On the path we've taken so far,
there's still value lying unseen.
Both I experienced restructuring and I worked in manufacturing.
I was in my 40s and felt lost in the direction of my life.
But it is those experiences that have made us who we are today.
Why don't we spend seven months looking for it together?
Tomohiro Fukuzawa
(Founder, SkyDrive / Tokyo 18th term)
"I thought I was having a good career, but the thought 'is this what I really want to do?' I couldn't find the answer on my own. I couldn't find the answer on my own, and I was in a hazy state of uncertainty, but through discussions at zenschool with others who had similar concerns, I realised that the 'flying car' I had been working on as a voluntary activity was the voice of my heart. Now all my seven years of experience at Toyota are being put to use in a new way."
Momoe
(Founder, Zen Eating / Tonomachi 6th form)
"I had an idea for a business, but I had been struggling alone for more than six months. At zenschool, I had time to reflect on my childhood experiences, and the keyword 'adventure' came to mind. My experiences in India and my love for Japanese food culture, which I couldn't have realised on my own, came together as 'The Great Adventure of a Small Man'."
Takako Kajikawa
(President and CEO of Fujita Corporation / 11th term in Tokyo)
"Although I had fulfilled my responsibilities as a business successor, deep down I felt that something was missing. But I couldn't figure out what it was on my own. During the seven months at zenschool, through the deep conversations that are possible only in a small group, I discovered a voice in my heart that I hadn't even realized I had: I want to share the art of beautiful craftsmanship with as many people as possible. My many years of management experience and skills are now blossoming in a new form: a factory that's like a museum."
The subsequent steps of those who had similar doubts
Take the time to face all of life as a resource.
Why 7 months?
This transformation process overlaps deeply with the "map of consciousness transformation" drawn by a Zen master 800 years ago. We are discovering that ancient wisdom can show us our modern-day path with astonishing accuracy.
[Intensive retreat at the beginning (2 consecutive days)]
We will spend two days at Wakaian Studio in Kamakura taking stock of your life and engaging in team building.
Using the Exciting Treasure Hunting Chart, children will draw out the excitement they felt when they were 10 years old and express it in a storyboard.
[Online presentation (approximately one month later)]
At the presentation, which was also attended by zenschool graduates, participants shared their insights and efforts from the retreat.
You will also get feedback from your seniors.
[Monthly follow-up (5 times)]
We will continue to deepen our dialogue approximately once a month.
We will take concrete steps towards realization, such as prototyping, business planning, and progress confirmation.
[Final Integrated Session (Kamakura)]
We gathered again in Kamakura to reflect and integrate the past seven months.
This is an important time to make a new start.
[Ensuring psychological safety]
Throughout the entire process, we value small groups of 2-3 people, where you can feel free to speak your mind without criticism or evaluation.
I want to talk to people who have these thoughts.
We have experienced similar feelings.
There was a time when I couldn't find an answer even when I was thinking about it alone, and I asked myself, "Is this really okay?"
It may not be exactly the same.
However, I think I can empathize with the feelings and doubts I had at the time.
Does this situation resonate with you?
Career and work
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I feel a certain level of satisfaction with my career so far, but something is missing.
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I want to use the experience I have gained in a more meaningful way
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I want to live the second half of my life more authentically.
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Sometimes I wonder if things should continue like this.
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I don't even know what I want to do next
State of mind and values
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I want to take my time and reflect on myself without rushing.
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I want an opportunity to have deep conversations with people of my generation.
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I want to value intrinsic value over efficiency
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Even if I think about it alone, I can't find the answer
Interest in zenschool
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Think of these seven months as an investment in yourself.
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I'm interested in deep conversations in small groups of 2-3 people.
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I'm attracted to the experience of a special place like Kamakura
But don't you have these concerns?
"Seven months might be too long." "I'm not sure if it's really right for me." "I'm still not sure what I'll be doing specifically." "Is it okay to start something new now?" "I wonder how much it will cost to participate." "I'm worried about whether I'll be able to keep up with the other participants."
It's natural to have such doubts and concerns.
Our journey also began in the forest of confusion.
We've all had days like that before, when we couldn't even remember where we were standing.
One of them has lost everything and is left asking himself, "Who am I?"
The other person is looking beyond the days of ``silencing the voices in his heart'' in exchange for stability.
Two people lost and on different paths, who met, and ironically, both of them were laid off at the same time. Having lost their social standing, and being forced to start anew from scratch, that was the true beginning of our journey.
There was no grand plan behind it. All we had was a sincere desire to once again create something with our own hands that we found truly interesting.
ZenSchool is not a place created to teach know-how. It is a place where you can feel safe listening to your inner voice, even if you are walking a path without answers, just like we were in the past.
Where does your journey continue now?
Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.
During the consultation, we will discuss:
About your situation
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Current work and living situation
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A sense of discomfort or dissatisfaction
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Thoughts and doubts about the future
About zenschool
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Specific contents of the 7-month program
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Actual examples from other participants
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Cost and schedule details
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What the Kamakura experience is like
Factors to consider when deciding whether to participate
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Is zenschool right for your situation?
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Expected changes and results
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Comparison with other options
Please feel free to join us.
It's okay if you're still undecided. We recommend the consultation session especially to those who are undecided about whether to participate. Even if after listening to the talk you decide that it's not for you after all, that's also an important realization.
There is absolutely no pressure to sell. The consultation is purely an opportunity to provide information. You can carefully consider your options without feeling pressured.
Hear about the experiences of people of the same generation. You can hear specific examples of the changes that people in their 40s and 50s who actually participated experienced.
Would you like to participate in a free consultation?
How to participate
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Online (Zoom) or in person in Kamakura
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Duration: 60-90 minutes
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Fully individualized support
Recommended for:
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I want to know more about zenschool
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I want to discuss my situation
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I'd like to hear about other participants' experiences
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I want to eliminate confusion and anxiety
You're sure to discover something new just by listening to the talk. Please feel free to apply.
If you would like to join us on this 7-month journey of self-reflection, please fill out the application form here. We will begin scheduling your course once we receive a minimum of two applications.