Drum. Breathe. Gather.

Inspired by Matsuri — the Japanese festival of coming alive together

Japan Retreat

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The Zenjo is a living space inspired by Matsuri —
where people gather, slow down, and come alive together.

Our Philosophy

Why Matsuri - 祭

Matsuri is a Japanese way of coming together — a simple ritual of returning to life.

When people gather, something unseen begins to grow.
The Zenjo simply holds that space.

Next Gathering

A small retreat where we step away from daily life and return to rhythm, nature, and community.
Join us for a few days of living simply, together.

Making Space

In a world that’s lost its rhythm,
I create spaces where life can move again.

I am a Japanese space maker and cultural producer based in Stockholm.
Through Taiko, meditation, and Matsuri culture,
I create small spaces where life can move again.
The Zenjo is one of those spaces.

Meet Maki

Ways to enter the space

Small gatherings where people, cultures, and traditions meet — and something new quietly begins to grow.

Immersive Retreat

Multi-day gatherings inspired by Matsuri, Taiko, and stillness.
Step away from daily life and return to your natural rhythm.

Workshops & Practice

Hands-on sessions to move, breathe, and play together.
Through simple practice, we reconnect body, rhythm, and community.

Cultural Projects

Cross-cultural collaborations connecting traditions and local communities.
From Taiko to Kimono Punk, we weave living culture into new forms.

Bringing Taiko at a Retreat in Sweden🇸🇪

I brought Taiko to ‘Elevate’ held at Ekskäret island.

We shared rhythm, presence, and connection through a Taiko workshop. We also practiced a traditional stone-throwing dance from Hachijojima — brought to Sweden by @kotaro2011 last September.

A powerful week of movement, stillness, and community.

Thank you @byannalindberg for great photography!

#stockholmtaiko #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #ekskäret #taikoretreat #japanretreat

Every year, in a small town in Nagano, the whole community gathers.

Not for a show. Not for tourists.

But because this festival is part of their lives.
For many people here, this is their ikigai.

This summer, we will host a small retreat here during the festival.
Six days in rural Japan.

Taiko. Zen. Onsen. Local celebration.

Not watching from the outside — but stepping into the living rhythm of a Japanese community.

Nagano, Japan
August 19–24, 2026

More details in the link in bio👆

#stockholmtaiko #japanretreat #matsuri #retreatinjapan #zenretreat

Between mountains and rice fields of Southern Nagano,
we gather in stillness before the fire.

You will practice taiko, sit in Zen, soak in onsen,
and walk through the vast nature of Minami-Shinshu.

On August 22,
you will join the local Matsuri festival with locals
and carry Mikoshi together.

Not as a visitor.
But as part of it.

10 participants only.
Early bird places now open.
Link in bio 👆

www.thezenjo.com

#japanretreat #yogaretreat #zenretreat #matsuri #mikoshi

Shared drumming. Real connection.
Embodying the spirit of Japanese matsuri.

Thank you to everyone who joined this workshop🙏
Your openness, your courage to try something new,
and the energy you brought into the circle made it truly special!

One drum, many hands.
Listening, responding, laughing, finding rhythm together —
that’s where the magic happened.

So much fun. So alive.

Photo by Denise Vestin @denizenphotography
Thank you Ruo Shiobara @kotaro2011 for sharing the Taiko piece - Jutaro Iyasaka Daiko with us!

#stockholmtaiko #taikoworkshop #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #taikodrumming #etnografiskamuseet

Join us in Iida, Nagano — where Matsuri, 祭り is not performed for tourists, but lived by the community.

Guided by Ryo Shiobara and Maki Kobayashi, this retreat blends Taiko practice, Zen stillness, and Onsen rest.

August 19–24, 2026
Small group only.
Details via link in bio or DM.

#japanretreat #matsuri #taikoretreat #zenretreat #yogaretreat

Kimono Punk × Yokai Styling Experience at Etnografiska Museet.

Thank you to everyone who stepped into the world with such openness and curiosity🥰

It was powerful to see each of you reinterpret kimono in your own way — playful, bold, mysterious, elegant.

