Author: NakagawaMasato

Lately, I feel like I’ve been encountering more people in sessions who say they have sacrificed themselves for the sake of their families.

In a previous entry of the “Stories of the Soul” series (Part 67; link here: https://shinkiko.com/blog/?p=1714), I wrote about a soul that had been “protecting the family home.” Driven by the conviction to safeguard the household, that soul had pushed itself to the limit; however, upon receiving Shinkiko energy, it realized its error and departed toward the light. It seems that the light has now begun to reach even those souls—deep within this category of “family-protecting spirits”—who had previously held onto stubborn mindsets; perhaps this is due to the influence of the “hybrid type” I discussed last week.

The spirit I wish to discuss here is by no means a hindrance or a source of negativity. It cannot simply be labeled as “negative energy”; rather, it possesses a positive quality and has guarded the home for a long time with unwavering conviction. The issue is that the spirit has absolutely no awareness that it is overextending itself or making sacrifices in the process. It is deeply convinced that this is simply the natural order of things—the way things ought to be. That is precisely why, when the powerful light of Shinkiko reaches it, the spirit feels as though it is losing its strength and instinctively tries to reject the light.

During a recent session, a spirit manifesting through the person receiving the Ki energy appeared to be in distress as it struggled desperately to resist the light of Shinkiko. I spoke to it, saying, “This light brings relief,” and “You are free now.” At those words, there was a pause—as if years of tension were unraveling—and then the spirit replied with a sense of relief, “I see… I understand.” It then quieted down instantly, as if a possessing entity had been lifted, and departed toward the light.

For such souls, I hope they will entrust themselves to the universe and become beings who watch over us from a higher dimension, living with greater freedom. The fact that the light reaches even into areas beyond one’s conscious awareness suggests that the light of Shinkiko has become more capable of permeating deeply. I believe this applies not only to those who have passed away but to us the living as well. Are there aspects of our lives where we are straining ourselves, hidden beneath the assumption that “I’m fine” or “this is just how things are”? Have we given up on things we truly wanted to do, or turned a blind eye to unfulfilled desires? Is there a part of us that feels we aren’t allowed to be free? As we receive Shinkiko and the Ki energy penetrates more deeply, a desire for greater freedom often arises naturally. This is not something limited to the young; I believe it is best to simply start small, doing what we can, little by little.

The “Hybrid” version I introduced the week before last came about when two marks were accidentally superimposed and stamped onto an HG white sheet. Initially, I was convinced that the marks had to be distinct and clear; however, after hearing feedback from users who said the effect “penetrated deeper than usual,” I realized that my assumption had been mistaken.

It is often difficult to recognize one’s own assumptions. I find myself thinking, regarding my wife, things like “She should be able to sense what I’m thinking without me saying it” or “She surely understood after I told her once.” Similarly, at work, I might worry that a boss is angry simply because they have a blank expression, or fear that a colleague dislikes me just because they didn’t say hello. In all these cases, it is not the facts themselves, but rather my own “interpretation” that is running away with my thoughts.

In the field of psychology, it is said that everyone has cognitive biases; rather than seeing facts exactly as they are, we interpret them through our own personal filters. While I am not an expert in this area, the idea makes perfect sense to me. That is precisely why it is important to consciously establish a way to recognize our own preconceptions.

Suppose, for instance, that your boss didn’t make eye contact with you today. ① You might initially view this as a “fact,” but ② you should ask yourself whether it is truly a fact or merely your own “interpretation.” In reality, they might have simply been looking in a different direction by chance; even if it is a fact that they didn’t make eye contact, concluding that they “must be angry” could be nothing more than your own assumption. ③ If you explore other ways of looking at the situation, you might consider perspectives such as “they were just too busy and flustered” or “they were simply feeling unwell.” Cultivating the habit of distinguishing between “fact” and “interpretation” helps loosen the grip of your assumptions. By continuing this practice, you can identify your own unique thought patterns—such as a tendency to interpret others negatively, a habit of thinking in terms of “shoulds,” or a tendency to blow failures out of proportion—thereby reducing the number of assumptions you make.

From the perspective of Ki (life energy), negative Ki tends to infiltrate the vulnerable parts of our minds, seeking to pull us further into negativity. Those long-held, deep-seated beliefs of ours may well be things we were unconsciously led to adopt by that negative Ki.
That is why receiving Shinkiko helps accelerate this process of transformation. Shinkiko energy works at the very root of the issue, fostering awareness. I feel that by combining psychological practices with Shinkiko, a rigid mindset can begin to change from a much deeper level.

