In the heart of Osaka, we’ve found a creative spirit who is offering a fresh perspective on what it means to engage with Japanese culture. Zane Johnson, the founder of GZO Experience, has built something truly special: a hub where local artistry and modern style live side-by-side. Zane’s approach isn’t about just watching from the sidelines; it’s about genuine participation and finding the local charm in everyday traditions.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Zane and explore how his passion for craft, community, and design is making the Osaka scene more accessible and meaningful for every guest.
Hi Zane, to start, could you tell us about your background and your inspiration for creating GZO Experience?
Hey, guys, my name is Zane Johnson, and I have been living in Japan for the last 10 years, coming from New York in America. I was studying fashion before coming to Japan. The fashion industry wasn’t what I expected, so I decided to challenge myself and do something out of my comfort zone. I always had an interest in Asian philosophy, which is what helped me to come to Japan.
Living the philosophy I learned about in my home country in real life is what has kept me in Japan ever since.
Leaving my home country with no Japanese language and dedicating my life to the Japanese way is what inspired the development of The GZO EXPERIENCE.
Shibuya street fashion – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
What made you pick Osaka as the home base for your unique blend of fashion and cultural experiences?
I didn’t choose Osaka, it chose me. By fate, my ex-partner was from Osaka, and naturally, living here, I was able to embrace the Osaka energy that I am fully in love with today.
Kotokuji Temple, Osaka – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
In three words or a short phrase, how would you describe the unique design aesthetic of GZO Experience, and how is that style reflected in both your apparel and your activity spaces?
“The Moment.” The GZO EXPERIENCE focuses on the present, getting the most out of our experience. The more present we are in the moment, the more we can learn and appreciate. With our clothing and activities, we give everything meaning, which applies intention to the experience, helping to bring focus to the present. All products and services are designed to bring you back to “The Moment.”
Zen meditation – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Your company blends traditional practices like the Japanese Tea Ceremony and Zen with a modern perspective. Could you give a brief introduction to each activity, and what is the core idea or philosophy behind this modern/traditional fusion?
GZO EXPERIENCE provides Japanese traditional arts as a practice of presence. Some arts we focus on are The way of tea, The way of writing, The way of sushi. These traditional arts carry hundreds of years of wisdom that transcends time. In the modern world, we are very focused on material things, and we have lost our ability to stay present.
The way of tea – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
By adding these traditional arts as a practice of presence, we not only learn a new art form, but we also become more aware of the moment, helping us to live a more fulfilling life. The traditional arts also find a new way to exist in the modern world. GZO EXPERIENCE becomes the bridge connecting the past to the present to create our future.
Fashion meets the Temple aesthetic – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Your GZO Bike Tour aims to show guests the local side of Osaka. What are one or two non-touristy locals that you love sharing with guests during the ride?
When riding the bike around Osaka, guests get to see the day-to-day of the Osaka lifestyle. No matter the route, you actually have no idea what will happen; this is what allows for things to arise naturally, and we can make decisions in that moment. Spontaneity is the beauty of the bike tour and what really makes the experience immersive and unique.
Zane biking through Osaka – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Of all the experiences you offer, which one is currently your most popular, and could you briefly walk us through the highlights of what a guest will do?
The most popular experience is the sushi experience. The end result is that you make sushi, but the goal is not the sushi itself. The goal is to learn the process of sushi and understand why the sushi master performs each movement to see beyond what the eye can observe. To do this, we place you as a student of the sushi master, and you perform the process step by step, just like the master. Not only will you leave with a deeper perspective on sushi, but also a new way of being, which changes your outlook on life.
Preparing sushi with the master – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
For specialized activities like Knife Making or the Aizome Workshop, guests work alongside true experts. What is the most rewarding part of seeing a guest learn these skills directly from a local master?
The most rewarding aspect is seeing the guest’s connection to Japanese culture deepen. Without knowledge of the Japanese language, it is difficult to see beyond the surface of the culture. Guests immersing themselves in the experience helps them go beyond the surface and have a more fulfilling experience.
Guests happy with their GZO experience – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Beyond your current offerings, what exciting new cultural or fashion-related themes are you planning to explore and introduce in the near future?
In the near future, we plan to expand our current philosophy of Japanese tradition as a practice of presence and expand into other Japanese arts. We also want to visit other countries and bring authentic Japanese experiences abroad to people who may not have an opportunity to come to Japan.
Fashion and martial arts – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Anything else you would like to share with our readers?
The goal of GZO EXPERIENCE is to make the Japanese way more available for the modern world. The Japanese way carries values beyond the material world that will improve your experience, no matter who you are, because it’s not what you do, but how you do it. The Japanese way provides presence; presence is what we have to give. When we give everything we have, we can live life to the fullest.
The way of the sword – Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
Thank you, Zane, for sharing the story behind GZO Experience and your unique perspective on Osaka’s creative scene. Your focus on small groups and direct access to local masters ensures that every guest has a genuine, personal connection to the traditions you showcase.
Read more about The GZO Experience on:
Website: https://gzoexperience.com/collections/all-clothing
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_gzo_experience
Featured Photo Credit: Zane Johnson
