“No two parties are ever the same — that’s what makes it exciting.”
Party & Wedding Planner Misako Kiyochi on the Allure of HUGE and Her Work Philosophy
In this interview, Misako shares her perspective on the unique appeal of hosting parties with a restaurant company like HUGE — and offers insights into her approach to work, creativity, and planning events that leave lasting impressions.
An Interview with Misako Kiyochi, Party & Wedding Planner at HUGE
— Tell us briefly about your current role.
I work in two main capacities: as a planner and as a manager.
As a planner, I’m involved in organizing all kinds of events — from restaurant weddings to corporate celebrations. As a manager, I oversee the entire party desk operation, including advertising, operational planning, and staff training. A big part of my job is helping our team members grow into professional planners who can take on any challenge.
— What do you think makes HUGE’s restaurant weddings special?
Without question, our food-first philosophy is what sets us apart. At HUGE, chefs, pâtissiers, and sommeliers all work as specialists in their respective fields — so every element, from the cuisine to desserts to drinks, is of the highest quality. Couples who truly want to treat their guests to a delicious experience love that.
Another unique aspect is the ability to create a wedding that reflects the couple’s personality. We pride ourselves on saying “yes” to the couple’s ideas — and making them happen with thoughtful creativity.
For example, we might add a dish inspired by the couple’s first date, or design a party theme that reflects a shared hobby. It’s all about crafting a celebration that feels deeply personal — never just following a template.
— What kinds of non-wedding parties do you plan?
We handle everything from company anniversaries to birthday parties for corporate executives — even private celebrations for individuals. And of course, our own company events are also hosted at our restaurants.
Sometimes, a guest will dine with us and fall in love with the food and atmosphere, then decide to book a party. Later, someone who attends that party becomes a fan and comes back as a regular diner. That ripple effect — those moments of connection and discovery — are something I find especially rewarding in this job.
— What do you find most rewarding or enjoyable about being a planner?
The greatest joy of this job is creating something completely unique — a party that exists nowhere else — together with our clients from scratch every single time. Especially for weddings, each couple has their own story. When you pursue what makes them truly “them,” you always end up with a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Some couples come to us with a clear vision — “We already know exactly what kind of wedding we want!” — while others say, “We want to do something different, but we’re not sure what yet.” I love the process of discovering ideas through conversation — listening to their stories, hobbies, memories, and turning those into creative suggestions. When I see their eyes light up at an idea, I can already imagine the finished party — and that excitement drives me.
A party is a living, breathing thing. Its energy shifts with the weather, the guests, and the mood of the day. It’s unpredictable, sometimes even thrilling, but that’s exactly what makes it so fun for me.
— And what about the rewards of being a manager?
As a manager, I handle a fair amount of administrative work, but what truly fulfills me is developing our people.
While I personally oversee proposals and party production, it’s never a one-person effort. HUGE is full of talented planners, and I see it as my mission to help each of them grow — to become planners who can make every couple’s “we want to” come true. Strengthening the team’s overall skill and creativity is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
— What makes working at HUGE so special, and how do you see the future?
To me, HUGE is like a wonderland.
There’s always something exciting falling into your lap — sometimes it feels like a thrilling roller coaster ride, other times like catching a breathtaking view that lifts your spirits. It’s a workplace that never gets boring.
But I don’t just passively wait for the excitement to come. I face each day with the mindset of stirring that excitement up and giving it form — making it happen myself.
As I mentioned earlier, our parties are known for their flexibility, and the same goes for the company itself. HUGE gives us the freedom to try new things, to challenge the norm. Of course, that comes with responsibility, but for someone like me who thrives in that kind of environment, it’s a perfect match. I can be myself here — it’s a company that feels like home.
Moving forward, I hope to continue fueling the energy of HUGE’s party division — both as a planner and as a manager — and help take it even further.
