Sharpen Your Dormant Senses Dialog in the Dark "Inner Beauty, Harmonious Darkness" Opens

Dialogue in the Dark (DID), a social entertainment experience that allows participants to feel the richness of human connection, the importance of dialogue, and the richness of the five senses through experiences in darkness (Organized by Dialogue Japan Society) celebrated its 20th year of operation in Japan. On November 22, DID opened its first dedicated adult experience facility, "Inner Beauty, Harmonious Darkness," at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingū Gaien no Mori Premier in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The opening day featured a media presentation combined with an advance experience session, attracting numerous media outlets.

The theme mirrors the facility's name: "Inner Beauty, Harmonizing Darkness." It offers a uniquely Japanese program, allowing visitors to experience pure, 100% darkness rooted in Zen philosophy while immersing themselves in the natural surroundings and Japanese culture unique to the Jingu Gaien area.

At the presentation, Andreas Heinecke, PhD, the originator of DID, and Kiyoe Shimura, Representative Director of Dialogue Japan Society, shared their thoughts on DID. Also speaking were Emiko Matsuda, a body awareness education researcher who supervised the program, and Shinobu Kakinuma, Chief Priest of Chokoji Temple of the Soto Zen sect.
Over the past 20 years in Japan, DID has consistently created content focused on "refining one's senses in darkness, understanding diversity, and encountering a new self." This time, however, they aimed for content with a different vector. Ms. Shimura passionately stated, "We designed the content to allow participants to feel the beautiful nature remaining here in the Jingu Gaien, elements like water and light," adding, "Before interacting with others, we want people to engage in dialogue with their inner selves, become aware of what they feel, think, and wish to convey, learn to value their current selves, and then face a new world."

Referencing his own approach, often called unconventional, Kakizawa stated, "It's a space that can be enjoyed as entertainment, using intuitive, Zen-like methods," adding, "I think it's a place where you can learn that being natural, neither Zen nor mindfulness, is truly wonderful."
Matsuda stated, "DID offers a dark experience that sharpens the senses, reawakening dormant perceptions," adding, "It has become a space evoking a uniquely Japanese perspective on nature."

Mr. Heinicke expressed his hope that "activities in Japan will become a 'catalyst' for the world, much like Silicon Valley," using his own term "information detox" – freeing oneself from time and the five senses – to emphasize its importance. He also shared his enthusiasm for future goals, stating that he wants this activity to increasingly become "a place to evaluate and hone one's own thoughts and perspectives," "a place where one can potentially encounter their true self," and "a place to convey what mindfulness and well-being truly mean."

True to its "for adults" designation, the facility offers a luxurious, sophisticated experience distinct from previous DID offerings.
For adults seeking to polish their inner beauty and pursue physical and mental wellness and healing, why not experience this premium time tailored just for you?

【About Dialogue in the Dark】
Founded in 1988 by German philosopher Dr. Andreas Heinecke, Dialogue in the Dark has been held in over 50 countries worldwide. It has also employed thousands of visually impaired individuals as attendants and facilitators.
In Japan, over 210,000 people have experienced it since its first event in 1999. Corporate training programs at the Asakusabashi venue in Tokyo and the "House of Dialogue" in Osaka are also ongoing.

【Dialogue in the Dark: "Inner Beauty, Harmonious Darkness."】
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien no Mori Premier, 2nd Floor
(11-3 Kasumigaoka-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
https://did.dialogue.or.jp/totonou/