Introducing Fasting in Japan (1)

My Internet search for a fasting center brought up mostly fasting to lose weight or relaxation though yoga and fasting.  There were many pictures of pretty rooms and the cost per day was appropriately high.  I wanted to do a month long fast.  More than dieting, I wanted to detoxify.  At that time, I was not sure what detoxification exactly meant, but during the month, I intended to learn.  I am not sick, so I was not interested in medical fasting either.  So, I put aside those services and I was left with an NPO called Aichi Zesshoku Center or AFC.  In Japanese, Zesshoku means fasting.  The center is North of Nagoya. I arrived at a row of simple prefabricated dormitories lined the sunny side of the road in the middle of a mountain forest.

I had been imagining that everyday I would take long walks in the mountains.  As you will see in my journal and notes below, from the beginning my life was quite different.  Eventually I was able to fully enjoy this beautiful setting.  Also, I expected to feel quite isolated and not to have much interaction with others. To the contrary, during mealtime and going to the bathhouse, I met interesting people.  Although people come and go everyday, there were long-time guests like me, also.  I also enjoyed meeting people for a short period of time. 

There is only one time of the day when everyone is required to attend a meeting.  This is to check that everyone is healthy.  At this time, there is a lecture on health.  Actually during the day, I meet staff members several times during the day and they always ask how I am doing.  If I am having problems, the staff seems to know.  But doubtless there are people who never talk to anyone.

AFC is a Christian NPO, so everyday starts with a morning religious service.  I have my own morning religious practices, so I did not participate

More than missionary zeal, I was impressed by the pure Christian spirit of service that the staff expresses in all their daily activities.  They say that fasting cleanses the soul as well as the body.  This soul can be easily seen in the devotion to service that the staff expresses in their most ordinary words and activities.  For this, I was most grateful.

If by reading this blog you decided to go to AFC, please tell them my name.  It is Ellen Madono.  Also, if there are fasting centers that you would highly recommend, please let me know.  The phone number of AFC is 0565-67-2881.  The fasting instructor speaks a little English.  Otherwise the environment is very Japanese. You can reach my email address through my blog, http://tokyohomeopathy.com/e-mail-me or leave a comment here. If you have trouble making arrangements, let me know and I will help you make contact.