The story · from Harrison

Why

A house on the other side of the world, a name that works in two languages, and a small philosophy: if you can think it, it can be done. Here's the whole story.

Harrison · founder 🍌
Harrison, the founder of Go Banana — a portrait.

One name, two languages

It's said the same way.

"Go Banana" is phonetic — it sounds the same in English and in Japanese (ゴーバナナ). That little two-language pun is kind of the whole point: a bridge between the two places this project lives.

A little bananas

When I bought a house on the opposite side of the world — in a place where the language can feel impossible — people figured I'd gone a little bananas.

In English, "to go bananas" means to go wild — to go a little crazy. I committed to learning Japanese anyway, and it's opened up friendships and opportunities I never would have had.

So Go Banana is the place to let your dreams run wild. Indulge in the world, chase the fun thing, stop waiting. No idea is too crazy — if you can think it, it can be done. That's how I try to live: always looking for something fun, a bit quirky, a bit out there.

Go + Banana

Do the thing
you actually
want to do.

I love the playful energy and imagery of a banana, paired with the action of "Go" — do the thing you want to do! Stop waiting. It's a good thing to go banana.

And honestly? I just love banana-flavoured things — and so does Tokyo. The famous Tokyo Banana treats are a classic airport omiyageOmiyage (お土産) are Japanese souvenir gifts — usually regional treats you bring back from a trip to share with friends, family and coworkers. Handing them out is a small, warm ritual that says "I was thinking of you while I was away." gift. It felt right.

So…

Come, go banana.

Let your dreams run wild in Tokyo. The door's open.