Ikigai in Action: Tama’s Secret to a Long and Happy Life
Our sister site, Me Time Japan in Tama, has been exploring the vibrant personalities of Tokyo’s Tama area since last summer. One common thread we’ve noticed in our conversations with them is “Ikigai.”
Ikigai (生きがい) is a Japanese concept that represents one’s reason for being—the passion, purpose, or fulfillment that brings joy to everyday life. It’s the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from doing what you love, contributing to something meaningful, or simply appreciating the small moments that make life special. Each person we’ve met radiates a sense of vitality, and we believe it’s because they have found their ikigai. We invite you to step into their life stories and discover what fuels their passion.
In a world that prizes constant communication, silence is often overlooked. Yet in Japan, there is a deep cultural appreciation for the beauty of quiet moments. Few embody this sensibility as profoundly as Kenji Takamizu, the visionary behind Kurochaya and the newly opened luxury retreat, Fushi.
At Kurochaya, a hidden sanctuary in Akiruno, Kenji has crafted a space where aesthetics speak louder than words. Every detail—architecture, lighting, natural materials—is curated with reverence for impermanence. Fushi, his latest endeavor, refines this vision into a singular experience. Named after Zeami’s Fushikaden, a 600-year-old treatise on Noh theater, Fushi embraces the idea that true beauty lies in what is rare and fleeting. Designed for one group per night, it offers an unparalleled sense of privacy, where hospitality is an art form.
Tama & Ikigai: The Japanese Key to Happiness
Flowing with Nature: A Life on the River
Nestled in Okutama, Lake Shiromaru offers more than just breathtaking scenery—it provides a way of life. For nearly three decades, Megumi Goto has introduced people to the joy of river kayaking, guiding them not only through rapids but also toward a deeper connection with nature and community. Originally a graphic designer in Tokyo’s bustling corporate scene, Megumi found a different rhythm on the water—one that fostered friendships beyond professional titles and city stress. For her, kayaking is not just a sport; it’s a way of living in harmony with the flow of nature, a philosophy that continues to draw both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.
Planting Dreams, Cultivating Legacy
Every summer, a quiet mountainside in Akiruno bursts into color, drawing visitors from near and far. Minamisawa Hydrangea Mountain is more than just a floral attraction—it is a testament to the vision of one man, Chuichi Minamisawa, whose lifelong dedication transformed the landscape. His legacy now lives on through his daughter, Cazue, whose eco-conscious floral studio offers visitors a way to take a piece of the mountain home. By creating compostable wreaths from natural materials, she bridges tradition with sustainability. Today, the mountain continues to bloom, not just with flowers, but with stories of perseverance, community, and renewal.
Between Two Worlds: A Life in Translation
Kunitachi, with its vibrant mix of students, artists, and intellectuals, has long been a place of cultural exchange. For Hyejung Park, it became a home—and a bridge between Japan and Korea. When she first arrived in Tokyo in 1994, she was struck by Japan’s approach to disability support, an experience that reshaped her academic and professional path. Today, as a university lecturer and founder of the Park Hyejung Korean Language Class, she fosters a space where language and culture intersect. In a city known for its indie cafes, bookstores, and creative hubs, her classroom stands as yet another spot where meaningful cross-cultural dialogue thrives.
The Tama Lifestyle: Embracing Meaningful Living
Fukasawa Tiny Art Museum: Two-Thirds Imagination, One-Third Devotion
For artist Akimitsu Tomonaga, creativity is a lifelong journey—one that defies age, convention, and even medium. At the Fukasawa Tiny Art Museum in Akiruno, his work finds a home, reflecting decades of artistic evolution. His fascination with the elegance of movement, inspired by ballet and opera, continues to shape his approach to form and space. Yet, beyond aesthetics, Akimitsu holds a philosophy of balance: two-thirds of life should be spent in imagination, and one-third in dedicated craftsmanship. In an era where productivity often overshadows creativity, his tiny museum stands as a quiet rebellion—a space for art, thought, and boundless exploration.
Shadows & Light: The Untold Stories of 1960s Japan
In the late 1960s, the streets of Tachikawa and Fussa bore witness to a unique intersection of cultures. Against the backdrop of U.S. military bases, young Japanese photographers—particularly women—began documenting the world around them with fresh perspectives. Tachikawa, a recently published photography book, brings these moments to life through the lens of the Otsuma Women’s University Photography Club. At a time when student activism was at its height, these women explored not only photography but also their role in a rapidly changing society. Their images and reflections capture a pivotal moment in Japan’s post-war history, where personal expression and political consciousness intertwined.
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