Episode Description
Welcome to Journey to the Source – an English summary episode of our Japanese podcast series featuring two young entrepreneurs deeply rooted in Oita Prefecture's traditional industries.
🎯 What We Cover:
Episode 0: Why We Started This Podcast
Episode 1: Hiiro’s Story – Yunohana Skincare
Episode 2: Seiji's Journey – Shichitoui Tatami
Episode 3: Meeting Taki – Usuki Pottery Marketing Genius
Episode 4: Lessons from Taki
🌏 For International Listeners
If you're interested in:
- Japanese traditional crafts and heritage industries
- Sustainable business models in rural areas
- Cross-cultural entrepreneurship stories
- Authentic "made in Japan" products with deep history
...this podcast offers rare insider access to the people keeping these traditions alive.
Want more English episodes? Comment or DM us! We're considering creating more English content based on listener interest.
Program Overview
In Beppu, a town famous for hot springs, Hiiro Wakiya protects and passes down "yunohana," a special crystal formed from hot spring water.
In Kunisaki, a spiritual region, Seiji Ogata grows "Shichitoui," a rare traditional material used for tatami mats.
This program follows these two people who are deeply connected to Oita and keeping traditions alive. They travel across Japan to discover beautiful traditional cultures and share the stories behind them.
Co-hosts
Hiiro Wakiya
https://www.instagram.com/yunohana_fromearth/
Seiji Ogata
https://linktr.ee/ogtsage