On February 27, 2026, OMPEA and Trinity Nest jointly organized a “Local Community and Economic Experience Tour.” The tour was a one-day trip to the Chiba–Sosa–Tako area, designed to allow participants to directly observe local social and economic activities. At the same time, the trip offered a meaningful experience that combined natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community-building initiatives.
Participants gathered at Narita International Airport at 10:00 a.m., where the journey officially began with a bus departure to the tour destinations.
Iidaka Danrin – Rediscovering the Roots of Early Education
At around 10:30 a.m., the group arrived at the first destination of the tour, Iidaka Danrin, a historically significant heritage site. Located in Chiba Prefecture, Iidaka Danrin was once a well-known Buddhist educational center during the Edo period. It played an important role in the development of education in Japan and is now preserved as an important historical landmark.
The site is surrounded by a natural environment that allows visitors to experience both cultural heritage and nature simultaneously. Known as one of the places where Japan’s early education system flourished, it provided participants with an opportunity for quiet reflection and self-awareness. By learning about the history, culture, and social context of the area, visitors were able to appreciate the deeper value and legacy of the local community.
Onigiri Workshop with Tako Rice and a Fermented Lunch
At 11:30 a.m., the next program was an Onigiri (rice ball) workshop using locally produced Tako Rice. Participants had the chance to prepare their own rice balls while learning about the importance of locally grown agricultural products.
The lunch session featured a fermented food–based meal, designed with health and traditional food culture in mind. Participants were also able to taste fermented rice as part of the lunch experience. During this session, participants met directly with the business owner, exchanged name cards, and discussed business experiences. This provided valuable insights into local product branding and value-enhancement strategies used by regional businesses.
Tako no Hoshi – A Community-Building Experience
At 1:30 p.m., the group visited Tako no Hoshi, a campsite operated and managed by local residents. Located in Tako Town, the site was developed with the goal of strengthening social connections within the community through collaboration and co-creation.
Tako no Hoshi offers a practical example of a community-based economic model rooted in local development and social collaboration. During the visit, participants were able to learn about several key aspects of this initiative:
- A community-led local business model
- Business operations that prioritize sustainability
- Management practices aligned with government regulations
- Trust-building relationships between local residents and business operators
Through interactions with the local community, participants gained a deeper understanding of how local businesses operate responsibly while maintaining environmental sustainability and complying with regulatory standards. The group also had the opportunity to meet the owner directly, discuss the operational structure of the project, and enjoy locally prepared snacks generously offered by the community.
Iyashi no Sato – Jiriki Seitai and the Entrepreneurial Mindset
At 2:30 p.m., the group arrived at Iyashi no Sato, a wellness studio created through the renovation of a former farmer’s warehouse. The building has been transformed into a space dedicated to wellness and personal balance.
Surrounded by nature, Iyashi no Sato offers an environment where visitors can reconnect with both body and mind. Participants took part in Jiriki Seitai exercises, a form of self-adjustment practice that helps relax muscles, improve body alignment, and relieve stress.
In addition to the wellness session, the visit provided insight into how an old warehouse had been creatively renovated into a yoga and wellness studio. It also demonstrated how individuals can combine small-scale entrepreneurship with community-based social initiatives near their homes.
Key Outcomes from the Tour
Through this Community Business Tour, participants were able to gain several valuable experiences:
- New perspectives on the future potential of local economies
- A deeper appreciation of culture, community living, and collaborative creation through direct experience
- Opportunities to connect and network with corporate leaders and future community leaders
- Direct discussions with successful local entrepreneurs and learning from their practical experiences
- Personal physical and mental relaxation through the practice of Jiriki Seitai
The Chiba–Sosa–Tako one-day Community Business Tour offered a unique opportunity to explore community-based economic models, cultural heritage, and social connections all within a single day. It provided a meaningful example of how local communities can build sustainable economic systems while preserving cultural identity and strengthening social ties.
