About Us
Our
Story
About Masayo & John
Masayo was born into a family of kimono sellers, where an appreciation for Japanese culture and tradition was woven into daily life. From an early age, she was immersed in classical Japanese arts such as tea ceremony and flower arranging, beginning her studies at just five years old. Alongside these cultural disciplines, she also developed a love for language through the study of English.
Masayo and her late husband, Alexander Long, moved to the UK in 1999 after running an English school in Hiroshima.
In 2018, Masayo and her husband John founded Hana House, a place dedicated to cultural and language exchange. Together, they share their passion for teaching English and Japanese, helping students come together across cultures through language, learning and connection.
John was born in Scotland and raised in England. After marrying Masayo, he became an online private tutor for Japanese people. His lifelong passion for vehicles is reflected in his collection of classic cars and the motorbikes he has ridden across the world. His love for motors has led him to work in the film industry and racing teams such as Le Mans.