This year, our annual in-person Open Retreat will expand beyond Japan to become a global event, held as a one-day international symposium in Tokyo.
Yukikazu Sakurazawa, known internationally as George Ohsawa, shared the philosophy of macrobiotics and Japanese culture not only in Japan but around the world. Along with his disciples, such as Michio Kushi and Tomio Kikuchi, his teachings continue to be recognized globally, having spread throughout North America, Latin America, Europe, India, Africa, and Vietnam.
In today’s world, faced with environmental issues, global peace challenges, food crises, pandemics, and health concerns, there is renewed interest in the macrobiotic philosophy and way of life. More and more people around the world are eager to learn not only the principles of macrobiotics but also the traditional cultural foundations that support it—such as Japanese washoku (traditional cuisine), fermentation, Zen, ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremony, and martial arts.
The dietary teachings shared by Sakurazawa and Kushi must now be adapted to the changing environment, social conditions, climate shifts, and modern eating habits. It is perhaps time to once again reflect on the principle of “shindo fuji” (oneness of person and environment) and the value of traditional food cultures unique to each country.
This international exchange gathering will bring together macrobiotic practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world. With a broad perspective, we aim to create an opportunity to reflect on our current and future ways of living, individual missions, and how we can carry the macrobiotic philosophy into the future.
The event will begin with an opening address by Chuya Hashimoto, representative of the Macrobiotic Wa-no-Kai. Following this, Tomoo Takakuwa will give a presentation on the evolution of food and the spiritual culture of Japan.
Next, Chiaki Hashimoto—a long-time member of Wa-no-Kai who has practiced macrobiotics for 43 years—will speak. Together with her husband, Chuya Hashimoto, she has guided nearly 10,000 people through fasting programs worldwide. Drawing from her experience of raising five children through natural childbirth, natural parenting, and natural education, she supports women and young families. She will share insights into how women, in this era said to be “the age of women,” can use macrobiotic wisdom to support their households and protect their families’ health, as well as the important roles they play in passing on these values to future generations.
In the group session, participants will divide into small tables based on the morning panel themes. The session will be interactive, providing a space for everyone to freely share their opinions and insights, fostering both dialogue and connection.
The next speaker, Reverend Issho Fujita, is a Soto Zen monk who actively engages in zazen instruction, lectures, workshops, and writing. He also has 18 years of experience teaching zazen in the United States. In this lecture, we hope you will gain a glimpse of Zen teachings through the actual practice of zazen.
Afterwards, we will hold a Q&A session with the panelists before concluding the event.
We hope this gathering becomes a catalyst for harmonizing with the world through the concepts of Oneness and a One Peaceful World, recognizing that we live within the visible and invisible interconnections of nature.
【Recommended For】
◇Those who wish to deeply explore the connection between traditional Japanese culture (Zen, washoku, tea ceremony, etc.) and macrobiotics
◇Individuals seeking to connect with macrobiotic practitioners from around the world and broaden their perspective
◇People concerned with environmental issues, world peace, and health, and who want to consider what they can personally contribute
◇Anyone interested in reevaluating their diet, lifestyle, and way of living to create a more natural and harmonious existence
◇Those who want to deepen their self-understanding and inner peace through the wisdom and practice of Zen and Zazen
◇Women seeking to apply macrobiotic wisdom in family life, child-rearing, and self-care
◇Those who want to reflect on their own culture’s relationship with macrobiotics and connect with their local and global community
◇People who aim to apply the philosophies of thinkers like Michio Kushi and George Ohsawa in modern life
◇Participants looking for two-way, participatory learning and dialogue, rather than one-way lectures
◇Individuals who resonate with the philosophy of “One Peaceful World” and wish to take concrete action or build connections
Theme
International “Wa-no” Exchange Gathering
Date & Time
Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Japan Time)
Venue
Hamamatsuchō, Tokyo（Details will be provided after registration.）
Capacity & Registration Deadline
150 participants
Registration closes on September 30, or when capacity is reached.
Overview
A greeting from Mr. Chuya Hashimoto, representative of the Macrobiotic Wa-no-Kai; a presentation by Mr. Tomoo Takakuwa on the evolution of food and Japan’s spiritual culture; a talk by Mrs. Chiaki Hashimoto on women, children, and the future; a session for interaction with participating members; and a lecture by Mr. Issho Fujita.
Program Schedule
10:00–10:20 Introduction— Chûhachi Hashimoto
10:25–11:25 The Evolution of Food and Japanese Spiritual Culture — Tomoo Takakuwa
11:30–12:30 The Power of Women for the Future: Nurturing Families and Life through Macrobiotics — Chiaki Hashimoto
12:35–13:35 Lunch
13:45–14:45 A Workshop on the Wisdom and Uses of Furoshiki by the Furoshiki Prince
14:50–16:20 The Teachings of Zen and Zazen Practice — Zen Monk Isshō Fujita
16:25–16:55 Q&A with Panelists
16:55–17:00 Closing Remarks — Munaka Nagai
Please note: The program and the title are subject to change.
Expected Wa-no-Kai Members in Attendance
Minaka Nagai, Chiharu Yoshido, Marie Yamaguchi, Chuya&Chiaki, Deco Nakajima, Shugo Nanabayashi, Tomoko Murai, Masahiro & Yukari Isogai, Tomoo Takakuwa, Tamaki Sakurazawa, Kimie Motegi, Tusnenori Fujimaki, Akiko Kogo, Yuko Sakurai, Miyumi Chiba, Masahiro Wada, and others.
Participation Fee
Donation-based (Proceeds will be used to support macrobiotic social contribution activities)
Lunch Bento Box is available for an additional fee (approx. 1,500 JPY – details to be announced).
