MEN'S LEADERSHIP RETREAT IN JAPAN
Develop Your Leader's Mind and Cultivate Your Warrior Heart
Explore the man you want to become in Japan—the land of bushidō, craftsmanship, and spiritual depth. Join this transformative men’s retreat guided by Japanese thought leaders, martial artists, master craftsmen, Zen monks, and Shinto priests—men who live with purpose and presence.
Date: May 2026
KOKROZASHI
The Way of the Samurai is The Way of The Modern Man
“Learning from the discipline, presence, and values of the samurai — not pretending to be samurai.”
On this leadership, through immersive cultural encounters and mindful practices, you’ll awaken the kokorozashi that lies within you to lead with more intenion and compassion.
The guiding principle of the retreat is kokorozashi, a word formed from two elements: kokoro—a concept that unites heart, mind, and spirit—and the verb sasu, meaning “to point.” Together, kokorozashi can be understood as “where the heart points” or “where the mind is directed.”
Kokorozashi is written with a single kanji character, 志, composed of two radicals: the upper radical shi (士), meaning “samurai” or “warrior,” placed above kokoro (心), meaning heart, mind, or spirit. This structure gives the character the layered meaning of “the heart of the samurai” or “the spirit within the warrior.”
This reveals the origins of kokorozashi. It is a concept deeply rooted in bushidō, the moral code of the samurai, shaped by the eight virtues: justice, courage, benevolence, politeness, honesty and sincerity, honour, loyalty, and self-control. These virtues will form part of our exploration during the retreat.
For the samurai, a kokorozashi was something worth dying for. For the modern man, it is something worth living for—something to dedicate your life to with clarity, courage, and intention.
“Learning from the discipline, presence, and values of the samurai — not pretending to be samurai.”
ON THIS MEN'S RETREAT WE EXPLORE
VUNREABILITY
Away from distractions you can reflect on your life, who and what matters to you and share you fears with fellow leaders.
ROLES
We take a deep dive into your roles as a father, husband, leader, and shakaijin; a person of society.
PURPOSE
Through introspection, discussion and cultural experiences you'll uncover and discover new meaning and purpose.
HONOR
With new knowledge and insights you'll commit to both personal and professional change to become the man you aspire to be.
A LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
This week-long Japanese retreat is more than just a cultural experience in Japan. It’s a comprehensive multi-month leadership program that includes pre-trip and post-trip learning to enhance your knowledge and leadership skills. It’s both an experiential and inner journey to grow your awareness, challenge your notions, improve your communication, define your roles, and reconnect with your mission in life.
This ensures you gain maximum impact from your investment, boosting your leadership and communication abilities in your professional and personal life so you can return home not just inspired—but aligned with the man and leader you want to be.
THE RETREAT EXPERIENCES
This men's retreat includes leadership workshops and cultural experiences including; zazen meditation experience, washi paper making, forest bathing, knife forging, pottery making, tea ceremony, amazing food and heartfelt hospitality.
Workshops
Forest Bathing
Pottery Making
Zen Meditation
Tea Ceremony
Washi Paper Making
Shakyo: Sutra Tracing
Knife-smithing
Indigo Dying
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Inuyama Town and Castle
Japan's oldest surviving castle
Much of our retreat unfolds in the heart of Inuyama Castle Town, nestled at the foot of the majestic Inuyama Castle. This living time capsule weaves Edo-period charm with the tranquil beauty of the Kiso River. Towering above since 1537, Inuyama Castle is one of only five original wooden keeps in Japan designated as a National Treasure—offering an inspiring setting to explore where your kokoro is pointing.
Zen Meditation & Sutra Experience
Japan's Best Kept Secret
Founded in 1313 this secret temple contains two buildings that are listed as National Treasures. The temple grounds and gardens have been designated as a place of National Scenic Beauty. Here, we will take in the history and beauty of these spiritual grounds as we walk through the Zen garden following morning meditation and shakyō (Zen sutra tracing).
Forest Bathing
Breath, reflect and journal
More than just a scenic walk, a slow stroll through the temple grounds and surrounding bamboo forests becomes a practice in mindful appreciation with all your senses—an opportunity to notice changes in light and sound, regulate your breathing, and experience the calm that comes from fewer distractions. In this environment, you can reflect and journal on questions you have been avoiding or have not had the time for.
Washi Paper Making Workshop
Traditional Japanese paper making
Set within the natural beauty of Warabee Land in Mino, Gifu Prefecture—Japan’s UNESCO-recognized washi capital—this hands-on workshop invites you to slow down and connect deeply with the process. You’ll create your own sheets of washi to take home—a one-of-a-kind memory infused with mindfulness and meaning.
Katanakaji Workshop
Blacksmithing experience
In a traditional Japanese farmhouse, you’ll spend the day forging your own knife using centuries-old techniques under the expert guidance of an acclaimed local swordsmith. This hands-on experience includes every step of the swordsmithing process: heating and hammering iron, shaping with a file, tempering, and sharpening.
Pottery Workshop
Make a one of a kind piece of pottery
Equipped with facilities for wheel throwing and painting, Kokei-Gama will ensure that you'll enjoy making pottery, whether it's creating a piece with the potter's wheel, hand-building, or painting. Your unique piece of pottery will be fired and shipped to your home country.