During Ohigan(the equinoctial week), many people likely renewed their sense of gratitude toward their ancestors by pressing their hands in prayer before the family altar or visiting gravesites. It is a time to turn our thoughts to family members who have passed away. I, too, felt a sense of spiritual energy as I reflected on my parents and other family members who have gone before me. When I commune with departed loved ones in my heart, I experience a feeling of inner clarity. I believe this is because the act of thinking of the deceased is a positive sentiment—one that attracts positive energy. Whether by praying at the altar or visiting a grave, the forms of observance may vary, but what remains constant is that the very act of remembering those who have passed helps steer our hearts toward a positive state.

This experience is not limited to the Ohigan period; many people seem to share a similar feeling when participating in the Shinkiko retreat seminars. During these seminars, Prof. Akira Ishii teaches a method of introspection that involves reflecting on various past events—specifically, things others have done for us, things we have done for others, and times we have caused trouble for others. As one reflects in this way, a sense of gratitude naturally arises. It is precisely because we practice—more than usual—the mindset of attracting “positive Ki” (a guiding principle for mind purification) while receiving an abundance of Ki energy that our hearts become clear and serene.

In other words, it is just as important to gradually reduce—day by day—the kind of mindset that attracts “negative energy” (such as fault-finding, dissatisfaction, and irritation), rather than simply focusing on cultivating gratitude. I believe that a clear, serene heart can only be sustained when both increasing the positive and reducing the negative are achieved together.

The most direct way to change yourself for the better is to turn this mindset into small, sustainable habits. For instance, upon waking, you might face a photograph or the family altar of a deceased loved one and silently say, “Thank you for this day.” During the day, if you feel a sense of fault-finding toward someone, pause for a moment and recall one good quality about them. Before going to sleep at night, reflect on just one thing someone did for you or one good thing that happened that day. These actions take only seconds, yet doing them daily creates a meaningful accumulation of progress. It is about maintaining a balance—gradually increasing gratitude while decreasing the tendency to find fault. Using milestones like Ohigan or retreat seminars as a starting point, and then carrying these practices into your everyday life, gives you the strength to maintain a clear and serene state of mind.

We recently held a Shinkiko retreat seminar in Miyazaki, and I would like to share an incident from the event that gave me a significant realization.

In late last month, while producing A5-sized HG White Sheets, I made a blunder: I accidentally engraved the SAS triple mark and the pyramid mark—which were supposed to be engraved separately on the front and back—right on top of each other. The marks overlapped to the point where neither could be distinguished visually; however, thinking I might still be able to put them to some use, I engraved the same pattern on the reverse side as well and sent the sheets to the Kumamoto Center.

However, people who received the Ki energy through this remarked that it seemed to reach a deeper level than usual; although I did not fully grasp it myself at the time, five individuals purchased it by the end of last month, insisting, “I absolutely must have this.” Furthermore, four of them attended our retreat seminar in Miyazaki and received the Ki again; they reported that the energy permeated deeply just as before, creating a sensation where negative thoughts were instantly purified. This led to the realization that this fused symbol might make it easier for the Ki energy to reach people involved in religious circles—particularly those who are unable to change due to fixed, preconceived notions.

Initially, I held the assumption that designs lacking clear, distinct markings were somehow inferior. However, I came to realize that this was not the case and that I should not be bound by such preconceived notions. Another realization struck me regarding the importance of convergence—much like how individual symbols merge into one, everything in the world is moving toward a state of unity. While forms of faith vary by country, region, and era—sometimes even leading to conflict—I believe that the spirit of prayer at their core is fundamentally the same. Through the retreat seminar in Miyazaki, I felt that we might be entering an era where, fueled by energy from the cosmos, diverse prayers and faiths shine ever brighter as they transcend boundaries and draw closer together as one.

For this reason, we have named this superimposed engraving option “Hybrid.” Although the sale on “White Sheets” concluded at the end of last month, we have extended the sale on additional engravings (46,750 yen per set) through the end of the year, allowing both existing White Sheet owners and new purchasers to upgrade to the Hybrid version. Additionally, for “Hi-Genki” models 3 through 8, we are now offering a “Hybrid” type (196,700 yen per set) as a new option alongside the existing “Power-Up” (SAS triple-mark engraving) and “Upgrade” (pyramid-mark engraving) services; we invite you to consider this option.

