NAVIGATOR
An Awaji Island Retreat Journey — Encountering People and Everyday Life
Chika Kanai
Representative Director, Rhizome (General Incorporated Association)<br>Cabinet Office Regional Revitalization Evangelist, Government of Japan
\ Self introduction /
Hyogo Prefecture As a yoga teacher, I attended a retreat at Zenbo Yasuning, which is how I first became attracted to Awaji Island.
I had never thought that I wanted to move to Awaji Island after I left Tokyo, but the air, people, and scenery of Awaji Island completely captured my heart, and I could not stop myself from wanting to live here.
Why don't you worry about it after you find a place to live?" However, I fell in love at first sight with the ideal house I found during the retreat and decided immediately.
My dream of living near the ocean someday became a reality when I realized it.
In the morning, I take a walk along the beach to see and water the small garden.
Many days we eat vegetables we grow at home or fish and vegetables we receive from the local community, and we feel close to the rich bounty of food.
Spending the days gazing at the sunset in a daze and the nights in the moonlight--
is very comfortable, and I am very glad that I took the plunge and chose to live on Awaji Island.
\ My past travel experiences /
I have traveled all over the world, including Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe.
While savoring the atmosphere and sightseeing of the town, we also value the time we spend getting in touch with the daily life of the town by talking to locals, asking for information, and visiting places they recommend.
I also like to be exposed to local culture and skills while traveling. Another great attraction of traveling is meeting friends from all over the world who gather for the same purpose through yoga, massage, and singing bowl training, and expanding our values. Recently, one of my joys is to organize retreats and share my learning and experiences with others.
I have made many friends from all over the world, and my "trips to see someone" often lead me to a life of constant learning and discovery.
\ How to Spend my Time on Awaji Island /
On Awaji Island, I enjoy interacting with the local people. I am taught how to grow vegetables, I hear all kinds of information about daily life, and I feel comfortable every day because everyone warmly accepts me.
And Awaji Island has such a deep history that it is said to be the stage of the "birth of the nation," and the scenery and culture are truly fascinating. I feel that there are still many parts of this wonderful island that are not well known, and I would like to share these impressions with more people.
The company also conducts activities to promote the charms of the island, such as the veggie takoyaki (octopus dumplings) shop that wraps the entire bounty of Awaji Island in takoyaki.
\ About work /
Emcee, yoga, writer
\ About Authentic Japan tour /
The tour I would like to create with you is a trip where you can feel the "breath" of Awaji Island. In addition to experiencing the local food, culture, and history, I would also value the time spent "doing nothing" amidst the spectacular scenery of Awaji Island.
Just spend some time relaxing and letting the sounds of the ocean, sky, and wind take care of you. Such a simple time will be a special experience that will reset your mind.
To interact with the warm people of Awaji Island and to learn the story of the birth of our country. I would be happy if we could create such a trip together, where you can experience the richness of doing nothing.
\ My interests /
K-pop, vegetable garden
\ Langages/
I stayed in Canada and Australia as a short-term exchange student.
As a new graduate, I worked at Kansai International Airport for three years, where I worked as a passenger information clerk using English and Korean.
I have received all my certifications and studies abroad in English. Although my English is "Passion English", I am confident in my communication skills and am good at opening up quickly to people of all nationalities.
\ Points de connexion avec les visiteurs étrangers /
Through yoga, we can communicate with people of any nationality, and because of our height (180cm), we can also share the same sense of size of Japanese furniture and equipment.
What I value in the journey I offer
Encountering people and everyday life
We cherish time spent connecting with the people and everyday lives of the land.
Through conversations, shared laughter, and unhurried moments with the people of Awaji Island, we hope you will slowly discover the island’s true charm—something that goes beyond sightseeing alone.
Our wish is to offer a journey that gently accompanies the island’s daily life.Savoring the island with all five senses
Awaji Island is a place of rich food culture and daily life, with a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 100%.
By engaging with local livelihoods and traditional craftsmanship, we value time spent experiencing island life through all five senses.
Recently, we have been visiting local pottery studios, touching the earth itself, and then dining at island restaurants that use those very vessels—feeling how “creating, eating, and living” are deeply connected as one.
Through this journey, we invite you to experience Awaji Island’s unique way of life, where people, nature, craftsmanship, and food resonate together in a continuous cycle.Creating space
When a journey includes moments of spaciousness, you may find yourself thinking, “I’d like to stay a little longer,” or feeling inspired to try something new.
We can also suggest moments of doing nothing amidst breathtaking scenery, or quiet yoga sessions.
Simply gazing at the landscape and breathing deeply allows the mind and body to gently unwind.
As you surrender yourself to the nature of Awaji Island, we hope you will experience the feeling of inner spaciousness unfolding within you.
