Sally, a traveler from Denmark, met various people and experienced the local culture.
What was life and travel like in this town?
We had Sally write “Inabe, Journeying into life.”

−The following is written by Sally.

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SHIBATA FAMILY

I have lived 1 month with Kayoko, Nozomu and Ao Shibata in Fujiwara-Nishi. Living with the Shibata family is one of the most unique things I have done in my years traveling.
They accepted me into their house, only knowing I am the sister in law to an old classmate from 24 years ago.
We eat together, visit their friends, go on trips, dress up as pirates and live by the phrase “mai nichi party”. They introduce me to their community and treat me as a new member of their family.
I have learned for example about art, flower arrangement, fermentation, Japanese herbs and how to kill a suppon. I help them with daily chores, Ao and in their garden. Every day we laugh a lot and they have become like a new family to me.

AO

Ao is both my japanese teacher and favorite playmate. I think when people start learning japanese, we don’t think about the big history of ultra man, how to pronounce su-pe-ku-to-ru-ma-n and phrases like “ano saaa”. In my first weeks I understood almost nothing of what he was saying, but with Ao, I didn’t need to talk about where I am from, why I am in Japan and what I plan to do. I can just listen and say “ahhh” and “yadaaa”.
He motivates me to keep studying Japanese. I want to understand his songs, jokes and comments on the world.

MY FOREST COLLEGE 

A few times a month me and Nozomu go to help Hayabusa at his nature school, My forest college. I learn together with the kids about different knives, how to use them and make chopsticks by yourself. I play and help the kids while learning about Japanese nature and bushcraft. After that, we always eat and talk in the cafe “My house” with Maki, Hayabusa and their kids. I’m always amazed by their kindness, Maki’s food, their son’s Nagi’s shop and their great sense of humor.

LINK: My Forest College
LINK: myhouse cafe

FARMING AND HELPING THE LOCALS

The Shibata family always introduces me to their different friends.
Their friends sometimes invite me to come and help them with, for example, farming. I have helped in Yuuki’s and Fuu-san different fields, learning about organic farming, Japanese vegetables and the different challenges like the weather and animals. It’s amazing to see the differences between Danish and Japanese farming conditions, and seeing monkeys for the first time is quite surreal for me. Amazing to see the strong sense of community between the organic farmers and I coming back home with some vegetables felt like I was providing for my family.

LINK: Yuuki farm ゆうき農園
LINK: Happu farm 八風農園

ARTS AND CRAFTS IN INABE

I have been so lucky to be invited to many different peoples houses in Inabe, to see and learn about different crafts. I learned about the Japanese way of reusing, reinforcing and coloring clothes, it’s very beautiful. I have also seen different amazing workshops at Owanno Sasaura and Hatta Mandolin, and of course Hope Metal Craft in Shibata house. I think there is a great sense of care and appreciation of handmade skills in Inabe. Whether it’s a wooden bowl or bag of tea, things are made with a lot of attention. I was very inspired and wanted to learn every craft I saw. The different craftsmen, shops, tea producers, cafes and restaurants makes the area very rich in culture. It’s something I don’t see in the countryside of Denmark where I am from.

LINK: Owanno Sasaura （おわんのささうら/菰野町）
LINK: Hatta Mandolin
LINK: Hope Metal Craft（柴田望）

INABE PEOPLE

I think the most powerful experience for me has been being so welcomed by the people and communities of Inabe. From the first day I was met with curiosity and excitement of my arrival. When I went to the local koto teacher, she lended me a koto to practice for free. If I was invited to parties or lunch and met new people, they would give me presents and invite me to come and visit them as well. When I said I like soba, I was invited to a soba dojo to learn how to make soba.
There is an enormous sense of sharing, hospitality and humbleness, and everyone I meet is so kind.
It’s amazing to see the parents in the kindergartens being friends with each other, and their kids also being friends. To see people making a little extra of something, so they can give it to someone as a present. This way of living and being as a human is a great inspiration for me and something I will take with me forever.

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Dear Sally
Thank you so much for writing the article.
I am very happy to have met you.
I wish you wonderful journeys ahead.
Let’s meet again!
Best regards,
Aimi Araki