This year, we are taking our annual in-person open retreat global by transforming it into an international exchange event—a one-day symposium held in Tokyo.
George Ohsawa, also known as Yukikazu Sakurazawa, shared macrobiotics and Japanese culture with the world. His teachings, along with the efforts of his disciples such as Michio Kushi and Tomio Kikuchi, continue to inspire people around the globe, spreading throughout North and South America, Europe, India, Africa, and Vietnam.
As we face pressing global issues such as environmental crises, world peace, food shortages, pandemics, and health challenges, there is renewed interest in the philosophy and lifestyle of macrobiotics. People around the world are increasingly eager to learn about the roots of macrobiotics found in Japanese food culture—such as washoku and fermentation—as well as traditional arts like Zen, ikebana (flower arrangement), tea ceremony, and martial arts.
Now may be the time to revisit and adapt the dietary teachings of Sakurazawa and Kushi to suit the changes in our environment, society, climate, and dietary habits—reaffirming the importance of “Shindofuji” (the unity of body and environment) and traditional food cultures in each country.
This international exchange gathering will bring together macrobiotic practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world. Through broad perspectives, we will explore the way we live now and in the future, share our missions, and create opportunities to consider how we can pass macrobiotics on to future generations.
Part 1 will feature Zen monk Issho Fujita, a specialist in Zen and a Soto-sect priest. Fujita has been actively involved in Zazen instruction, research, and writing, and has also led Zazen sessions in the U.S. for 17 years. He will talk about self-understanding through Zen, enlightenment, and how to draw out one’s inner power, followed by an actual Zazen practice session.
Next, we will hear from Chiaki Hashimoto—a long-time macrobiotic practitioner for 43 years, and a member of the Wa-no-Kai macrobiotic community. Together with her husband, Chuya Hashimoto, she has guided nearly 10,000 people through fasting programs worldwide. As a mother of five children whom she raised through natural childbirth, parenting, and education, she will speak about the vital role of women in today’s so-called “Age of Women.” She will discuss how women can use the wisdom of macrobiotics to support their households and protect their family’s health, and share key insights for passing this knowledge on to the future.
Part 2 will be a group session based on set themes, with participants divided into small, interactive discussion tables. Everyone will have the chance to share their thoughts and perspectives in a casual setting. Each table will choose a representative to present their group’s insights.
We hope this event will serve as a catalyst for harmony with other countries around the world, based on the concepts of Oneness and One Peaceful World, as we recognize our place in the natural order—seen and unseen.
【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 (Tentative)
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
The event will feature a welcome address by Mr. Chuya Hashimoto, representative of the Macrobiotic Wa-no-Kai; an introduction to The Evolution of Food and Japanese Spiritual Culture by Mr. Tomoo Takakuwa; a keynote lecture by Zen monk Issho Fujita; and interactive workshops to foster exchange among participants.
Program Schedule
10:00–10:15 | Introduction: 50 Years of Life with Macrobiotics (Tentative) – Chuya Hashimoto
10:15–10:45 | The Evolution of Food and Japanese Spiritual Culture – Tomoo Takakuwa
10:45–11:30 | Part 1 – Presentation: Title TBA – Zen Monk Issho Fujita
12:00–13:00 | Lunch
13:00–14:00 | Entertainment Program
14:00–15:00 | Part 2 – Group Session
15:00–16:45 | Glocalization: Shindofuji in Each Region – Introduction of Macrobiotic Activities Around the World (Tentative)
16:45–17:00 | Closing Remarks: The Future of Macrobiotics (Tentative) – Chiaki Hashimoto
Please note: The program is 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.