Photos are coming soon. I can’t wait to share the transformations!

So grateful for your presence and trust.
More to come — and I hope to see you again soon!!!

Photo of @bghgen by @denizenphotography

#kimonopunk #kimonostylist #kimonofashion #着物イベント #kimonopunk

Don’t just visit Japan. Become part of it🙌

This is not a tour. And not a typical yoga retreat.

For six days in rural Nagano, you step inside a real Japanese Matsuri
— carrying the Mikoshi with locals, playing Taiko, soaking in onsen, sharing seasonal meals, and moving between stillness and celebration.

Strength and silence.
Ritual and joy.
Community and personal reflection.

A rare chance to experience Japan from the inside — not as a spectator, but as part of it.

📍 August 19–24, 2026
👥 Limited to 10 guests
🌿 Early bird until March 31

Apply via link in bio 👆

#japanretreat #retreatinjapan #stockholmtaiko #yogaretreatjapan #matsuri

Last minute call — there are still a few places available for the Taiko workshop at Etnografiska Museet on February 21!

We will explore Japanese taiko not as stage performance, but as a shared rhythm practice. Listening, responding, and creating sound together 👏

The session is inspired by regional folk traditions, where multiple players sometimes gather around one drum and the rhythm is shaped collectively.

No experience is needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to try!

If it feels right, you are welcome to join. :)

Booking via the link in bio or directly through Etnografiska Museet’s website👆

Thanks for wonderful photo @danskerdane 🥰

#stockholmtaiko #etnografiskamuseet #和太鼓好きと繋がりたい #wadaiko #hachijodaiko

Kimono is not a costume. It was everyday clothing.

But somewhere along the way, people started to believe there are “rules”…and became afraid to wear it.

Kimono Punk is for you if you:
– have a kimono but don’t know how to wear it
– feel you’re missing items like nagajuban or obi
– feel unsure about “doing it correctly”
– or simply want a new, freer way to style kimono

Wear your kimono like a yokai — free, playful, beyond rules.

Join us for a guided styling experience at Etnografiska.
After the kimono session, a Taiko workshop follows 🥁

📍 21 Feb
Check the link in bio 🔗

#etnografiskamuseet #yokai #kimonofashion #kimonopunk #stockholmkimono

@ranryou 和合の念仏のご縁👻お父様によろしくお伝えください🙏

「天は赤い河のほとり」聖地巡りその2。ピラミッドの中心でラムセス一世への愛を叫んできた。笑

After a sudden health scare caused by severe bleeding from uterine fibroids, I decided to finally visit one of the places on my bucket list.

My mom believes the pyramids were built by aliens and I was laughing at her👽🤣
Now - I don’t know about the technology — but one thing felt clear: this is not something that could be created from the level of human consciousness we live in today😎

Realizing how much we still don’t know sparked my curiosity — and made me want to keep living even more.

Thank you, Egypt, for giving me life force!

#pyramidsofgiza #egypttravel #王の間 #エジプト旅行 #天は赤い河のほとり

A glimpse of “De Hundra Demoner” at Etnografiska Museet..

We dressed in kimono, put on yokai masks, and brought the Japanese spirit world to life through rhythm and movement.
Etnografiska’s Yokai exhibition created the perfect atmosphere — playful, eerie, and full of imagination.

Thank you to everyone who joined the parade and walk with us!

Photo credit: Karl Zetterström @kalle_z @etnografiska

#百鬼夜行 #hyakkiyagyō #stockholmtaiko

Healing Update – 27 days After My Fibroid Surgery ✨
On October 27, I underwent a robotic surgery for my uterine fibroids - 8 myoma, 972g in total!
Combined with the emergency surgery after the massive bleeding on September 28, I now have a total of 8 tiny incisions — but they’re healing✌️

My body is recovering day by day, and I’m slowly returning to full health.Thank you for all the support — I’m doing great and feeling stronger every day. 💛
And special thanks to @sodersjukhuset_regionstockholm and the Gynecology team!

