Living Somatic






Here, we first learn the rules—


and then, with awareness


we gently unlearn them




As a house is


an extension of the body



As the body is


our home—



Living Somatic is an artist-led platform rooted in somatic practice, artistic research, and embodied ways of living.

Based around the ongoing restoration of a traditional Japanese house 「沢庵 -Takuan」 the project brings people together through experimental site-responsive residencies and intimate Contact improvisation gatherings.

Currently located in Ibusuki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, at the southernmost tip of Honshu Japan.

What's upcoming?

21-31 MAY 2026
産声　UBUGOE : Japan 10-days experimental dance residency in nature and studio

More info

Location : Ibusuki Kagoshima









Through shared presence
and deep listening,


a space opens
to meet each other


　While the land
speaks their memory,


the present moment
touches the body

：

Time begins to hung in the air,


what were once dots
form a circle

:


We may also be restoring
something within ourselves







The current house is over 100 years old and was an important meeting place for the people of this village since the Edo period(about 1740-)
The house has been well cared after by generations of ancestors.
And we are the first outsider.


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Behind the Story


—


1. The House and the old man

The idea of inviting people to this depopulated village—
and of carrying this house into the next generation—
was not originally mine.

When I first came to see the house,
a local old man who helped connect me to the house said:

“I had been waiting for someone like you.”


Yes, that was his idea.


—


2. The renovation and passed on

Years ago, I lived on a remote island—Hachijojima.
I renovated an old house that was meant to be demolished
and learned from an elder farmer there.

Today, that house is lived in by a young artist
who came from Tokyo.

She now assists the same elder who once taught me.

In a way, something continues.

Not by plan, but by happened.


—


3. The Bicycle solo trip

In 2021, during the pandemic,
I cycled across Japan as Somatic reserch —2,300 kilometers.

I passed through rural villages filled with empty houses
everywhere I go,
soaked in hot springs that healed my body,
and encountered traditional performing arts and local cuisine rooted in each region’s climate and history.

Again and again, I felt the quiet weight of what might disappear,
and a desire to help carry something forward.

—

”Living Somatic” was launched in March 2025 by Mikis Tapaswi

Through people come together and sharing, we wish to learn life, contribute to regional revitalization and serve as a bridge to the next generation.





Ibusuki City, Kagoshima

The port of Yamagawa in this small city is where diplomacy began in the 16th century with the arrival of the first Portuguese ship to the Japanese mainland. Jorge Alvarez, the captain of that ship, wrote a 'Report on Japan' of what he saw and was the first to introduce Japan to the Western world.

Ibusuki is known as a retro hot spring resort and is blessed with an abundance of hot springs. It is said that there are more than 800 sources in the town, some of which are luxurious private spas, while others encompass long-established family run business that have been around since the Meiji era.(For about 150 years)


In recent years, Ibusuki City has been grappling with an aging population, depopulation, and the resulting problem of vacant homes.

How to get IBUSUKI!?

The nearest airport is KAGOSHIMA Airport.
LCC flights from Tokyo and Osaka often offer tickets priced below ¥10,000.

There will be a Footbath waiting for you in front of the bus terminal at the
KAGOSHIMA airport.

You have two options:
1, Take the direct bus from the airport to Ibusuki
2, Take the bus from the airport to Kagoshima Central Station and then take the train or the bus to Ibusuki.

There are four direct buses a day from Kagoshima Airport to Ibusuki Station.
10:30, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00
(No reservation is required)
It takes about 2 hours!

Get in touch:
livingsomatic@gmail.com


With heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported and participated in this project, as well as to the house and the local community!
Made on
Tilda