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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
8 Jan 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
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Description
🏡 Art, Life, and AI Co-creation Project
🌟 Vision & Story: Step by Step, Building Together
Welcome to our place in the historic city of Hagi, Yamaguchi. I am TORU, an artist.
After living abroad for 10 years, I returned to Japan to create this experimental hub. My mission is to address social issues like Japan’s vacant housing and population decline through "peace activities through art and multicultural coexistence." our place signifies my belief in progressing one step at a time. This is not a finished guest house—it is a work-in-progress, and I am looking for companions who enjoy the process of updating a space with their own hands.
🛠️ What we do: 2026 Project Plan
Due to my language limitations and management capacity (related to my ADHD traits), I only accept one individual or one group at a time. I cannot host multiple separate groups simultaneously.
Depending on your skills, we will work on the following:
⚪︎ Active Work (Environmental Maintenance) [March – July]
*DIY, painting the warehouse, gardening (weeding), and general cleaning.
⚪︎ Creative Work (Operational Support) [September – November]
* Cooking, meditation, project planning, and design.
🤖 Special Mission: Seeking an AI Mentor (High Priority)
* I am looking for someone with engineering or AI knowledge to help supplement my life tasks and ADHD traits. I am a complete beginner, but I want to implement bots using APIs like Claude to streamline my management tasks (Workaway replies and task management). If you have the knowledge to provide advice or technical help, please lend me your skills!
* Setting up an AI environment based on a Mac mini.
* Activities to create AI learning opportunities for the local rural community, using technology to complement my capacity.
🥗 Stay Conditions & Rules
* Stay Duration: Negotiable based on project content and skills (from short-term to mid/long-term).
* Work Hours: 3 hours a day / 5 days a week (Flexible).
* Expenses: I (the host) will cover all material costs required for renovations or events.
* Expected Stance: I am often away during the day for other work, so I am looking for independent individuals who can find tasks and enjoy them on their own.
* Note: Our project is not suitable for those whose lifestyle involves "sleeping until noon."
* What I Provide: Rice and basic vegetables (potatoes, onions, etc.) are provided for free. For other ingredients, we will either share the cost or you can purchase your own.
* Note: I operate a vacation rental (bnb) next door, but your volunteer work will not involve that business. A professional cleaner visits once a week.
🏠 Facilities & Access
* Accommodation: Private Japanese-style room (Tatami/Futon), AC, IH kitchen, and shower room.
* Internet: Wi-Fi available.
* Transport: 3 bicycles available for use (guests are responsible for puncture/repair costs).
* Studio: Shared studio "Studio Nomad" is available, though it still needs cleaning/setup.
* Location: ask us for the google maps link
📩 Communication
I check messages only in the morning and evening.Replies may be delayed sometimes.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House & pet sitting
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Water sports
Music
Gardening
Events & social
Culture
Carpentry
Languages
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Art & design
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
Hiking
Outdoor activities
Sailing / Boating
Camping
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Guests can learn and experience the local lifestyle of Japan, as well as the history of Hagi City.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
🎨 Volunteer Activities and Communal Living
There are no set hours for volunteering here, but ask for the following:
・Please help prepare daily meals yourself (lunch 12-1 PM, dinner 6-7 PM) and clean the living space.
・Work at your own pace, utilize your strengths.
Activities: DIY, ART, painting, gardening, upcycling, etc.
Exchange of ideas and skills: I want to learn from your experiences and perspectives.
Languages
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Chinese (Mandarin): IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
・Accommodation: You'll have a private Tatami room and bed (Japanese style)
・Facilities: air conditioning, a heater, an electric kitchen, a flush toilet, and a shower room.
・Food(vegetarian): We'll share all food costs equally but workawayer can get their own food if prefer so.
I'd like to learn about each other's food cultures through delicious meals.
Supermarkets are also conveniently located within walking or biking distance.
What else ...
Hagi is a town where history and nature blend beautifully, perfect for exploring during your vacation.
A large river flows in front of the houses, with shrines and fields nearby.
Activities abound to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings, such as strolling along the coast or through the mountains.
You can deeply immerse yourself in Hagi's rich history by visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites, strolling through remarkably well-preserved samurai residences and merchant districts, exploring traditional temples, and discovering local museums. Visiting Hagi-yaki pottery workshops and browsing local craft shops is also highly recommended.
For transportation, many attractions are easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, allowing you to soak up the local atmosphere while touring.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
Have a car parking space.
Can possibly accept pets
Yes, if not a Big animal.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (4)
Toru is genuinely… read more
the place have all the facilities you need.
we had culture exchange, making meals and eating together.
and there were another workaway so we shared some space and I enjoyed it very much.
the work was not hard, you communicated about the hours and it pretty chill.
thank you for the hospitality it was amazing!
Toru is a great host, who always did everything he could to make things (and tasks) clear, comfortable and fair. He was open to feedback, flexible, and… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
Toru is genuinely… read more
the place have all the facilities you need.
we had culture exchange, making meals and eating together.
and there were another workaway so we shared some space and I enjoyed it very much.
the work was not hard, you communicated about the hours and it pretty chill.
thank you for the hospitality it was amazing!
Toru is a great host, who always did everything he could to make things (and tasks) clear, comfortable and fair. He was open to feedback, flexible, and… read more
They helped with house cleaning, weeding,a nd cooked delicious veggie meals. Also left notes for future guests!
They enjoyed local activities like cycling to the shops and hot springs, bringing a fresh vibe to life in Hagi. I'm so appreciated. Thank you so much! Toru