Health comes first — and from now on, I’m choosing to take care of myself with kindness and priority🫶🏼

#myoma #uterinefibroids #子宮筋腫

I’m recovering well after surgery and finally moving again. Another one awaits on October 27, but I’m feeling stronger day by day — please don’t worry. 🙏

Thank you @smappe0220 for joining me at @charity.art.expo ❤️ You’re such an incredible performer.

This Taiko performance was created as a short piece of performance art — blending rhythm, breath, and theater into one🙌🇯🇵

Thanks for the video - repost from @yuliya.tymochko

#stockholmtaiko #japaneseartist #hannya #taikoperformance #kulturhusetstadsteatern #onimask #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #般若面

(手術報告 - 日本語は下↓) Thank you so much to everyone who reacted to my stories and sent me kind messages 🙏Here’s a little update.

On Sunday night (Sept 28), right after Taiko practice, I suddenly had terrible abdominal pain in my friend’s car. I turned pale and was rushed straight to the emergency room. Before I even knew what was happening, I was in surgery — and woke up at 2:30am.

The next day the doctors told me it was massive internal bleeding caused by a uterine myoma. I had lost 2.5 liters of blood. To give you an idea: losing 30% of your blood is already considered life-threatening… and I lost over 50% in such a short time. Pretty scary.

In a way I was very lucky — the bleeding started in my friend’s car, the hospital had a bed available, and I got treatment immediately. I’m also deeply grateful to my husband who rushed over and has been taking such good care of me.

I was discharged already on Tuesday night, but I’m still in a lot of pain and weak from blood loss. Recovery will take some time.

I had just finished producing the “Nordic Hayashi” project that I worked on for half a year, and was hoping to share a happy post here. But maybe this is some kind of message from above — so for now, I’ll focus on resting and healing.

Thank you again for your kindness 💕

———-

�ストーリーズに載せた写真に反応し、お見舞いを送ってくださった方々へのお礼も兼ねて、ご報告です。

9/28日曜の夜、太鼓の練習のあと、送ってくれた友人の車の中で突然激しい腹痛に襲われて青ざめ出し、そのまま急患に運び込まれました。何が起きているかわからないまま緊急手術を受け、明朝2時半に目が覚めました。

翌日の説明で聞いたところによると、子宮筋腫による体内での大量出血で、一気に2.5リットルの血を失ったとのこと。全体の血液の30％以上が生命の危機と言われているので、50%以上を短期間で失ったのはかなりヤバかったようです。

因みに私は血を見るのが怖くて脈も自分で測れないヤツでして、小さい頃は少量の採血で倒れたり、献血も3度失敗しているほど自分の血が抜かれたり血を感じるのが苦手なので、自分に起きたことを考えるだけで恐ろしい！(笑)

出血が起きたのが友人の車だったこと、病院に空きがあり、すぐに処置を受けられたことなどは本当に運が良かったとしか言えません。すぐに駆けつけ、献身的に介護してくれた夫にも感謝です。

火曜の夜には退院させられたのですが、まだ術後の痛みと虚血で力が出ず、回復には至っておりません。

半年がかりでプロデュースした「北欧囃子」プロジェクトが無事に成功に終わったところでしたので、本来はFacebookでハッピー投稿をする予定だったのですが、これも何らかの天からの啓示だと受け止め、当面は無理せず、回復に努めようと思います🫡

Noh-mask from the museum in Fukui - #能面美術館 Thank you @kotaro2011 for great opportunity to see such a masterpiece!

#お能 #能面 #能面好きな人と繋がりたい #nohmask #nohmasks #nohtheatre #お面 #桑田能忍 #japanesemask

(English follows) あらかじめ、敗北宣言をします。
私は太鼓が大好きですが、今生において三宅太鼓や、足腰に過度な負担がかかる打法はやりません。

この夏、坐骨神経痛とぎっくり腰を併発し、いまだに体は本調子に戻っていません。
ただ、それが直接的な原因ではなく、この出来事の前から心に決めていたことがあります。

私が昨年立ち上げたストックホルム太鼓で目指すのは、私の手の届く範囲にいるストックホルム在住の老若男女が、太鼓を通じて心と体と魂、そして人とつながれる、心身の健康を育む場です。

