Message from the Owner
2021.03.31
Contents
Message from the Owner
Thank you for visiting saMa-saMa.
"Sama-sama" is an Indonesian word meaning "you're welcome" and "all together." It is pronounced just as it looks: "sa-ma sa-ma."
In Japanese, "sama" also evokes polite and caring expressions, such as "otagai-sama" (looking out for one another) and "otsukare-sama" (thank you for your hard work). Combining the warmth of both the Indonesian and Japanese meanings, we chose this name with the hope and wish that saMa-saMa would become a place where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
I chose an Indonesian word for our business name because I studied Indonesian at university, lived in Indonesia as an exchange student, and have always felt a deep connection to the country and its language.
Even after starting my career, I continued to visit Indonesia for both work and travel. It has always been a country close to my heart, and when I decided to start saMa-saMa, I wanted our business name to reflect my love for Indonesia.
With the support of those around us, we opened "Mama Manga Room saMa-saMa" in November 2016. My husband and I then renovated properties ourselves, opening saMa-saMa Stay, a private vacation rental, in February 2019, followed by saMa-saMa Dua, another private vacation rental, in April 2022, and saMa-saMa Aisle, a pet-friendly private vacation rental, in November 2025.
Odawara was a place with no prior connection to our family, but when we returned to Japan from living abroad, we searched for a comfortable place to live and chose to settle here. That is how our bond with Odawara began.
In this beloved city of Odawara, saMa-saMa exists as a cozy, relaxing retreat where guests can truly unwind.
Our goal is to make saMa-saMa a destination that people associate with Odawara. We look forward to welcoming you.
April 2021 Yuki Kurogo
We were featured on the Odawara City Official YouTube Channel!
Owner's Biography
1976
Born in Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Enrolled at Okayama Joto High School, Okayama Prefecture
Developed an interest in English during junior high school. Aspiring to work in an English-speaking career, I enrolled at Okayama Joto High School to deepen my language studies. In the international track of the general studies program, I became eager to learn other foreign languages beyond English.
Enrolled at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Majored in Indonesian Studies within the Southeast Asian Studies program. During university, studied abroad at Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia, spending a fully immersive year living locally in Yogyakarta, Java.
Joined a Flavors & Fragrances Company
Worked in sales within the international division, selling food and cosmetic fragrances to clients in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Each visit to clients in these regions deepened the desire to live and work abroad.
Left the Fragrances Company, Moved to Singapore
Relocated to Singapore and joined the local subsidiary of a Japanese chemical manufacturer. Traveled extensively across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India for work.
2008 onward: Got married, gave birth to first child, and returned to work.
Returned to Japan, Relocated to Odawara
Returned to Japan due to husband's job transfer. Left the Japanese chemical manufacturer after 8.5 years. Chose Odawara as a new home, despite having no prior ties to the area, and began life in this charming city.
2015 onward: Gave birth to second child. Devoted time as a full-time homemaker.
Opened "Mama Manga Room saMa-saMa"
Launched saMa-saMa when the second child entered kindergarten. Reached out to local mom instructors active in Odawara and organized a variety of workshops and events.
Opened "saMa-saMa Stay"
Wanting to share the appeal of Odawara as a tourist destination, we started operating a vacation rental. Since opening, we have welcomed travelers from both Japan and around the world.
Opened "saMa-saMa Dua"
Launched our sister property to saMa-saMa Stay. Located near the beach and Kamaboko Street, it is a popular accommodation that lets guests experience the authentic local charm of Odawara.
Opened "saMa-saMa Aisle"
A renovated Showa-era house and saMa-saMa's first pet-friendly private vacation rental. Located in a quiet neighborhood just a short walk to the beach, it was created as a space where guests and their dogs can relax together as a family.