We bring you an update on the 2-day, 1-night "Satoyama Program" held in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, which began on March 30, 2026. This special program was created through the collaborative efforts of the Nagusa Partner companies and Camp Ship Academy. Children left their families and took their first steps on their own. It was an adventure filled with sparkling discoveries and new friendships, all packed into a short amount of time.
On the morning of departure, the children gathered in Shibuya, carrying large backpacks and looking a little nervous. As they boarded the bus, watched by their families, the scenery outside the window changed from buildings to lush greenery, and the bus gradually filled with anticipation for the adventure.
The "Nagusa Seminar House," where we arrived before noon, is located in a quiet area surrounded by mountains. Upon arrival, we checked into our accommodations. In the spacious former junior high school building, the children were already excited just walking down the hallways. After recharging with lunch at Nagusa Chit Farm, it was time to tackle this year's art workshop.
In the afternoon, there was an art workshop led by Atelier Mado from Ashikaga City. Facing a large canvas, the children used their whole bodies to paint freely. Even those who were hesitant to start writing at first quickly brightened up as they touched the paints, enjoying dynamic expression using their hands and even their feet. As colors mixed and new worlds emerged, it seemed as if the children's free imaginations were unleashed.
In the evening, everyone cooperated to make curry for dinner. With unfamiliar movements, they washed vegetables and cut ingredients, seriously tackling each task. As per Camp Ship's rule, "Those who do not work shall not eat," the curry they diligently prepared themselves tasted exceptional.
After sunset, we gathered around a "Camp Ship Fire." Staring at the flickering flames in the darkness, and feeling the warmth of the fire with leaders and friends, helped the children bond closely.
On the morning of the second day, everyone woke up energetically in the slightly chilly air of the satoyama. During the morning walk, we all went "mugwort picking." "Is it this one?" "Oh, there's another one over there!" they exclaimed, searching for soft, spring-scented new shoots while carefully examining the ground. They returned to the accommodation, carefully carrying the spring blessings they had picked with their own hands.
The main event of the morning was the long-awaited mochi pounding experience. The children were fascinated as the mugwort they had picked was kneaded in, turning the mochi a vibrant green. With energetic shouts of "Yoisho!", they swung the pestle diligently with their small bodies. The freshly pounded and rolled mugwort mochi was surprisingly chewy, and it had a special taste that they had made with their own hands.
Finally, we enjoyed a wide game on the spacious grounds. They looked much stronger as they ran at full speed than when we first met them yesterday.
Saying goodbye came all too soon. After departing Nagusa, the final stop was souvenir shopping in Ashikaga. It was impressive to see them earnestly selecting items, pondering how to share their fun memories with their families waiting at home.
Though it was a short 2-day, 1-night trip, the children tried many "firsts": doing things for themselves, cooperating with friends, and experiencing the wonders of nature. A small seed of confidence must have been firmly sown in their hearts.
We look forward to seeing everyone again, even more grown, at Camp Ship.
See you again someday at Camp Ship!