太鼓のスタイルは数多くありますが、年齢を重ねたり、膝や腰や肩を故障したら叩けなくなるようなフィジカル一辺倒の太鼓は、たとえどんなにカッコよくても、私のチームでは目指しません。

私が愛する日本の祭りの太鼓とは、普段は仕事をしている近所のおじさんや子どもたちが、お祭り前に集まって練習し、共に舞台に立つような、そんな太鼓です。
プロの太鼓はもちろん素晴らしいですが、ストックホルム太鼓が目指すのはその世界ではありません。

もちろん、できる範囲で上達し、観てくれる人に楽しんでもらえる演奏を目指します。
しかし、私は何よりも、自分自身と、仲間の心身の健康を最優先に考えます。

これを「敗北」と感じる方がいても構いません。
私は、自分が信じる太鼓の道を歩みます。

I would like to make a declaration of defeat in advance.
I love Taiko, but in this lifetime I will not pursue Miyake Taiko or any style that places excessive strain on the knees, hips, or lower back.

This past summer, I suffered from both sciatica and a slipped back, and my body has not yet fully recovered.
But in truth, I had already made a decision even before this happened.

What I aim for with Stockholm Taiko is to create a team where people of all ages here in Stockholm can connect — with their hearts, bodies, spirits, and with each other — through Taiko, as a way to nurture health and well-being.

There are many styles of Taiko. But those that demand such physical intensity that you can no longer play once you injure your knees, hips, or shoulders — no matter how cool they look — are not the path we will pursue.

The Taiko I love is the festival Taiko of Japan: when local uncles, neighbors, and kids gather after work or school, practice together, and then perform at the festival.
Professional Taiko is, of course, amazing — but that is not the kind of Taiko festival Stockholm Taiko is striving for.

Of course, we will train, improve, and aim to perform in a way that moves people.
But above all, I will prioritize the health of myself and my team members.

If some may see this as “defeat,” so be it.
I will walk the Taiko path I believe in.

#stockholmtaiko #taikodrumming #hachijodaiko #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #八丈太鼓 #和太鼓奏者

Had the honor of performing Taiko at the International Seminar dinner of Kyokushin-kan Sweden!
The powerful spirit of Kyokushin Karate and the deep resonance of Taiko felt truly connected.

A heartfelt thank you to @janasouldancer for inviting me and add beautiful dance to Taiko 🙏❤️

#stockholmtaiko #kyokushinkan #taikodrumming #taikoperformance #japanesedance #wadaiko #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #和太鼓女子

I found this conch shell being used as a decoration. No mouthpiece.
I wasn’t sure if I could blow it—but after a few tries, I finally made a sound.
It’s amazing how breath can awaken even something long silent.

#法螺貝 #修験道 #山伏 #法螺貝好きな人と繋がりたい #horagai #stockholmtaiko #yamabushi #shugendo #conchshellhorn

This morning at 7:15-ish AM…I threw Swedish Radio into the ice bath (even though all the ice has melted 🤣!)🧊📻

Live on P4 Stockholm morning program, brave reporter @fredrikhilmered took the plunge — guided by breath, presence, and cold water😆

Cold exposure isn’t just about challenge. It’s about clarity, focus, and reclaiming your power through breath and stillness.

You did it — total respect!

🙏 Thanks Fredrik for your brave live report!

Also…special thanks to @wada_sanna to connect me with Sveriges Radio!

#sverigesradiop4 #morgonip4 #sverigesradio #coldplunge #icebathchallenge #wimhofmethodinstructor #ヴィムホフメソッド #アイスバス

Horn Battle: Viking Horns vs. Japanese Conch Shell 🐚

I played two different Viking horns and a horagai – a sacred Japanese conch shell traditionally used by Yamabushi, monks and warriors.
Each one carries a unique soul and story.

