Kumiko Kanayama Presents at the 2026 FISEO Congress in Italy

On March 21, 2026, a gathering of European shiatsu practitioners and teachers were given a rare opportunity: to experience a workshop led by a Japanese Grandmaster of Shiatsu. Kumiko Kanayama—founder and Grandmaster of the Five Lights Center of Shiatsu in New York City—was the featured presenter at the 2026 FISEO (Italian Federation of Shiatsu Teachers and Practitioners) Congress.

The congress took place in the seaside town of Loano in the Liguria region of Italy from March 20–22. This year’s theme was Kokoro, a Japanese term often translated as “heart,” though its meaning is more nuanced. In Japanese thought, Kokoro suggests an integrated unity of heart, mind, and spirit functioning together as one. The organizers also invited Kumiko to assist in developing the conference logo inspired by this theme.

Kumiko Kanayama is widely known in the international shiatsu community for creating the Global Shiatsu Virtual Gatherings during the COVID epidemic. She is also well known in Italy for her shiatsu workshops held in collaboration with Okami Kumo, an organization dedicated to promoting Japanese culture in Italy.

Other presenters at the congress included Italian practitioners Marco Borio and Paola Frandon. Their sessions approached the theme of Kokoro primarily through lecture and discussion, examining the concept from an intellectual Western perspective while incorporating brief hands-on demonstrations. Kumiko’s presentation took a very different approach—one that was experiential, intuitive, and deeply rooted in Eastern tradition.

Kumiko approached the subject of Kokoro as an artistic process that leads to a new way of seeing. During her preparation for the congress, she rediscovered a book in her personal library describing twelve “hearts,” or kokoro, which she connected to the twelve meridians central to shiatsu practice.

The workshop began with ancient drawings depicting figures in positions designed to activate the energy of the twelve meridians. Kumiko demonstrated each posture and invited the audience to stand and explore the positions themselves. Looking around the room, one could see hundreds of practitioners searching for the correct forms. “Beginner’s mind” was the only possible approach—this material was new for nearly everyone present. Some participants closed their eyes and turned inward; others carefully watched Kumiko and adjusted their bodies accordingly. No two expressions were the same, just as no two hearts are the same.

Kumiko then guided the group through her version of Makko-Ho meridian stretches. While many participants were familiar with the exercises, Kumiko set a deeper intention—not simply stretching the meridians but becoming one with them and recognizing the connection between each meridian and its corresponding kokoro.

Kumiko next demonstrated her Intuitive Shiatsu approach to Hara diagnosis, feeling, finding, and treating the body as the session unfolded. Participants paired up to practice the technique. The questions that followed revealed that many had encountered new sensations and perspectives in their practice. The presence of the different kokoro seemed to be opening and becoming more apparent.

A lunch break allowed participants to process and discuss the experience together.

After lunch, Kumiko demonstrated an Intuitive Shiatsu treatment of the Bladder Meridian. Beginning at the hara, she moved up and down the body with continuous flowing motion, adapting and reassessing the energetic landscape as she worked. Her movement clearly demonstrated the energetic connection between practitioner and receiver. As she worked on the receiver’s Bladder Meridian—associated with the Kokoro of courage and trust—one could also see the involvement of her own meridian in the treatment. Once again, the audience paired up to practice, searching for the energetic connection they had witnessed. The integration of heart, mind, and spirit became increasingly tangible.

The workshop concluded with a collective experience designed to allow participant to sense their own kokoro. Through a multimedia presentation of slides and music, the energy in the room gradually built until participants were on their feet, moving and dancing freely. Kumiko danced and laughed with the group, thanking everyone for their dedication and sincerity in learning and growing together.

Her final message to the audience was simple and heartfelt:

“We need more teachers. We need more practitioners. Please.”

Keith Strand is a retired architect, a Makko Ho Leader, and The Five Lights Center Community Outreach person. Keith received a Bachelor's in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado and a Master's in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute. He practiced architecture in New York City for over 35 years, owning and managing his own firm for 31 years. Keith’s strengths include understanding and navigating bureaucracies and their requirements as well as developing teamwork. Keith is assisting the Five Lights Center in reaching out to individuals and organizations that promote shiatsu and the Five Lights Center, and in handling follow-up inquiries.

Photo credit: Federica Valabrega

Giuseppe Orlando

FiSieo