Hello, I'm Hideo of "flow".
flow is the two of us, Yu and me.
Until recently we worked under the name Watanabe Tateguten, in Kashiwabara, Maibara, Shiga, since 2012.
With a move of our base, we have worked under the name flow since 2024.
In this newsletter I'd like to send, about once a week, everything from news of our activities to small daily discoveries.
I'd like to grow it into a newsletter that reaches out a hand to people thinking of moving to the countryside, people who want to open some kind of shop, people who want to take a step forward.
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■ Once again, what we do
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◆ 1. Yamagen Stay & Retreat (guesthouse)
A barrier-free guesthouse.
We renovated a 117-year-old farmhouse so that wheelchair users and people with chemical sensitivities can stay.
The concept is experience and exchange.
We did the DIY together with helpers who came from all over the world.
The important parts were left to professionals, so rest assured.
▷ Learn more: flow-yamagen.com/en/inn
◆ 2. Salon flow (bodywork)
Person and person, environment and person, body and mind, organs and membranes and muscles and bones, the subjective self and the objective self —
attuning the spaces between these through bodywork, healing, dialogue, art and other approaches,
aiming to restore the client's wholeness of body and mind, their power to adjust and their natural healing.
One client a day.
▷ Learn more: https://watanabetateguten.wixsite.com/awai
◆ 3. Atelier flow (art workshops)
How paints are made, the character of different materials, techniques of expression —
we make work while sharing the things that matter at the roots of art.
An art class on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Feel free to get in touch ♪
▷ Learn more: https://flow-yamagen.com/en/atelier/
◆ 4. Guitar flow (guitar lessons)
Lessons for guitar beginners.
The things YouTube and apps can't teach — we aim for "I did it!" alongside each student.
Without hurry, without comparing, let's enjoy it together ♪
Now taking students!
▷ Learn more: https://flow-yamagen.com/en/guitar/
◆ 5. Farm flow (rice-growing workshop)
Old-style farm work and nature experiences with no pesticides, no fertiliser and no machines.
Caring for the weeds and insects too — a life-centred-design rice-growing workshop.
Experience everything about rice farming through the year.
Take home the rice you harvest.
▷ Learn more: https://flow-yamagen.com/en/farm/
◆ 6. The Little Living Shop (natural seasonings sold by weight)
We carry only products chosen with care for the environment and for producers.
Mostly sold by weight.
▷ Learn more: https://flow-yamagen.com/en/shop/
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■ Editor's note
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A month has already gone by since I decided "let's start a newsletter!"…
As last year, there's no water in the river and the rice field is dried up, but this year the workshop participants' fields have a little water, which is a relief. (Hideo)
Sign up for Kakuuchi here.