ToriCote is a non-profit organization based in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, dedicated to organizing cultural events for families and promoting international exchange.
One of the people leading ToriCote’s activities in the fields of multicultural inclusion and international connections is board member Rikako Kawano.
While raising her two-year-old daughter in Ichinomiya, Rikako works as an international business consultant, supporting Japanese companies in their global expansion. In 2025, she represented Aichi at the Miss Universe Japan National Competition, using her platform to raise awareness about postpartum depression and multicultural coexistence.
In this interview, we explore Rikako’s journey and the message she hopes to share with the world through her work with ToriCote.
川野利花子 Rikako Kawano
Miss Universe Japan 2025 Aichi Representative / International Business Consultant
Rikako has studied and worked in the United States, Italy, and Mexico. After experiencing postpartum depression while raising her child in isolation in the United States, she became determined to help prevent other mothers from going through the same experience.
Today, she serves as a board member of ToriCote, a nonprofit organization based in her hometown of Ichinomiya. Through international exchange events and community-building initiatives, she works toward creating a society where families of all backgrounds—including foreign residents—can raise their children with confidence and support.
Raising a Child in Ichinomiya While Staying Connected to the World
Could you tell us about your current activities?
Rikako:
I am currently raising my two-year-old daughter as a single mother. Last year, I returned to my hometown of Ichinomiya after spending time in the United States.
Throughout my life, I have studied and worked abroad in countries such as the United States, Italy, and Mexico. Today, I work as an international business consultant, helping Japanese companies expand into overseas markets.
After returning to Ichinomiya, I met Miho Hakamada and Yuka Ishigaki, and together we launched a family support initiative called Cocoro Family.
We originally started as a citizen-led group with the goal of creating a welcoming space where parents and children could gather, connect, and enjoy time together. Over time, the project grew and evolved into ToriCote’s family support and international exchange activities.
We have organized events where families from various cultural backgrounds can enjoy art, language, and meaningful interactions in a safe and welcoming environment.
Moving forward, I hope to continue building a community where not only Japanese families, but also families with international roots, can feel at home and supported in Ichinomiya and throughout Japan.
What Sparked My Interest in the World
What first inspired your interest in international experiences and global communities?
Rikako:
I was born and raised in Ichinomiya. My interest in the world began when I participated in a high school exchange program in the United States.
Living abroad and experiencing different cultures opened my eyes to a much larger world. From then on, I wanted to learn more about other countries and cultures.
I attended an international university where all classes were conducted in English. During my studies, I participated in an exchange program in Italy and completed an internship in Mexico, gaining valuable international experience.
After graduation, I worked as a translator and interpreter at the Consulate General of Japan in the United States. I had opportunities to support diplomatic activities, including accompanying official visits by Japan’s Prime Minister and assisting with work related to the United Nations General Assembly.
After returning to Japan, I worked for a matcha company and later in sales for a beer company, gaining experience in a variety of fields.
Interestingly, living abroad for so many years helped me rediscover the beauty of Japanese culture. Since returning, I have taken up traditional arts such as tea ceremony and koto as personal hobbies.
Becoming Aichi’s Representative for Miss Universe 2025
You represented Aichi at the Miss Universe Japan National Competition in 2025. What inspired you to take on that challenge?
Rikako:
The inspiration actually goes back to when I was in middle school.
At the time, I read a book written by a former director of Miss Universe Japan. Before reading it, I had believed ideas like:
- “Thin means beautiful.”
- “Women should simply be cute.”
However, that book completely changed my perspective on beauty.
I learned that Miss Universe is not just about appearance—it is also about using your voice to deliver meaningful messages to society.
Although I admired the competition from that point on, I never imagined that someone like me could participate.
As the years passed, I experienced studying abroad, living overseas, marriage, childbirth, and eventually divorce. Shortly after my daughter was born, I also struggled with postpartum depression.
There was a period of about two and a half months when I was living abroad with almost no transportation and spending every day alone with my daughter. It was an incredibly lonely time.
Then, the Miss Universe rules changed, allowing married women and mothers to compete.
When I heard that news, I thought:
“Perhaps I now have something meaningful to share.”
I wanted people to understand postpartum depression.
I wanted to support others who might be going through similar struggles.
I came to see Miss Universe not simply as a beauty pageant, but as a platform for social advocacy.
That is why I decided to participate as a single mother, hoping that my experiences might become a source of hope for someone else.
What I Learned Through Sharing My Story
Did participating in Miss Universe change anything for you?
Rikako:
To be honest, I was never very comfortable speaking in public.
Sharing deeply personal experiences—especially painful ones—was something I had never done before.
I often wondered:
“Is it really okay to talk about this?”
“What will people think of me?”
Even though it was my own decision, it required a great deal of courage.
But once I began speaking openly, I received many messages from people saying:
“I went through the same thing.”
“Thank you for sharing your story.”
I realized there were far more people struggling with similar experiences than I had imagined.
Knowing that my story helped others feel less alone also helped me heal.
I came to understand that personal experiences can become a source of comfort for others and can help raise awareness about important social issues.
That realization was perhaps the most significant change that came from my Miss Universe journey.
It also inspired me to bring these lessons into my local community work.
My own experience taught me how important supportive connections are during the often-isolating years of parenting, and I hope to reflect that understanding in ToriCote’s activities.
The Appeal of Ichinomiya
What do you like most about Ichinomiya?
Rikako:
Well, first of all, the famous morning café culture! (laughs)
In the United States, the same breakfast would probably cost around 2,000 yen.
But beyond that, I genuinely feel that Ichinomiya is a wonderful place for families.
As a single mother, before my daughter entered daycare, I often wondered where I could go for support.
The local childcare support centers were incredibly helpful. The facilities were welcoming, and the staff were kind and supportive whenever I needed assistance.
Experiences like those made me realize how important community spaces are.
That is why I hope ToriCote can continue creating places where parents and children feel safe, welcomed, and connected.
What I Hope to Achieve Through ToriCote
What kinds of activities would you like to develop through ToriCote in the future?
Rikako:
One of ToriCote’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its members.
Our team includes artists, childcare professionals, language specialists, tourism experts, and many others.
Because we each bring different expertise, we can combine art, parenting support, and international exchange in unique and meaningful ways.
Both Miho and I have strong language backgrounds, so we hope to continue creating opportunities for families from overseas to feel welcomed in Japan, while also giving local children opportunities to experience foreign languages and cultures.
In regional communities, opportunities to encounter different cultures can sometimes be limited.
We want to create those experiences close to home.
In March, we organized a cultural event introducing Japanese traditions to international families.
The event featured seasonal Japanese culture, food, music, and family-friendly activities, creating opportunities for meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
Looking ahead, we would like to continue developing programs that help parents connect with one another, promote healthy lifestyles, and support mental well-being.
Parenting can be an isolating experience, and I hope we can continue building communities where people feel supported and understood.
A Message to Our Readers
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Rikako:
Ichinomiya may not be a major tourist destination, but I truly believe it is a place with tremendous untapped potential.
It is close to Nagoya, offers a comfortable lifestyle, and is filled with warm and welcoming people.
Because of these qualities, I believe it can become a place where people from around the world also feel safe and at home.
We will continue sharing the charm of our city and creating opportunities for parents and families to connect so that no one has to feel isolated while raising children.
Thank you for your support, and we hope you will continue following our journey.