Today marks the start of the Shinkiko retreat seminar in Miyazaki. The venue is a hotel overlooking Aoshima Island and the “Oni no Sentaku-iwa” (Ogre’s Washboard) rock formations. Aoshima is a site steeped in the mythology of Yamasachihiko and Toyotama-hime; with archaeological traces of Yayoi-period rituals still present, it is regarded as a sacred place dating back to prehistoric times. The surrounding “Ogre’s Washboard” formations are natural sculptures created over millions of years as geological strata were uplifted and subsequently eroded by the waves. I am delighted to hold this retreat seminar in a new location during this year, which marks the 40th anniversary of Shinkiko. I feel a profound connection in being able to receive Ki energy on this land where prayers have been offered since ancient times.

Around the time this venue was selected, I happened to hear a radio program episode set on Aoshima. It was a show featuring readings by Tae Kimura—a program I have listened to for many years. In the story, the protagonist, feeling stuck in their career in the travel industry, visits Miyazaki and hears a story about waves from the head priest of Aoshima Shrine. The teaching was that waves follow a set rhythm—small, medium, and large—and that once a large wave passes, movement becomes possible again; therefore, one should not fight the waves but simply wait for the right moment. Hearing this allowed the protagonist to finally let go of their tension. I felt a sense of serendipity in encountering this story just after the training venue had been decided.

This concept resonates deeply when viewed from the perspective of Ki (life energy). Shinkiko is energy derived from the universe, and the Ki relay device serves to harness this energy and make it available for us to receive. By continuously receiving this energy—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—even negative Ki is gradually infused with the light-like energy of Shinkiko. No matter how heavy the negative Ki may be, it will inevitably transform into light—though this process can sometimes take time. The key is to avoid attracting further negative Ki through a negative mindset; instead, focus on finding the good in things and cultivate an attitude of surrender and trust.

Rather than trying to force your way through by struggling against the current, it can actually be a shortcut to have the courage to wait for the right moment while steadfastly receiving Shinkiko energy. We all tend to want to control things through our own efforts alone, but as beings who are part of nature, there are times when we need to surrender ourselves to the flow. Ceasing to resist and waiting quietly while receiving the energy—I feel that this, too, is a form of purifying the heart.

In this place where prayers have been offered since ancient times, I hope that through the retreat seminar starting today, each participant will become aware of the rhythmic waves within themselves and take home the key to letting go of tension.

There are many people who struggle to feel truly happy. One major factor behind this is a mental habit of blaming others. We tend to look for causes outside ourselves—attributing work failures to a boss or family friction to a partner’s personality, for instance.

Ultimately, however, whether or not we are happy depends not on who is to blame for our circumstances, but on how we perceive and respond to them. As long as we attribute the cause to others, we remain powerless to change anything ourselves; we are left merely waiting for other people or our environment to shift, while happiness stays forever out of reach.
If we look back, we realize that many past events were actually the result of a series of our own decisions. Even though we were the ones who chose our marriages and careers, when things go wrong, we often forget that these were our own choices—blaming instead “that person,” “the company,” or “my parents” for our situation. It is a common human tendency to let such opportunities for change slip away by shifting the blame onto others, even though changing ourselves could transform the situation.

From the perspective of Ki (energy), there is another profound reason for this. Often, the very things we attribute to other people or to negative events are actually the result of negative Ki influencing us from behind the scenes.

When strongly influenced by negative Ki (energy), one feels a growing urge to blame others or external circumstances—insisting “it’s all because of so-and-so”—while simultaneously harboring increasing regrets about decisions one had actually made oneself, dwelling on thoughts like “if only I had done things differently back then.” This negative energy tricks you into believing “it’s not my fault” while piling up regrets, draining your vitality, and leaving you exhausted. As long as you continue to blame others, your attention remains diverted from the negative energy within you; left unnoticed, this energy is never purified and continues to linger indefinitely.

Behind the mental habit of blaming others, negative Ki (energy) grows increasingly powerful—this is the true reason why those who frequently blame others drift further away from happiness. To break this vicious cycle, the first step is to pause and reflect whenever you feel the urge to say, “This is [someone else’s] fault,” by considering, “Perhaps there is some negative Ki within me as well.”
That very moment is a perfect opportunity to re-examine yourself. By receiving Shinkiko to boost your Ki and focusing on what you can do—rather than letting negative Ki overwhelm you—you can cultivate the habit of looking for the good in things. Consistently doing this strengthens the light within you and around you, creating the foundation that attracts happiness.

