#Japan #wellness #Nara #SaToYaMa #Ametsuchikaeru

Bridging City Life and Satoyama through Ametsuchikaeru

In a remarkable move, Akiko Iwami, founder of Ametsuchikaeru, transitioned from city living in Setagaya to a 7,000㎡ forested traditional farmhouse in Tsukigase, Nara. This drastic shift marks the launch of the "Tokimeki Wellness" initiative, aimed at connecting urban dwellers with the serene and rejuvenating culture of Satoyama.

The Seeds of Change

With a professional background rooted in advertising and marketing consulting, Iwami's life took a turning point during her involvement with the Local Coop Yamato-Kogen Project as a part of Nara's community revitalization program. She found solace and rejuvenation in returning to nature, participating in reclamation projects for abandoned farmland. This experience ignited her desire to create a space where others could rediscover their enthusiasm and inspiration.

"I want to create a place where people working hard in urban settings can recover their senses and joy," Iwami expresses, shedding light on her decision to sell a 58㎡ apartment in Setagaya and invest in a traditional farmhouse.

A New Digital Platform

On March 12, 2026, the official website of Ametsuchikaeru was launched. This platform integrates:

• - E-commerce sales of wellness products
• - Workshop bookings (set to launch in April)
• - Information dissemination about Tsukigase

Acting as an entry point for experiencing the Satoyama lifestyle, this site combines online shopping with immersive local experiences.

Introducing Tsukimeguri

At the heart of the wellness offerings is the "Tsukimeguri" brand, highlighting natural ingredients from local sources. Iwami's commitment aligns with the principles of the Japan Herbal Association, focusing on utilizing ancient plant wisdom in a modern context.

The debut product of Tsukimeguri is a base drink made from local ume (plum) syrup and other harmonious herbal mixtures. Priced at 3,000 yen for 300ml and 1,500 yen for 100ml (excluding tax), the drink utilizes surplus ume fruit that typically gets discarded, thus, emphasizing sustainability.

Upcoming products will leverage local Japanese herbs such as:

• - Ume from Tsukigase
• - Organic tea from Tsukigase Health Tea Garden
• - Yamato-toki, a traditional herb from Nara

These offerings represent not just wellness products but a philosophy of bringing the vibrancy of Tsukigase directly to urban homes, fostering a connection to nature's rhythms amid busy city lives.

Workshops for Satoyama Experience

Recognizing the challenge of seasonal tourism in Tsukigase, Ametsuchikaeru plans to host monthly workshops throughout the year. These workshops will feature:

• - Plum-picking and processing experiences
• - Foraging and cooking with seasonal herbs
• - Tea-picking and production methods demonstrated by traditional tea ceremony masters
• - Miso-making using organic soybeans grown locally
• - Dyeing workshops utilizing plum tree trimmings

These culturally enriching programs aim to foster deeper connections with Tsukigase, contributing to a growing community of individuals who cherish and engage with this serene environment.

Building a Regenerative Base

The property itself spans 7,000㎡, including approximately 5,580㎡ of forest. The vision for this site, identified as "Regenerative Base TSUKIGASE," encompasses a community bar for social interaction, eco-friendly retreats through renovated traditional houses, and cultural programming focused on music, arts, and sustainable agriculture. Collaborative efforts involve local agricultural experts and environmental NGOs like Kenju-kai to guide initiatives in forest restoration and community-driven agricultural practices.

A Creative Collaboration

The narrative of Ametsuchikaeru's website has been crafted by renowned artist and creative director Mari Nishimura, who has formed a bridge between Akiko Iwami's vision and the broader creative community. The website and branding have been developed by Agrieal, a design firm specializing in food and agricultural branding.

About Ametsuchikaeru

Founded by Akiko Iwami, Ametsuchikaeru is dedicated to developing and selling wellness products that harness local resources while promoting Satoyama experiences. The company aims to foster a sustainable cycle by integrating urban living with nature-based initiatives. Their website serves as a gateway to connect consumers with bios-rich offerings, contributing actively to cultural sustainability.

For more information, explore their website at ametsuchikaeru.jp.