#VikingHorn #horn #Horagai #vallhorn #taikodrumming #yamabushi #法螺貝 #法螺貝好きな人と繋がりたい #角笛

It was beautiful midsummer meditation at Vipassana meditation center in Sweden…anicca 🙏

#vipassanameditation #vipassanameditationcenter #ヴィパッサナー瞑想 #ヴィパッサナー #annica #goenka #meditationretreat

I’m in the process of returning to my true self.
Instead of setting fixed goals and pushing forward, I’ve realized that holding a vague sense of direction and vision — while fully living in the present — allows the right things to unfold naturally, in their own time.

Big thanks to @denizenphotography for capturing this moment.

#stockholmtaiko #killbill #japanesewomen #femalesamurai #femaleninja #taikodrummers #shinobue #篠笛奏者 #和太鼓女子 #スウェーデン生活

Thank you so much @denizenphotography for being the part of my performance art at @charity.art.expo! Your dance and play was AWESOME!!!!

#stockholmtaiko #taikoperformance #taikodrumming #contemporarydance #charityartexpo #wadaiko #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #和太鼓女子 #スウェーデン生活

Join us for a powerful but artistic and meditative Taiko performance by Maki and Denise at the Charity Art Expo — an inspiring day of art, rhythm, and purpose!

Discover 200+ artworks and connect with 20+ artists

Support Bröstcancerförbundet — 15% of all art sales go to the cause

Enjoy live music, dance, fashion, and Japanese drumming

Celebrate creativity and community on Mother’s Day weekend!

🕛 The event runs from 12:00 to 18:00
🥁 Taiko performance starts at 15:30
🎟 Tickets at the door or online: https://billet.to/1145719–maki-kobayashi

Second photo by @digitalstorymasters @naseemquraishilarsson

#charityartexpo #stockholmtaiko #taikomeditation #taikodrumming #wadaiko #performingartist #和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #和太鼓女子 #和楽器好きな人と繋がりたい

May in Sweden, but it feels like summer!
Enjoying a refreshing dip in nature’s cold embrace – around 10°C, just perfect for a gentle cold exposure.
Sun on my skin, chill in the water, and peace in the soul. This is how I reconnect 🫶🏼

#coldexposure #coldplunge #icebath #winterswimming #NatureBathing #wimhofinstructor #wimhofmethod #ヴィムホフメソッド #寒中水泳 #水風呂 #アイスバス

Yesterday, I offered a special breathwork session for a Zen priest. He shared that breathwork combined with Taiko rhythms led him to a deeper experience than usual meditation.
Yes—breath and sound are powerful tools that help open the gateway within.

I love Zazen, but I find it much easier to sit after mantra chanting, yoga, breathwork, or even music. These practices soften the mind and body, making space for stillness.

#zazen #stockholmtaiko #taikomeditation #zenmeditation #breathworkfacilitator #zenbreathing #呼吸法 #座禅体験 #ブレスワーク #

In 2019, I joined Hale as a breath guide, and what a journey it has been! So many memories, connections, and moments of growth. Now, as Hale steps into a new chapter, I just want to express my deepest gratitude for everything this space has given me and so many others. Wishing Hale all the best in this next phase—may it be filled with success, inspiration, and new opportunities. Thank you, Hale, for the breath, the energy, and the community! 💙✨

#halecenter #breathwork #breathworkhealing #breathworkfacilitator #pranayama #wimhofbreathing #呼吸法 #ブレスワーク #ヴィムホフ #プラーナヤーマ

I was so tired this week. My body was heavy and I felt slightly depressed…so I went to Hellasgården and did cold plunge for the first time this year. It was….so goooooooood. I feel really good and happy now. Full of energy, and really appreciate the cold water who woke me up!

#wimhofmethodinstructor #coldplunge #icebathtime #winterswimming #寒中水泳 #滝行 #アイスバス #ヴィムホフメソッド #氷風呂 #水風呂最高 #coldshowerchallenge

Played war drum with Taiko for @afn.mma ’Kumite’ competition at @f9solna 🙏 I love martial arts and missing Kumite and Randori so much…Unfortunately I can’t do much because of injuries now, so I play Taiko instead 🥁🔥

#和太鼓好きな人と繋がりたい #和太鼓女子 #wadaiko #stockholmtaiko #wardrum #vikingdrum #afn #mmafight #mixedmartialarts #総合格闘技 #格闘技女子

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