that reveal themselves little by little.
My hope is that this blog becomes a small bridge between two distant places, helping readers appreciate the richness they share and the differences that make each one unique.