Reiki Journey Emiri Hayashi with Diana Fels
There is something truly special about being in Taniai, Gifu Prefecture, Japan – the birthplace of Mikao Usui, founder of Reiki.
I was delighted to spend time with Emiri Hayashi, who shared her personal Reiki journey, discovering her grandfather’s connection to Reiki and the ongoing hard work of the Taniai Reiki volunteers.
Emiri’s Reiki Journey:
Emiri’s Reiki journey began in Hawaii, where she first learned Reiki without realising its connection to her grandfather.
As a child, she remembered her grandfather practicing hands-on Reiki healing, with people queuing to receive his treatments.
On returning to Japan, she made an incredible discovery – the Reiki she had learned in Hawaii was like the Reiki her grandfather had practiced!
The realisation brought surprise, emotion and goosebumps.
Emiri continued her Reiki studies in Japan and now has been practicing Reiki for 22 years.
Amataka Shrine
A place where Reiki practitioners come together
Monthly ritual for Reiki practitioners is held on the 15th
Taniai Reiki volunteers work tirelessly to support visitors
Hiroshi Doi erected a monument at the shrine
The 100 Years of Usui Reiki Ryoho celebration in Osaka
beautifully brought the Reiki community together,
united by a shared love of Reiki ❤️
Yes!💙✨The picture above captures a radiant blue stream of light flowing between our hara centres, creating a luminous connection between us and the spirit of Mikao Usui as our hands rest on the Torii gate 💙
Emiri’s warmth, generosity and kindness create such a beautiful sense of connection 💙🙏✨
I am deeply grateful to Emiri for sharing her story, which truly gave me goosebumps. My heartfelt thanks also go to the Taniai Reiki volunteers for their dedication, hard work and warm welcome. And to Rika Saruhashi for her wonderful Japanese translation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ichi-go, ichi-e, once in a lifetime
Emiri Hayashi began her Reiki journey over 22 years ago and opened a Reiki centre. She is the founder of the Taniai Reiki Association, a major contributor to the Taniai Reiki Volunteers and publisher of the Taniai monthly newsletter.
Through this initiative, Emiri helps make Taniai accessible to the wider Reiki community by organising visits to Amataka Shrine. These including official ritual ceremony and blessing, a commemorative seal, transport and lunch. Her work also creates a valuable bridge between international Reiki practitioners and the local community, bringing people together to connect with the history, origins and spirit of Reiki.
Without Emiri’s dedication and the support of the Taniai Reiki volunteers, these meaningful visits to Mikao Usui’s birthplace in Taniai may not be possible for international Reiki practitioners.
A gentle reminder for visitors
Taniai is a small, quiet country village, where Reiki is not part of the local community life. Visitors are asked to respect the peaceful nature of the village, its residents and the sacred grounds of Amataka Shrine.
Visits must be arranged in advance through Emiri and the Taniai Reiki Association. Please do not arrive unannounced or treat the shrine as a general tourist attraction. For more see, reikitaniai
Respecting the local community and its traditions helps preserve this special place for future generations and the continued welcome of the international Reiki community.
The Taniai Reiki volunteers generously dedicate their time and energy to caring for the grounds of Amataka Shrine. The volunteers welcome and support Reiki Practitioners from around the world, helping make visits to Taniai possible.
Their efforts help preserve this special, sacred place, creating a space where Reiki practitioners can come together, connect and honour the history and origins of Mikao Usui Reiki at his birthplace.
Their kindness, commitment and contribution is truly appreciated 🙏🩷
Special thanks to Rika Saruhashi for her live Japanese-to-English translation during the interview.
Rika began her Reiki journey in 1996 and has translated and interpreted for Hiroshi Doi’s seminars and books since 1999. Based in Madrid, Spain, she is an experienced Reiki practitioner, teacher and translator, sharing her passion for Reiki and Japanese teachings worldwide.
Discover more at reiki-japones and Neko Ediciones.
Would like to know more?
