Touch, Connection, and Discovery: Shiatsu in Italy 2025

To all Shiatsu practitioners and students: In September of 2025, I traveled to Italy for the third time to attend the Five Lights Italian Shiatsu workshops. The experience was truly unforgettable. Traveling to another country always brings new learning opportunities, but this trip was uniquely special due to the strong support from the locals. I had the chance to meet incredible healers who were eager to help me explore Italy in a whole new light. The culture's strong support for Shiatsu was evident, and I had the privilege of learning from practitioners with decades of experience who were excited to learn from Kumiko Kanayama. Feeling their touch and receiving their feedback was truly enlightening.

Each year is different, and each year has been remarkable in its own way. This year, the organizers in Italy arranged a special side trip after the Saturday workshop. We car-pooled and drove into the mountains near Netro, heading to the Sanctuary of Oropa, known for its statue of the Madonna in black painted wood. The drive was scenic, and we learned about the area and its Catholic history from the locals. The Sanctuary was a beautiful collection of buildings, including a small chapel that originally housed the Black Madonna and a larger church that currently holds the statue. We were fortunate to catch a choral recital in the chapel as we left, which added to the peaceful and awe-inspiring atmosphere. We then enjoyed a traditional dinner at a restaurant within the sanctuary complex, offering a unique dining experience. This evening was a perfect example of the enriching experiences that the Italian Shiatsu trip offers, experiences that would not be possible if traveling alone.

The primary focus of the Italian Shiatsu trip is, of course, to study Shiatsu. This aspect of the trip is equally rewarding and unique. If you have had the opportunity to study with Grandmaster Kumiko Kanayama, you are familiar with her special teaching method. If not, you are in for a treat. Having worked with Kumiko for three years, I can say that in Italy, she exudes an even greater presence and challenges students to delve deeper. One of the highlights of the workshops in Italy is the diverse group of students. In Europe, there is a different attitude towards alternative healing practices, and I have met individuals who practice Shiatsu in various settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private studios. Hearing about their past experiences and witnessing their dedication during the exercises has broadened my perspective. The devotion and openness of the European students have been truly inspiring. I have formed lasting friendships with many of the people I have met through the Italian Shiatsu workshops, which I consider to be one of the greatest benefits of this experience.

I highly recommend this experience to anyone who can make it happen. It will undoubtedly help you grow both personally and professionally as a healer.

Keith Strand is a retired architect, a Makko Ho Leader, and The Five Lights Center Community Outreach person. Keith received a Bachelors in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado and a Masters 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 teamwork development. Keith is assisting Five Lights Center in reaching out to individuals and organizations promoting shiatsu and the Five Lights Center, and assisting in follow-up inquiries.