Hand to Hand, Heart to Heart—Our Shiatsu Family Grows

Dear Five Lights Family,

After teaching six courses totaling 120 hours of the Five Lights Shiatsu Certification Training Program in three beautiful cities in Italy, my heart is full of gratitude and joy. I am returning to New York inspired by the kindness, curiosity, and spirit of everyone who shared this journey with me.

Open Hearts, Open Minds

Although the participants were experienced Shiatsu practitioners, everyone came with open hearts and minds, ready to explore and learn together. Their generosity reminded me that no matter how long we have practiced, there is always something new to discover.

Carol beautifully captured our experience:

“We ate, breathed, laughed, and cried with joy together. Everyone moved together from the Hara, synchronizing our movements. Fifteen Haras became one. What an incredible power we have as human beings!”— Carol

Fifteen Haras became one. These words stay with me. As we moved from our center, we found a shared rhythm—a connection we could feel beyond words.

Serena also shared a lovely story. After returning from the workshops, she gave a session to one of her regular clients. He told her it was the best session he had ever received—and gave her a huge thumbs-up! Hearing how our learning together carried into her practice brought me so much joy.

Reunited Through Shiatsu

Ilanit came from Israel with her daughter, and Maria traveled from Sweden. Both had faced difficult journeys in their lives, yet they found their way back to our Shiatsu community.

We had not seen one another for decades, but the heart of Shiatsu brought us together again. Reconnecting with these dear friends while welcoming a new group of students was deeply moving.

We shared our experiences, learned from one another, and expanded our Shiatsu tribe in Italy—a circle of caring hands and open hearts reaching across borders and generations.

Be Creative, Be Bold

Reflecting on the moxa workshop, Carla shared a valuable reminder: there are many ways to stimulate the tsubos and encourage the flow of Ki.

Our tools are all around us. Our hands, gentle warmth, and even thoughtfully chosen household items can offer possibilities for working with tsubos, encouraging the flow of Ki, and releasing what we describe in Shiatsu as stagnant energy.

Her reflection reminded us to remain curious, explore with care, and trust the sensitivity we develop through practice.

Be creative. Be bold. Keep listening.

I traveled to Italy to teach, but I also learned. Every exchange reminded me that our practice continues to grow when we make room for new perspectives.

Meet Us Again in Bologna!

We look forward to gathering again in May 2027 in Bologna, Italy, at the APOS Conference, to feel the power of Shiatsu together.

Join us as we continue learning, sharing, and strengthening this international circle of friendship.

To everyone who organized, hosted, translated, attended, supported these six courses—and helped carry my heavy suitcases!—grazie di cuore. Thank you from my heart—Kokoro (心)!

Hand to hand, heart to heart, we continue building bridges through Shiatsu.

With love, peace, and gratitude,

Kumiko Kanayama

Shiatsu Grandmaster, educator, and Founder of the Five Lights Center of Shiatsu