Iaido
The Japanese art of sword drawing
Delve into Iaido, a traditional Japanese martial art centered on the controlled, deliberate act of drawing the sword. In this exclusive masterclass, you’ll train under the guidance of 9th-dan iaidō master Atsushi Shibata. As you learn the fundamentals of kata—structured solo forms emphasizing smooth movement, mental discipline, and the avoidance of conflict—you’ll engage in a rare form of training that unites mind, body, and spirit.
Cha no yu
The Way of Tea
Discover how the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility are expressed through a bowl of tea during a private tea ceremony with a chajin (tea master) in a traditional chashitsu tea room. Chanoyu slows time, encourages presence, and tests the limits of one’s focus and attention—qualities that were central to the samurai’s discipline and cultural identity.
Food
Glorious food an eating experiences
A carefully crafted menu awaits you, featuring dining experiences rarely available outside Japan. Meals include kaiseki, a traditional multi-course cuisine rooted in the tea ceremony, an irori hearth meal cooked over an open fire, Hida beef, regional specialties such as ayu (sweetfish), Keichan chicken (miso-marinated chicken), and hoba miso grilled on magnolia leaves, alongside local sweets including kurikinton.
MAY 2026 JAPAN RETREAT ITINERARY
Contact Us For The Full Itinerary
What's Included in the Retreat?
The Ikigai Retreat is a multi-month online and in-person study program.
What's included:
What's not included
What's included
Recommendations
ACCOMMODATION
On our first two nights we will stay in splendor and tranquility high above Tokyo Station at a 4-star Hotel.
In Aichi is where the magic will happen. You'll spend 5 nights the Hotel Indigo Inuyama Uraken Garden. This hotel exudes a fantastic vibe, blending modern sophistication with traditional Japanese elements. The interior design is stunning, with thoughtfully curated decor that reflects the local culture and history of Inuyama. Every corner of the hotel feels like a piece of art, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
We will even take care of your luggage and have it forwarded between hotels so you can enjoy the Shinkansen ride with peace of mind.
- YOUR HOST -
NICHOLAS KEMP
Your journey will be guided by ikigai authority and author Nick Kemp, along with program coordinator and local expert Shinji Kimura. Together, they will provide you with unparalleled insights and experiences that will help you transform lives through your enhanced coaching and communication skills.
By participating in this men's retreat, you’ll enjoy a fully curated experience and gain insider access to renowned Japanese thought leaders and academics, while partaking in unique cultural activities that will inspire and challenge you.
We'll dive into Japanese philosophical and cultural concepts to broaden your coaching skills and improve your communication and help you get closer to the man you want to be.
Only 6 spots available!
$14,995 USD
Early Bird Pricing:
*$12995 USD
* Sign up before the end of December and save $2000
* Payment plan option 3 x $5000
Apply to book a call with Nick. He'll answer all your questions.
Embark on the learning journey of a lifetime!
Your experience includes:
Meet and learn from Japan's thought leaders and cultural experts. In Tokyo, we will spend a full day with Japan's ikigai experts, discussing leadership and how it plays out in Japanese culture. During the retreat you'll have the opportunity to talk directly with Japanese from all walks of life, including academics, Zen priests, artists, and craftspeople, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural aspects we'll explore.
Expected guests include:
- Prof. Ken Mogi - neuroscientist and author of The Little Book of Ikigai
- Prof. Daiki Kato - clinical psychologist and "Rolefulness" thought leader
- Sachiaki Takamiya - author of The Ikigai Diet and Ikigai Bio-hacking
We will have special access to some of Japan’s best-kept secrets, including a Zen temple, private factory tours, and craftspeople’s workshops, where you can observe ikigai in action and learn the principles of ikigai leadership and kokorozashi.
On the retreat you will:
- Practice zen mediation and sutra tracing at a 700 year old temple
- Forge your own knife under the guidance of a Japanese blacksmith
- Embrace the craftsman spirit and create a one-of-a-kind piece of pottery and traditional washi paper.
- Make your own masu sake drinking box
- Experience the way of tea
Nick Kemp, speaker, author and Japanologist, will facilitate discussions throughout the program to deepen your learning experiences and understanding of Japanese culture. Drawing from his ten years of living in Japan and his journey as a solopreneur, Nick will share valuable insights on how he built his unique coaching and education business by embracing the Japanese mindset.
Together with Nick, you will explore kokorzashi (the leader's mind) and other Japanese philosophical and psychological concepts, discussing how these ideas can help you become a better man and communicator.
Shinji Kimura, the retreat coordinator and interpreter, will provide additional commentary on Japanese culture, bushidō and local customs, enriching your experience with his deep knowledge and perspectives.
WASHOKU
Enjoy authentic, seasonal Japanese food in Tokyo, Aichi and Gifu. All meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as drinks are provided during the retreat. This includes afternoon tea on selected days and several special welcome and celebration dinners. Drinks outside of meals and hotel mini-bar consumption are not included.
You'll enjoy:
- Kaiseki - a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner
- Irori -traditional homestyle food cooked in a sunken hearth fired with charcoal.
- Wagashi - traditional Japanese sweets
* Your position is only confirmed after your application has been approved and your payment has been received. Please note the itinerary above is tentative and subject to change