We Japanese people have lived alongside nature for tens of thousands of years,
Gaining wisdom through experiences and observations.
While living with nature, we have admired it and expressed its beauty.
What will we create together with nature in the future?
Surrounded by abundant nature, we have cultivated Japan's history, culture, traditions, arts, and even its economy. Living alongside nature, cherishing it, and expressing the beauty of its changing seasons, the hearts of us Japanese have continued to captivate people worldwide. And this cherished heart of us will continue to be passed on in the future.
At the "Learning of Japanese Culture" facility in Yamakita Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, we're recreating the traditional silkworm room that has been passed down through generations. Additionally, we'll be offering hands-on experiences in weaving, traditional Japanese sewing, and using foot-operated sewing machines. Join us for an immersive journey into the rich heritage of Japanese craftsmanship!
"Food" is what connects human life. We will explore how organic, fertilizer-free, and no-till farming practices are based on the natural ecosystem's cycles and how they impact not only the Earth but also our bodies. Join us in our participatory experimental farm, where you can experience firsthand the life energy derived from food. We aim to provide a space where you can truly connect with the vitality of nature through what you eat.
Our private space, our home, where we spend a significant portion of our lives. Japanese-style architecture has been intricately intertwined with the rich natural environment of Japan's climate. How has it influenced our minds and bodies? Let's ponder our living environment and its impact on our daily lives.
In the Japanese saying, we say “心身の健康”, which translates to mental (心) and physical (身) health. The mind comes first, and the body comes after. The invisible mind precedes the visible body. In other words, the invisible takes precedence. In the face of the collapse of materialism, we will scientifically analyze the state of our minds to understand our mental well-being.
If the basics of human life, 'clothing, food, and shelter,' could all be achieved in harmony and coexistence with nature... Perhaps 'medicine' wouldn't have been such a crucial field, except for injuries or emergencies, and there might not have been a need to integrate medicine into clothing, food, and shelter. Both physically and mentally, the farther humans move away from nature, the more prone they become to illness. Why is that, exactly?
The recent concept of a sustainable society is by no means new. I believe that in Japan, there was already an established lifestyle that was sustainable and did not harm the environment or surroundings. It's necessary to reacknowledge these aspects, reclaim what has been lost, and integrate non-harmful innovative technologies moving forward, don't you think?
Born in 1971. Left Japan Women's University and graduated from the dentistry department of Tokyo Medical and Dental University. "Food is crucial for overall health, so oral health is important.” Since I loved eating from a young age, I became a dentist.
In March 2011, I chose to focus on raising children. In search of a better environment for child-rearing, I moved to New Zealand in 2013.The significance of being able to reevaluate Japan from an overseas perspective is immense, and I have come to realize the untapped potential of Japan. “Wanomanabi” translated to"Learning the essence of Japan" is also my own learning journey as a Japanese person who didn't know much about Japan. While paying respect to the culture, art, and wisdom built by those who came before me, I would like to understand and experience them to deepen my “Wanomanabi”.
