2020 · Nagoya
The first contact
During a university exchange from Lausanne, Youssef discovered a Japan that went beyond travel images. Daily life, language, gestures, and local rhythms opened the first door.
Maison Genkai
From Fukuoka, a Japanese selection for Switzerland
Maison Genkai starts from identifiable products: Yame teas, useful objects, small quantities, and precise guidance for preparing or using them in Switzerland.
Maison Genkai
Before the gesture, the choice
The selection brings together Yame matcha and Japanese objects documented by origin, material and use.
From one shore to another
Founded by Youssef, Maison Genkai follows a line: a first university exchange, learning the language, daily life in Japan, and then a decision to source closer to the ground.
2023 · Tokyo
Learning to understand better
After returning to Switzerland for his Master’s degree, Youssef went back to Japan with a clearer intention: to learn the language and approach the culture without only looking at it from the outside.
Today · Fukuoka
Moving closer to the regions
Now based in Fukuoka, he builds Maison Genkai from Japan: selecting terroirs, sourcing on the ground, speaking with Swiss clients, and following the details that separate simple import from true transmission.
Yame · Fukuoka
Tea as an anchor
Maison Genkai matcha comes from Yame. References state their terroir, harvest, shading, milling and recommended use.
Switzerland · Neuchâtel
Sourced in Fukuoka, packed in Neuchâtel
Maison Genkai remains a personal project led by Youssef through sourcing, conversations, and client relationships. In Switzerland, his younger sister Meriem brings her support through packaging, the quiet gesture that keeps each product careful before shipping.
Maison Genkai
The standard
Maison Genkai selects Japanese objects by material, finish and everyday use. Each reference is documented individually before joining the collection.
Origin
Traceability
State the origin and maker whenever that information is available.
Choice
Short selection
Keep few references and choose each one for a clear reason: material, finish, use, or presence.
Care
Detail
Look at the finish, the hand, the texture, the weight, and how the object will live day to day.
Another Genkai Works project
Japan, through its language too.
The same journey behind Maison Genkai inspired InitialJ, our spaced-repetition app for learning Japanese kanji, vocabulary, and grammar from JLPT N5 through N1.
Discover InitialJ
Individuals · Professionals
For home or your business
Maison Genkai serves individuals through the online shop, and supplies cafés, restaurants, and retailers across Switzerland. The same standard, the same selection, formats shaped for each use.