Why Tora?

Having lived and worked in Japan for several years, I became deeply immersed in its culture, a period that would shape my life in ways I could never have anticipated.

I arrived as an expatriate working for a French bank, and over time, the fine craftsmanship, serene aesthetics, and deep-seated philosophy of harmony that define Japanese life began to resonate with me on a personal level. It was during this period of my life that my son, Alfred, was born. 

My experience in Japan and the love for its culture laid the foundation for Tora Living, but the true inspiration came from my son. Tragically, Alfred not long after birth was diagnosed with a very rare and severe genetic condition called Pompe's Disease, which we eventually lost him to at 18 months old.

Born in the Year of the Tiger, Alfred was a symbol of strength and resilience, a spirit that I wanted to honor and remember. The Japanese word for tiger is "Tora," and it is for him that my business is named. Tora Living is more than just a business; it is a tribute to my son's memory and a way to channel the grief and love into something meaningful. It is an extension of the values I learned in Japan—a commitment to quality, a love for timeless beauty, and a belief that even in loss, there is a path to creating something with purpose.

A percentage of our profits will be given to the UK charity of AGSD which is https://agsd.org.uk/ and the Association Glycogen Storage Disease (AGSD) so that they can help support families, help with therapies and hopefully a future cure..