Shokokai (Toronto Japanese Association of Commerce & Industry) Newsletter: JET Programme Experience Essay Callout Hello everyone, we have received a request for essays about your Japan Experience during your time…
Over the winter season, while I was volunteering at the Fuyu Matsuri at the JCCC, I was lucky enough to win a gift certificate for a shiatsu massage in the big auction.
Back in Japan, I had some interactions with shiatsu, in the form of shiatsu massage chairs. In fact in Oita, where I lived, there were massage chairs at nearly every onsen, and there were onsens nearly everywhere. Since my favourite pastime was to go to the onsen, this naturally included being gently massaged by a massage chair afterward.
After experiencing a real shiatsu massage at the Tao Sangha Healing Centre, I now know how a Japanese massage chair is nothing like the real thing, and I can never go back. (more…)