Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
24 Mar 2026
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
6
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Badges (3)
Details
Description
We are a family of three, parents and a very energetic 7-year-old boy, living on Teshima, a small and beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan. There are no supermarkets or convenience stores here, and many people live a nearly self-sufficient lifestyle. In recent years the island has become well known as an art destination, drawing visitors from around the world.
We run a theatre, an artist residency, and various art projects on the island.
What we are looking for:
At the moment we are looking for someone to help with DIY work and the renovation of an old traditional Japanese house. No special skills are required, but the work is physical and hands-on. We really appreciate someone who is tidy and punctual.
We provide one private room, 2 meals a day, and a mini kitchen. Hours expected are around 5 hours a day.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Artistic profile:
usaginingen is an artist unit formed in Berlin in 2011. Their performances, created using self-made visual devices and musical instruments, are internationally acclaimed for their innovative fusion of analog and digital expression. In 2014, they received the Grand Prize at the Reykjavik Visual-Music Festival in Iceland. They have performed in 28 countries, and were featured in an Apple Japan commercial in 2021. The unit is a family-based creative team: Shinichi Hirai (sound and equipment design), Emi Hirai (visual production including video and drawing), and their son Minagu, who joined the stage in 2024.
In 2016, they moved their base to Teshima island in the Seto Inland Sea, where they established the Teshima usaginingen Theater. Guided by the belief that everyday life itself can be made into art, they have since launched a wide range of projects: semi self-sufficient farming, DIY renovation of living spaces, a handmade park built from bamboo and driftwood, and in 2023, the repurposing of a former orphanage into ShinAiKan, a cultural space hosting performances, workshops, and exhibitions.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Interests
Self development
Farming
Events & social
Culture
Music
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Gardening
Drawing & painting
Books
Art & design
Architecture
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Nature
Camping
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Living here means being close to nature on a daily basis and having an internationally acclaimed art facilities.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are looking for the friendly and tidy person.
Languages spoken
Japanese: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Accommodation
We provide you one room with a shared kitchen.
What else ...
Setouchi art triennale
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (6)
once again thanks for having us! 🥳
We stay for (unfortunately only!) one week at the end of May. Would we have known, we sure would have stayed longer! We had interesting tasks (helping with preparing the permaculture-style fields, around the house, cooking, play with Minagu), delicious food (Emi is a great cook!) and… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
once again thanks for having us! 🥳
We stay for (unfortunately only!) one week at the end of May. Would we have known, we sure would have stayed longer! We had interesting tasks (helping with preparing the permaculture-style fields, around the house, cooking, play with Minagu), delicious food (Emi is a great cook!) and… read more
Emi and Shin are great hosts and wonderful people. They included us in their everyday activities and really made us feel like part of the family.
The work was diverse and not too hard; mostly DIY stuff, but sometimes we helped in the little vegetable garden or the kitchen as… read more