How to Register
If you wish to attend, please fill out the required information at the link below to register.
If you have any questions, you may include them in the registration form.
【Symposium-related events and accommodation info】
Organizer: Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/19-20
Content: Patricia cooking class
Venue: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Isogai Masahiro & Minaka Nagai’s cooking class & mochi pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer: Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/28
Content: Cooking class by Natalia from Portugal
Venue: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Isogai Masahiro & Nagai Yunaka’s cooking class & mochi pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer:Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/29
Content: Cooking class by Sonia from Portugal
Venue: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Isogai Masahiro & Nagai Yunaka’s cooking class & mochi pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer: Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/20-22
Content: Lecture retreat for Spanish-speaking people by Masahiro Isogai
Location: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Masahiro Isogai & Nagai Yunaka’s cooking class & mochi-pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer:Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/21
Content: Minaka’s cooking class for Spanish-speaking people
Location: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Masahiro Isogai & Nagai Oonaka’s cooking class & rice cake pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer: Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/22
Content: Rice cake pounding
Location: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Masahiro Isogai & Nagai Oonaka’s cooking class & rice cake pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer:Minaka Nagai
Date: 10/23-24
Content: Sightseeing at the Yatsugatake Jomon ruins
Location: La Cocina de Minaka Yamanashi
Details: http://cocina-minaka.com/category/events/ Lecture by Professor Isogai Masahiro & Nagai Uunaka’s cooking class & mochi pounding retreat | La Cocina de Minaka
Contact: tmrl3722@yahoo.co.jp
Organizer: Mieko Sakurai
Date: 10/26-31
Content: Cooking class, demonstration style
Location: Near Yokohama on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Convenient for downtown, Kamakura walks, Narita and Yokohama airports.
Contact: miekosakurai2012@gmail.com
Organizer:Marie Yamaguchi
Date: Negotiable
Content: Hiroshima is a world peace city, and we will guide you to the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Museum and Miyajima, and you can also take a cooking class at Furaku no Sato. You can also experience Zen meditation at the nearby temple Butsuji, calligraphy with a calligrapher we know, and Japanese culture such as flower arranging.
Location: Furai no Sato
Details: URL included
Contact: ymgcmarie31@gmail.com
Organizer:Akiko Kougo
Date: Negotiable
Content: Macrobiotic cooking class
Location: 1km from Katsutadai Station, 30 minutes by train from Narita Airport, about 1 hour by train to Tokyo
Details: https://ameblo.jp/ochikochi-kurashi/entry-12913948836.html
Contact: macrobi.chiba@gmail.com
Organizer: CI Macrobiotics Conference
Date: 10/18
Content: Patricia’s presentation
Location: CI
Details: https://ci-kyokai.jp/
Contact:
Organizer: Masahiro Isogai
Date: 10/24
Content: Patricia’s cooking class
Location: Macrobiotic Wado
Details: https://www.m-wado.jp/
Contact:
Provider: Mieko Sakurai
Date: 10/26-31
Location: Near Yokohama on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, so it’s convenient for downtown, Kamakura, Narita, and Yokohama airports
Number of guests: 3 to 4 people, 2 rooms, futons
Room type: Japanese-style room and Western-style room
Price: Overnight stay with shower ¥2500
Overnight stay with breakfast ¥3000
Overnight stay with breakfast and dinner ¥4000
Other:
Contact: miekosakurai2012@gmail.com
Provider: Akiko Kougo
Date: –
Location: 1 km from Katsutadai Station, 30 minutes by train from Narita Airport, about 1 hour by train to Tokyo
Number of guests: 1 or 2 people per room, 3-6 people max.
Room type: 8 tatami wooden room, 7-8 tatami Japanese room, and 7-8 tatami attic separated by roll curtains if you like
Amenities:
Price: 3000 yen for accommodation only, 5000 yen for meals, 7000 yen for macrobiotic cooking class (all prices are for one night)
Other: There is a futon rental shop, so you can get bedding
Details: https://ameblo.jp/ochikochi-kurashi/entry-12913948836. html
Contact: macrobi.chiba@gmail.com
Provider: Matsumura
Date: –
Location: Asakusa
Number of guests: One room per night
Price: 4000 yen (up to two people)
Other: Attached to an inn that also offers private lodging, serves vegan food
Details: https://www.google.co.jp/search?sca_esv=4452af626beaf223&kgmid=%2Fg%2F11fr2sk8fp&q=ReserveOnly%20Veganic%20Monkey%20Magic&shndl=30&source=sh%2Fx%2Floc%2Fact%2Fm4%2F3
Other)
[Official] HOTEL GRAPHY Nezu | LIVELY HOTELS
https://www.livelyhotels.com/ja/hotelgraphy/access/
Annex Katsutaro Ryokan Accommodation Reservations [Rakuten Travel]
https://travel.rakuten.co.jp/HOTEL/10647/10647.html
Sakura Hotel Nippori | Tokyo Hotels – Sakura Hotels & Hostels | Best Rate Guarantee
https://ja.sakura-hotel.co.jp/nippori/
Sendagi Guest House (Tokyo): (Latest Rates: 2025)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/sendagi-guest-house.ja.html
1) Acceptable period
10/26-10/31
2) Number of people
3 or 4 people
3) Price
Room only: 2500 yen
Breakfast included: 3000 yen
Dinner included: +1000 yen
4) Room
2 rooms, 1 tatami room and 1 wooden room
Both rooms have futons
3) Toilet and bathroom are shared
5 minutes walk from Myorenji Station
(Myorenji is 7 minutes by train from Yokohama, 13 minutes by train from Shin-Yokohama)
2 rooms in a detached house
