Carrying Butler Cultureinto the Future
Since its establishment in 1890 (Meiji 23), Japan Butler Association has devoted itself to promoting and developing butler culture in Japan. By blending the spirit of Omotenashi with the Western butler tradition, we cultivate professionals of world-class standing. This page introduces the association through six perspectives.
Japan's Only Dedicated Butler Institution
Japan Butler Association is the country's only dedicated butler institution, with a lineage spanning more than 130 years. Since its establishment in 1890 (Meiji 23), we have devoted ourselves to promoting and developing butler culture in Japan.
What we champion is the fusion of the Japanese spirit of hospitality with Western butler service. Professionals who combine British discipline and refinement with Japan's own attentive courtesy support our clients comprehensively — from private life to business.
This page is your gateway to the association. Through six perspectives — overview, mission, history, organization, activities, and location — you can see who we are.
Each page tells more of how the association carries butler culture into the next era. Begin with whichever perspective interests you most.
The Association from Six Perspectives
We have organized the gateway to the association into six pages by purpose. If you want the full picture first, start with the Overview; if you want to understand how we think, start with our Mission. Choose the perspective that interests you and continue to each page.
Overview
The origins and full picture of the association, including its corporate profile and five areas of activity.
Mission
Our philosophy — the fusion of Japanese hospitality with Western butler service — and the value we deliver.
History
From our founding in 1890 (Meiji 23) to today: three generations of inheritance and progress.
Organization
The structure of the association led by its president, and the framework that upholds quality and trust.
Activities
Our pillars of activity: training, certification, seminars, international exchange, and publishing.
Access
The location of our headquarters in Aomi, Odaiba, and directions from the nearest stations.
What We Hold Dear
What we provide is not a substitute for labor. It is the very environment in which you are freed from logistics and chores to focus on what truly matters. More than housekeeping, we quietly maintain the foundations of daily life and support you by anticipating what comes next — the essence of the butler's calling, held in three principles.
- i.Time and Peace of Mind
- We free you from logistics and chores so you can focus on what truly matters — work, family, and rest.
- ii.The Heart of the Home
- Entering the innermost circle of daily life, we quietly maintain the foundations of the household and attend to its subtleties.
- iii.Unseen Service
- Anticipating needs before they are spoken and moving as naturally as air — this anticipatory service is the essence of a butler.
Discover More of the Association
Japan Butler Association takes root in society through butler training and certification, practical seminars, and the operation of the butler staffing service "THE BUTLER." Once you have looked through our philosophy and activities, our certification programs, service lineup, and contact desk are here to help.