#Japan #Tokyo #Yakushima #Shibire #Usuki

New Ways to Connect with Local Communities

In a world where the urge to migrate seems stronger than ever, Shibire Inc. is redefining our relationship with local areas. On September 15th, 2026, at the OFF TOKYO local hub in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, the company will host a talk event titled "Rejuvenate Yourself Through Retreats: Discovering New Lifestyles from Yakushima and Usuki." This event will delve into the idea that engaging with a region doesn’t simply boil down to the binary choice of moving or not moving.

The Journey Begins: Engaging with Communities

For many, the idea of relocating to a rural area might feel daunting. Considerations like work commitments, family ties, or educational prospects can complicate the decision. However, developing a connection with a region doesn’t require instant mobility. Instead, one could start by spending a few days in the area, experiencing local cuisine, meeting residents, and immersing oneself in the community’s daily life. The event aims to showcase different pathways to engage with local regions through two distinct approaches: the retreat concept in Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the novel notion of bilocal living in Usuki, Oita Prefecture.

The guests include Kazuma Fuchi, CEO of U-WA, an organization that facilitates wellness retreats in Yakushima, and local directors from Shibire who have firsthand experience in Usuki. They will share insights on establishing personal connections to different locales.

Yakushima: Embrace Nature for a Few Days

Yakushima, with its rich natural landscape, serves as the first focal point. Kazuma Fuchi will lead discussions about his journey from urban engineering to founding U-WA after discovering an alternative lifestyle in Yakushima. The retreat programs he’s developed invite participants to step away from their everyday routines and rekindle their relationship with nature. The emphasis of his presentation lies in the idea of not planning to move but instead learning how to “exist” within the environment of Yakushima, encouraging others to do the same.

In this segment, attendees will learn how to step into a new way of life without the pressure of immediate decisions about moving. By experiencing Yakushima, they will understand that spending a few days away can change one’s perspective toward a region significantly.

Usuki: The Next Step in Community Engagement

Transitioning from Yakushima, the second phase of the event will take place in Usuki. Here, Shibire is spearheading initiatives on bilocal living, enabling people to maintain their urban careers while also cultivating a life within a rural community. This approach allows individuals to live in two places, gaining the best of both worlds.

Local directors Kazuka Yamamoto and Kokoro Otani will share personal anecdotes and visuals from their visits to Usuki. They’ll highlight encounters with locals, the culture of Usuki, and various experiences of daily life there. This discussion intends to encourage ongoing relationships with the region rather than a one-time visit and presents the idea that there are multiple ways to sustain connections, even before committing to relocation.

Connecting Through Time Spent in Yakushima and Usuki

Despite their differences, Yakushima and Usuki are united by the simple act of spending time in a place. The event will feature a cross-talk segment where the guests will discuss topics such as:

• - How to choose the distance in engaging with a region.
• - What changes occur by collectively spending time in a local environment.
• - The potential of leading a life that integrates urban and rural settings freely.

These conversations aim to shed light on modern ways of engaging with environments that suit an individual’s lifestyle.

A Movement Beyond Migration

OFF TOKYO is more than just a local media hub—it’s a platform that connects urban dwellers with rural community experiences. Shibire Inc.’s events serve as gateways to understanding that engagement doesn’t have to culminate in relocation. Instead, it beckons individuals to explore, spend time, and foster relationships in local areas. Thus, this event will inspire attendees to envision lifestyles that escape the confines of Tokyo, encouraging them to explore new ways of life.

Who Should Attend?

• - Those intrigued by rural life but not ready for migration.
• - Individuals eager to learn about fresh engagement with regions.
• - Anyone curious about bilocal living or multiple-community arrangements.
• - People wishing to continue their urban careers while still connecting with a rural area.
• - Those desiring to spend a few days in a contrasting environment.
• - Anyone contemplating future working and living arrangements.
• - Individuals with an interest in Yakushima or Usuki.

Join us on September 15th at the OFF TOKYO space and be part of this transformative conversation!

Event Details

• - Date & Time: September 15, 2026, 19:00 - 21:00 (Doors open at 18:45)
• - Entry Fee: ¥1,000
• - Location: OFF TOKYO, 21-1 Nihonbashi Kodenmachō, Chūō, Tokyo
• - Access: Close to multiple stations including Bakurocho Station (JR Sobu Line), Kodenmacho Station (Tokyo Metro), and Bakuroyokoyama Station (Toei Subway).
• - More Info: Shibire Inc.