Every month, we pose questions to a Chamber member. This time it’s Naoko Mauger, founder of Gyokubai Studio.
1. Who are you & what do you do?
My name is Naoko Mauger, I’m Japanese cultural consultant and also Japanese calligrapher. I’m also founder of Gyokubai Studio, and as far as I know, we are the first Japanese calligraphy workshop services in Guernsey!
Also, I support companies and organization in deepening their understanding of Japanese culture including provide translation services and arranging meetings or communications with Japanese companies or organizations and organizing cultural events.
2. How long have you been doing this?
I started Gyokubai Studio Japanese calligraphy in January 2024.”Gyokubai” 玉梅. Gyoku 玉 means “beauty” in classic Japanese language and 梅 means “plum” It’s been a great pleasure to share Japanese traditional culture with the Guernsey community and visitors.
3. How did you get into this field?
I’m “Shoka” 書家 Japanese calligrapher, on a mission to be “Little Japan in Guernsey” – sharing traditional culture as a bridge between the two places. 
Ironically, as a teenager I was obsessed with Western culture and dreamed of living abroad. Yet I grew up doing kendo and studying calligraphy after school, eating traditional breakfasts at my grandparents’ house while my grandmother taught Japanese dance in her kimono.
After having children, my eldest daughter Ellie, who has Down syndrome, started mainstream school. Supporting her daily left little time for socializing and without family nearby, I felt isolated and homesick.
During this period, I returned to Japanese calligraphy, resuming my studies at Shihan (master) level. And what began as personal reflection gradually became something more. Encouraged by friends I began preparing to teach and in January 2024, I ran my first Japanese calligraphy workshop in Guernsey.
Through workshops, teaching, and community events, I bring a little piece of Japan to the island.
4. What’s the ‘why’ behind your work?
I love sharing the fun and beauty of Japanese calligraphy, and helping people in Guernsey and beyond enjoy a little piece of Japan. Many people who join my workshops are travelling to Japan, learning Japanese, or simply love art. Hearing “I loved it” and “I’ll be back” makes this work feel truly meaningful. I’m committed to keeping the quality high and creating a real ‘Japan experience’ in Guernsey.
5. What book, mentor or podcast has shaped your thinking?
Rollo at UN1TY is my incredible business mentor, he has so much knowledge, experience and ideas. Japanese Calligraphy wasn’t known at all when I started, and his ideas and suggestions helped me think about how to promote the business. Also, as a mum of three young children, it was very challenging to create my own time, so he gave me homework to work through in my own time.
A must-read books I was influenced professionally and personally is “The book of tea” by Okakura Tenshin with photos by Yasuhiro Okawa.
6. Tea, coffee, or something stronger?
I love tea, but it has to be made right, coffee is OK as it comes, and most things stronger are a joy but I do particularly enjoy Jack Daniels or Ricard!
