About Us
The Philosophy Behind Zen Style Horse Riding
Headline & Core Mission
Mission Statement: We founded Zen Style Horse Riding to bridge the gap between abstract intellectual knowledge and profound non-verbal experience. Our mission is to offer successful leaders and discerning individuals a unique, active “Dō” (道 – path) for continuous self-refinement and the cultivation of true abundance (Hana).
The Unique Philosophy
The Structure of Success:
The Structure of Success: We base our methodology on a parallel structure observed in both advanced Negotiation Theory and the art of Horseback Riding. Both activities require mastery over two layers:
The Upper Structure:
Functional technique, strategy, and explicit cues.
The Lower Structure:
Foundational trust, ethical presence, and non-verbal empathy.
The Zen Integration:
By engaging in the Moving Meditation of riding, you experience these abstract concepts—like BATNA, ZOPA, and Logrolling—not as theory, but as immediate instinct and sensation. This accelerates intuitive mastery.
Our Vision: Cultivating “Hana”
Beyond Success to Splendor:
Our goal is to guide you toward the realization of “Hana”—a state of life where economic success is harmonized with spiritual and relational richness. Through our three-step process (Self-Reflection, Co-Creation, Whole Splendor), we teach you to move beyond superficial wins toward sustainable, enriching success.
Rooted in Kyoto:
Our tours are conducted in the tranquil, natural beauty of Kyoto’s Keihoku region. This setting provides the perfect backdrop of ancient serenity (“Zen”) and deep respect for harmony (“Wa”) that is essential to our philosophy.
Our Team & Partnership
Expert Guidance:
Our approach is informed by the latest research in Negotiation Theory, specifically the teachings derived from the research of Associate Professor Takuto Shishido of Musashino University. Our managers are skilled practitioner trained to translate these intellectual concepts into effective physical experience.
Our Key Partner:
We are honored to collaborate closely with Takamiya Riding Park. They are not merely a venue but our key partner, offering exclusive support and providing meticulously cared-for horses that serve as sensitive partners in your unique journey.
What We Offer: The Zen Style Horse Riding Experience
Our unique program transcends the boundaries of traditional leisure. We have meticulously designed an experience that elevates your physical journey into intellectual and emotional mastery.
The Components of Progression
The Splendor of Kyoto’s Nature:
Free your mind and body within the rich, expansive natural landscape of Kyoto’s countryside. The tranquil environment serves as the perfect setting for deep reflection and active discovery.
Negotiation Theory Embodied:
Go beyond the textbook. You will physically embody the principles of negotiation—the same concepts practiced by Western business leaders—through non-verbal dialogue with a horse.
The Synergy of Play and Wisdom:
We seamlessly integrate the spirit of traditional Japanese children’s play to unlock essential coordination and collaboration. This powerful component ensures a unified approach to mastery that organically balances intellectual depth with natural human connection.
The Value We Deliver: Sustainable Success
Our experiential process is engineered to instill lasting value that refines your approach to business and life.
Profound Introspection and Self-Mastery
Establish an unwavering core of confidence. Through dedicated time for self-confrontation (practicing BATNA), you redefine the essence of true success, gaining clarity and certainty in your personal and professional values.
Collaboration and Co-Creation
Experience the reality of true partnership and building Win-Win relationships. Practical exercises, such as embodying Reciprocal Exchange on horseback, allow you to physically feel the joy and efficiency of cooperating with others to co-create maximum mutual value.
Founder Profile:
The Journey to “Zen Style Horse Riding”
The Origin:
The “Hagoromo” Experience in Childhood
The Founder’s unique philosophy began with a transformative memory from her early childhood. When she wore a traditional kimono for the first time for Shichi-Go-San, a traditional Japanese rite of passage for children aged three, five, and seven, she felt an instant, almost magical infusion of power, transporting her to a world beyond the ordinary. This sensation was reminiscent of the celestial Hagoromo (Robe of Feathers) worn by Princess Kaguya in The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, Japan’s oldest narrative—a story in which a mysterious girl is discovered in a bamboo stalk and is later revealed to be a celestial being. This pivotal experience instilled a profound conviction: clothing was not merely attire, but a crucial tool for expanding one’s potential.
From Public Persona to Private Crisis
Kyoto-born and raised, the Founder became an ambassador for Japanese culture as a Kyoto Miss Kimono, passionately sharing the nation’s charm both domestically and internationally. She thrived on the heartwarming exchange with people from diverse cultures. However, while managing her own businesses—including launching a travel agency and running a flagship Italian cycling apparel store—the relentless demands of her career led to severe health issues. Facing a deep sense of loss, she was forced to step away from her career. This immeasurable setback compelled her to radically re-examine her own state of being, questioning her adherence to external values such as conventional success and status.
The Path of Reconstruction: The Search for Wisdom
Refusing to be defined by traditional concepts of success, she embarked on a journey of self-reconstruction. She pursued intellectual exploration, enrolling in an online business school to study Business Administration while independently delving into Sociology. This period of learning served as the crucible where her personal “Practical Wisdom” (knowledge gained through lived experience) merged with “Formal Knowledge” (systematic academic learning). This fusion catalyzed the establishment of a new philosophical framework: The Art of Value Reconstruction—the core ethos that defines “Zen Style Horse Riding.”
Office:
Taketori Densho Ryu
Founder: Kumiko Maeda
Address
35 Hatano, Keihoku-Shimo-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 601-0234, Japan
info@kyoto-maeda.jp
license
Registered Travel Agency, Kyoto Prefecture Governor, License No. L-593
Certified General Travel Services Manager: Kumiko Maeda
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