The KUNI Retreat
KUNI Retreat 2023
Entrepreneurial Journey through Japan's Heartland
Entrepreneurial
Journey through
Japan's Heartland
The journey of the KUNI retreat tells the story of the age-old relationship between humans and nature. At the heart of this story is the spirit of "KUNI", highlighting the intrinsic interrelationship between land and humans, aiming to preserve ancient wisdom while embracing contemporary challenges.
GUESTS & CONTRIBUTORS
GUESTS & CONTRIBUTORS
The retreat guests include indigenous elders, pioneering business leaders, philanthropists, philosophers, social entrepreneurs, and environmental activists, just to name a few.
Srinija Srinivasan
Stanford University Board of Trustee / Founding Member of Yahoo!
Todd Park
Former Chief Technology Officer for President Obama / Founder of Devoted Health
Victor Koo
President of Tianren Culture / Founder of Youku, "Youtube of China"
Michelle Long
Co-Founder and Trustee of Jubilee College, an innovative microcollege in Mt. Shasta
Orland Bishop
Elder of the ancient African lineage / Director of Shade Tree Multicultural Foundation in Los Angeles
Haruo Miyagi
Founder of ETIC, one of the oldest and largest social incubators in Japan
ASUKA TSUZUKI
President of Japan University of Economics
Gary Zukav
World renowned, New York Times Best Seller author from the USA
Michael “Pom” Preston
Tribal Leader of Winnemem Wintu Tribe
RYU MURAMATSU
Founder of 100 YEARS FUND PTE.LTD.
SHuhei MOROFUJI
Founder of Unson Foundation
CHIKAHIRO TERADA
Founder & CEO of Sansan Inc.
KUNI Pilgrimage
KUNI Pilgrimage
The retreat starts in the volcanic region of Aso, symbolizing the profound connection between life and nature. In Miyazaki, this connection evolves into a world interwoven with myths and collective consciousness, transforming the landscape from mere scenery to an active storyteller. In Kyoto, ancient reverence for the land merges with modern societal structures, cultivating a renewed understanding of our relationship with the world and deriving solutions for the future.
November 9th - 15th, 2023
Aso, Miyazaki, Kyoto, JP
Destinations
Destinations
Agenda
Agenda
Day 1 - ASO
The journey of the retreat tells the story of the age-old relationship between humans and nature. At the heart of this story is the spirit of "KUNI", highlighting the intrinsic interrelationship between land and humans, aiming to preserve ancient wisdom while embracing contemporary challenges. The retreat starts in the volcanic region of Aso, symbolizing the profound connection between life and nature.
Day 2 - ASO
Here, the focus is on the earth's primordial creation and life's transformations. Beyond mere visual freshness, Aso brings us closer to timeless truths predating even ancient practices like animism and shamanism. Here, KUNI is experienced in its most primitive form, and humans are not mere observers but participants in nature's grand unfolding.
Day 3 - Miyazaki
Miyazaki is where human consciousness begins to weave its own narrative with nature. Colored by myths and considered the birthplace of the KUNI concept, Miyazaki is where gods interacted with human consciousness, creating collective narratives and shared identities. Here, KUNI evolves from an undifferentiated realm to a complex interplay of stories, beliefs, and rituals. The land (KUNI) becomes more than just habitat; it shapes its inhabitants and is shaped by them. This co-creation illustrates the deep connections between humanity, the land, and spiritual beliefs.
Day 4 - KYOTO
Transitioning from the essence of Aso's land and the mythical world of Miyazaki, Kyoto symbolizes the evolution of human society, intricately weaving the threads of connection to primordial existence. Rich in tradition, symbolism, and religion, Kyoto is where reverence for the land and its rituals coexist with intellectual, governance, and societal advancements. It's a place that has delicately balanced preservation with evolution.
Day 5 - KYOTO
This journey is more than just traversing the flow of time and tradition—it is a collaborative effort to translate timeless wisdom into actionable creation for the future world. It seeks to bridge the ancient with the modern, integrating the unchanging essence with timely challenges, our origins with the present, and the legacy of the past with the potential of the future.
Day 6 - KYOTO
KUNI offers changemakers insights and lessons from the land, narratives, and collective consciousness as they navigate the retreat, guiding the creation of the next world. It's also a journey to understand one's place in the world, forge connections, and evolve harmoniously together. The story of KUNI serves both as a beacon and a mirror, reflecting the eternal yet ever-changing deep connection between humans and the world they inhabit.
FAQ
The KUNI retreat stands apart as a unique blend of tradition, introspection, and global collaboration, set against the backdrop of Japan's stunning natural, cultural and spiritual tapestry. Here's what makes this retreat truly unparalleled:
Journey Through Time and Space: Our voyage begins in the volcanic regions of Aso, traverses the mythological landscapes of Miyazaki, and culminates in Kyoto's historic embrace. These places aren't just geographies but offer deeply immersive experiences, each echoing Japan's millennia-old traditions and collective wisdom.
A Mosaic of Minds: The KUNI retreat isn't confined to any single demographic. It beckons indigenous elders, visionary entrepreneurs, fervent researchers, and spirited social leaders from various corners of the globe. This melange of perspectives ensures rich dialogues and the birth of novel ideas.
Beyond The Tangible: Rather than merely focusing on outcomes, our emphasis lies in the journey itself. Participants are encouraged to drop their everyday roles and preconceived notions, fostering an environment of genuine exploration and mutual growth.
Interwoven Philosophies: Rooted in the Japanese concept of "Kuni," we ponder upon seldom-asked questions. Can gentleness be a catalyst for global change? How might we weave various forms of wealth into our shared future? This retreat provides a platform for such introspective inquiries.
Sacred Surroundings: Our choice of venues, especially the revered Kurama Temple and Mt. Hiei in Kyoto, isn't coincidental. These places have been spiritual magnets for centuries, acting as repositories of collective energy and vision.
Upon arrival at Kumamoto Aso airport, rest assured that our dedicated volunteers will seamlessly handle everything from that point onward. During your time with us, consider yourself an honored guest; the organizers are committed to ensuring your accommodation, nourishment, transportation, and local logistics are meticulously managed.
Your entire retreat experience is a heartfelt offering, generously funded by the spontaneous expressions of gratitude from our friends and partners.