“How does Shinkiko differ from Qigong or Reiki?” This is a question I am frequently asked. Many people likely perceive Qigong as a practice of cultivating and refining one’s own Ki(Qi) (life energy) through personal training, and Reiki as a method where a practitioner transmits energy through their hands. In contrast, the defining characteristic of Shinkiko is that Ki(Qi) emanates from an object, or that one utilizes an item capable of emitting Ki(Qi). In fact, this is precisely the aspect that may seem most dubious to the average person. Even I, when I first heard the story of how my father—the previous head—invented the “High Genki” device in a dream, honestly thought it sounded rather suspicious.

This space is filled with various forms of energy. Just as a radio or television tunes in to a specific station’s signal from among a multitude of airwaves, “Ki-relay” devices and other Shinkiko items—which have been infused with Ki—are designed to selectively capture and receive only the Shinkiko vibrations. While the method of transmitting Ki by placing one’s hands on someone tends to provide energy only for the moment and duration that the person is present, the use of these tools allows us to receive that energy continuously and inexhaustibly in our daily lives. Furthermore, by receiving Ki intensively—such as through Shinkiko training courses—that energy becomes imprinted within you, eventually enabling you to transmit Ki to the people around you.

Our Ki (life energy) is connected to the people around us—our ancestors, family, and friends. Therefore, when we receive the energy of Shinkiko, the resulting changes are not limited to ourselves alone but extend to those around us. While practices like Qigong and Reiki primarily focus on the individual receiving the treatment, I feel that a distinctive feature of Shinkiko is that the light spreads beyond the recipient to the surrounding environment. Shinkiko has a nature that allows it to easily permeate the life energy within the body (referred to by some as Ki or the soul). Once this energy permeates, it fosters the growth of the soul and increases the soul’s light. Consequently, various changes manifest in both the body and the mind. I believe this influence extends not only to the living but also to those who have already passed away, as well as to animals and plants.

My predecessor once said, “The purpose of Shinkiko is not merely to cure illness; it is to elevate spirituality, purify the environment…” Shinkiko works by having the light radiate outward from the person receiving the Ki (life energy), reaching everything that possesses life energy. It is perfectly fine if it seems unusual or mysterious at first. I encourage you to simply experience receiving the Ki firsthand and observe the changes within your own body and mind. We hold regular free trial sessions, so please feel free to join us if you are interested.

Last weekend, we held a Shinkiko Retreat seminar at the KIPLACE in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Shinkiko, I am delighted that—following last month’s event in Sapporo—we were able to host a training seminar at the KIPLACE for the first time. Although the Ikebukuro KIPLACE opened only about two years ago, our connection to this location traces back to the era of my predecessor. I also find deep significance in the fact that we were able to hold this gathering to receive Ki energy during Obon, a time when we turn our thoughts toward our ancestors. Stepping back from the busyness of daily life and interpersonal relationships to spend time quietly receiving Ki offers us an invaluable opportunity to look inward and connect with ourselves.

We sometimes encounter unexpected troubles or unforeseen events. There are times when nothing seems to go right, and our anxiety causes us to spin our wheels in vain. In such moments, we are prone to looking for causes outside ourselves—thinking, “Why is this happening to me?” or “It’s that person’s fault.” This is because, when caught in the midst of trouble, we easily align with negative Ki (energy), causing our perspective to narrow. Yet, from the perspective of Ki, events that appear negative at first glance often carry vital messages intended to refine our hearts and elevate our souls.

For some time now, I have felt the importance of “pausing” in our daily lives. Japan has long cherished a culture of stopping to reflect on oneself—whether by clasping one’s hands in prayer at the end of the day or centering one’s mind at the turning points of the seasons. However, modern society demands efficiency and speed, often causing us to keep rushing forward without a moment’s rest. Although this Retreat seminar is something I conduct regularly, engaging with it in a different setting and from a fresh perspective allowed me to experience that sense of pausing. If we forget to stop, not only does fatigue accumulate, but we also become trapped in the same patterns of thought, making it difficult to generate new ideas; we become more susceptible to the influence of negative energy.

These Retreat seminars offer the perfect opportunity to simply pause for a moment. By quieting the restless activity of your conscious mind in an environment filled with positive energy, the clouds obscuring your heart clear away, allowing deep insights to well up naturally. Negative energy is dispelled, while positive energy supports you, making it easier for inspired ideas to emerge.
We are expanding our venues, with sessions scheduled for Miyazaki next month and Kyoto thereafter. I encourage you to find a moment in your daily life to simply pause. Even just applying the High Genki device while letting your mind drift is enough. By taking that moment to pause and center your heart, your journey forward will become more powerful and filled with light.

