Sōan（蒼庵）

The retreat I run on this island is housed in a historic old residence.

It was originally built by a man named Mochizuki, right in the middle of a small village said to have been founded by the defeated warriors of the Heike clan — a village “hidden from the sea.”

With its stone walls and enclosing fences, the house has the presence of a small castle, and in the past it was known by the name Tonoya (殿屋）, meaning “the lord’s house.”

For many years, it was home to Mr. Era, whose family had lived here for generations and owned much of the surrounding land.

When I first chose this place as the base for my retreat, I called it “the Era Residence” out of respect for its history.

Later, when I decided to leave my life split between Tokyo and the island and settle here fully, a friend said to me, almost in passing:

“I think you should give this place a name that reflects more of your own energy.”

That gentle suggestion stayed with me, and soon I gave the house a new name.

I called it Sōan (蒼庵）.

Sō（蒼）, the character for “blue,” is more than just a color.

It is the deep hue of the far-off sky, the depths of the sea, the stillness of an ancient forest.

It holds quietness and depth, as if it could reach across time and touch an older layer of memory.

That is also what this retreat aims to offer — a place where you can rest in that kind of “profound stillness.”

Here, nothing is forced.

You simply breathe more deeply and listen for the voice that comes before words — and in doing so, you might meet the sensations and awareness that rise naturally from within.

An（庵） means a small dwelling — simple, personal, and yet open to the world.

Here, there is no need for big statements or “right” answers.

It’s enough just to be as you are, and to enjoy the richness of that.

This island has long welcomed travelers.

Since the days of the missions to Tang China, the Seto Inland Sea has been a “sea road” where people and goods constantly moved between shores.

Because of that history, the island still carries a quiet generosity — a way of not turning anyone away.

Sōan is a small place within this island.

But my hope is that it will be somewhere visitors can return to their own essence.

With that wish, I care for it each and every day.