In Spring of 2023, as I was roaming through different parts of rural Japan exploring new communities and possibilities, not knowing in a few months I would be moving to and living in Japan, I came across a small town called Nagahama, located in the Shiga prefecture. I was attending a live music event that the locals had told me about and just as I was about to leave, I was introduced to Sae-san, a bodywork therapist who, after finding out I used to be a photographer but was interested in learning more about farming, told me I should meet with this photographer who also farms. I gave that photographer a follow on instagram, and continued my journey as I drove further down to Tokushima, where I would spend the next few weeks working at an organic farm.
A few days before the end of my time at the farm, I found out the photographer that Sae-san had told me about was having their first solo exhibition in their home. I remember nervously opening the sliding door and walking through the genkan, where I was swiftly greeted by the host, Kogi-san.
Kogi-san lives with her family in a 400 year old home that had been passed down through generations before her. There she farms with her dad, practices bodywork therapy with a focus on the Hara (stomach), and hosts events that bring communities together and closer to nature. Each of my visit was met with an abundance of warmth, openness and kindness from Kogi-san and her family.
とろける日 (“Day to melt away”) was Kogi-san’s idea where friends and local community members could gather, reconnect with themselves and one another through sharing meals and conversations while experiencing an array of alternative, natural remedies such as Thai massage and hypnotherapy. The inaugural event received such great feedback that it turned into something locals look forward to each season. This November I will be returning to Kogi-san’s home, giving aromatherapy treatments and working in the presence of experienced practitioners like Takayanagi-san from Fura’s room and Hokkaido-based Thai massage therapist Momoko-san.
とろける日 vol. 3
Location: The Kogi’s, Osaka Date: 2024/11/24-25
Booking: available via DM on instagram or by filling out this form.
Treatments available
dry head spa
Deeply relaxing treatment focusing on the head, neck and shoulder area
30 min .……………………………….. ¥3,000
45 min .……………………………….. ¥4,500
reflexology
Aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage treatment (foot and leg)
45 min .……………………………….. ¥6,000
reflexology + dry head spa
Aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage treatment followed by dry head spa
45 min .……………………………….. ¥6,000
60 min .……………………………….. ¥8,000
full body
Aromatherapy and lymphatic drainage treatment (front and back of legs, feet, back and shoulder, arms, stomach and décolleté)
90 min ……………………………… ¥12,000
120 min ………….……………….. ¥16,000
