Episode 15 Danish Jacob’s Experience in Yodoe And Meeting Morisato and Yuttie

Before the Yodoe Project began in July 2018, Yoko and her company staff traveled to four Nordic countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.

Yoko read a book called “A Year of Living Danishly” written by Helen Russell, and learned Danish Hygge was gaining popularity in Europe and the United States as a new lifestyle at that time. Yoko got interested in their lifestyle and how they spend time. So, she planned a seven-day trip with the following objectives.

*Hygge is a Danish word that means “a comfortable space” and/or “enjoyable time.”

• Experience Hygge (primary purpose)
• Learn about the Nordic lifestyle and education
• See Munch's “The Scream”
• Visiting four Scandinavian countries
• Ride the famous Finnair and other transportation

In Denmark, she asked help from Ayumi Umino to coordinate the Hygge experience for them. She was married to a Danish man and was working as a researcher at the University of Copenhagen.

She introduced Yoko and her staff members to Jacob Jørgensen. He was a graduate student at the University of Copenhagen and known as a Japan-lover. Jacob invited Yoko and her staff members to his suburban home and gave them an opportunity to experience real Hygge.

One year later, in June 2019, Jacob came to Japan this time. It was his second visit. He stayed and toured around Kyoto and Osaka for a few days. Then Yoko took him from Osaka to Yodoe and showed him around.

First, while the weather was still nice, they headed to Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Temple in central Tottori Prefecture. They challenged themselves to hike the mountainous trail to the Nageiredo, which is the final destination. This place is known to be Japan's most dangerous national treasure. Afterward, they stopped at Cafe Miracle (Hamamura, Tottori Prefecture), which is run by Shotaro, one of the leading members of the Yodoe Project. Then, they also visited the Tottori Sand Dunes and Sand Museum before returning to Yodoe.

Jacob was interested in Japanese history and Bushido (the Way of the Samurai) and hoped to become a high school social studies teacher after graduating from graduate school. On the way back to Yodoe, Jacob and Yoko discussed comparing work styles, lifestyles, and energy policies between Japan and Denmark.

On the second day, Yoko and Jacob walked around the neighborhood. They went sightseeing at Hiyoshi  Shrine, Amenomai Natural Spring, Mukibanda Ruins, and the Adachi Museum of Art.

At Mugibanda Ruins, they experienced Dotaku and fire makings (Dotaku is a decorative bell that was　commonly made between 2 BC and 2 AD.)

In the evening, Morisato (Satoshi Morita) and Yuttie (Yuhei Kawazu), who were also regulars of the Yodoe Project, visited Yoko and Jacob with a few more friends. They held a dinner party, and everyone enjoyed cooking together using fish Morisato and Yuttie caught and local vegetables Yoko and Jacob had harvested. Jacob really liked the salted Onigiri (triangle-shaped rice ball) that Onigiri-kun (Toshiya Kobashi) made. That evening was filled with laughter and excitement until late at night.

Yoko felt that it was very meaningful that she could provide Jacob with an opportunity to interact with young local people. This was the moment when Yoko envisioned her future and wanted to give this kind of opportunity for people at the future guesthouse.

On the third day, using his JR Rail Pass, Jacob traveled alone from Yodoe to Izumo Taisha Shrine (Izumo, Shimane Prefecture), Matsue Castle (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture), and back to Yodoe. On the fourth day, Yoko and Jacob stopped by Mei-chan Farm before departing to Osaka. They also stopped at the Masaharu Ueda Museum of Photography (Hoki-Town, Tottori Prefecture) at the foot of Mt. Daisen. That night in Osaka, they had a Denmark study session at Yoko's office. That was the end of the trip with Jacob for Yoko.

Jacob was very interested in Japanese history and spirituality. He also loved pork cutlets, ramen, and hot springs but was not interested in sashimi.

The experience and interaction centered around Yoko’s parents’ house reminded her of when she was doing a home stay in London during her youth. Her host family took her and Abdul from South Yemen, who was also experiencing a home stay at the same time, to various places. Another time, Yoko borrowed a suitcase from the host family and took a boat ride to the European Continent and had a very meaningful time. This time, I want to help travelers like Jacob using my parents’ house in Yodoe. This experience made her think that way strongly.