#Japan #Tokyo #Rina Ohno #La vie du pain #Ecole du pain

Rina Ohno Launches Crowdfunding for a Unique Bakery Hub

In an exciting initiative, Rina Ohno, a celebrated baker known as the “Happy Bread Artisan,” has commenced a crowdfunding project aimed at establishing a dedicated space for baking enthusiasts. With a large social media following of over 300,000 and a thriving baking school that attracts around 600 students each month, Rina is keen to expand her reach and support more aspiring bakers. On the first day of the crowdfunding campaign, Rina successfully hit her initial funding goal of 4 million yen, but she’s not resting yet; her sights are now set on the next milestone of 7 million yen.

From Online to Real-World Baking Opportunities

After honing her craft for nearly a decade in both Japan and France, Rina began sharing her passion for baking through social media and YouTube in 2021. Her engaging recipe videos and baking techniques quickly gained traction, leading to her writing three cookbooks, which together have sold over 70,000 copies. Additionally, her online school, “Ecole du pain” (School of Bread), launched in 2023, has rapidly become a hit, with around 600 participants each month.

Despite the success of her online endeavors, Rina feels a growing responsibility to support her students in reaching their aspirations. Many of them express desires to bake for others, and some even dream of starting their own baking businesses. Rina is committed to helping these students transition from learners to successful bakers, particularly those looking to build second careers after raising families or retiring from corporate jobs.

Vision for the New Bakery: La vie du pain

Set to open in the fall of 2026 in Suginami, Tokyo, Rina's innovative bakery named “La vie du pain” translates to “A Life with Bread.” This establishment will not simply be a traditional bakery but will serve as a vibrant hub that empowers individuals to take on new baking challenges. Rina envisions La vie du pain to be a multifunctional space where various initiatives come to life, including:

1. Support for Aspiring Bakers: The bakery will offer a platform for budding bakers to sell their creations. Each month, different bakers will get the opportunity to showcase and sell their unique breads, helping them to realize their dreams of turning their passion into a business.

2. In-Person Baking Classes: La vie du pain will host face-to-face classes taught by Rina and other esteemed instructors. This will be the exclusive venue where students can learn directly from the best in the industry.

3. Promoting Lively Bread-Centric Lifestyles: The bakery will provide ideas and experiences that delve into the joy of baking. From innovative ways to enjoy bread to lifestyle concepts centered around baking, La vie du pain promises to be a sensory celebration.

The funds raised through the crowdfunding campaign will be utilized for the interior construction of La vie du pain, as well as for the purchase of equipment and facilities needed to create a welcoming and functional environment. The campaign also offers a variety of exciting rewards, including exclusive kitchen tools like a custom bread knife, baking boards, and priority tickets for classes.

Crowdfunding Details

• - Project Name: Let's Break Out of the Online Sphere! Create a Space for Everyone to Challenge Themselves Beyond the Bakery Limits
• - Funding Deadline: August 31, 2026
• - Use of Funds: Equipment costs for the new bakery. Additional funds will go toward operational costs.
• - Platform: CAMPFIRE

About Rina Ohno

Rina Ohno graduated from culinary school and began her baking career with the prominent company Donq. She later moved to France to work at “Le Grenier à Pain,” an award-winning bakery known for its baguettes. Upon returning to Japan, she worked as a reporter for a baking industry magazine before launching her online presence in 2021. Since 2023, Rina has been focused on teaching through her online school, Ecole du pain, and has begun cultivating wheat using natural farming methods starting in 2024.

For updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow Rina on Instagram and check out her YouTube channel and Note.