August is a season for turning our thoughts toward our ancestors. The very fact that we exist here today is due entirely to the countless ancestors who, since the distant past, have carried on the unbroken thread of life.
I recently spoke with someone who had obtained a certified copy of their family register; as they carefully examined the document, they realized that each of their ancestors had lived through an era of great upheaval and war—spanning from the end of the Edo period into the Showa era. Imagining the hardships those ancestors endured likely allowed this person to feel a deeper sense of gratitude than ever before.

On the other hand, some of you may have heard negative stories about your ancestors—such as tales of lives ruined by alcohol or failed business ventures. However, it is important to view these matters from a different perspective. It could be said that precisely because of those failures and hardships, the family united and the next generation rose to the challenge, leading to the present day. In fact, ancestors who harbored such regrets or attachments are often the very ones waiting for the light; thus, there is profound significance in our sending that light to them with a heart full of gratitude.

From the perspective of Ki (vital energy), the soul continues to exist even after the physical body perishes, remaining deeply connected to us through an invisible, vertical bond. While the karmic ties with our ancestors may sometimes manifest as seemingly negative phenomena—such as poor health or discord in relationships—these are not things to fear; rather, they offer a prime opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth.

You can share the positive Ki (energy)—charged using devices like High Genki or other Ki-enhancing products—with your ancestors. At the same time, while it is certainly important to look for the good in your daily life, you should also deeply reflect on your connection to your ancestors. Try writing down the stories and accounts of their hardships that you heard from your parents or grandparents. Research their names and the eras in which they lived using family registers or family trees, and try to imagine what their lives were like; your ancestors may well have endured immense stress.

What if you put yourself in their shoes? Imagining this makes their experiences feel much more personal and can offer new insights into how you approach your own current struggles. You may also discover something “passed down within you”—such as a shared ability to overcome hardships, or similarities in your talents and lines of work. As you come to perceive each individual as a real, tangible person, your sense of gratitude deepens and becomes more profound.

Then, let us translate those feelings into a “resolve to purify our mind.” Even a small step—such as pausing for a breath before speaking when you feel a flash of irritation—represents a proactive effort to change for the better; this act in itself serves as a supreme offering, and our ancestors will support us as a “cheering squad of light.” Let us strive together to reach greater heights.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to everyone affected by the recent earthquakes in Kumamoto. We know that many of you are living with anxiety due to ongoing aftershocks, and we pray for a swift return to your peaceful daily lives. Meanwhile, extreme heat continues across the country. We urge everyone—not only in the affected areas but nationwide—to take great care to prevent heatstroke by staying hydrated and taking other necessary precautions. Although SAS’s Kumamoto Center was closed yesterday, we have resumed operations today. Please feel free to stop by and recharge your energy.

We are pleased to introduce our new product, the “HG Tray.” This oval stainless steel tray (23.2 cm x 11.9 cm) features a “Pyramid” mark on the surface, “SAS Triple” mark and a serial number engraved on back sides using a UV laser. By placing a photograph or an item of interest on the tray, you can transmit Ki energy to it remotely. It is priced at 28,600 yen. Designed to blend naturally into settings such as entryways, bedrooms, dining tables, and workspaces, it offers the appealing benefit of allowing you to receive the advantages of Ki energy effortlessly—simply by placing everyday items like your smartphone, house keys, watch, or rings on it. We decided to release this product for everyone—including those who previously performed remote Shinkiko by placing photos on the “High Genki Type 3,” as well as those who found it difficult to do so with the “Type 6” or “Type 7” due to space constraints.

This HG Tray shares the same structural design as the various “Head Upgrade” units; by adding the upgrade element to your existing High Genki main unit, energy from the unit is relayed to the tray, thereby significantly boosting the volume of Ki transmission. If you are interested, please consult our staff; the cost is the same as the Head Upgrade (38,500 yen per set).

We have also switched the engraving method for the HG Card White to a UV laser system. Compared to the previous infrared laser method, this allows for more precise, high-density engraving, enabling more efficient production. As a result, we have increased the card’s Ki transmission capacity while adjusting the price to 26,400 yen. Beyond simply carrying the card to receive Ki yourself, you can register specific recipients—whether people or locations—using the card’s serial number; this makes it easier to direct Ki to others, such as by registering the names of family members.

In addition, until Sunday, August 16, we are offering the crystals available at all centers at special prices: items priced at 50,000 yen or more are half-price, while those priced below that amount are discounted by 35%. These crystals are ideal for “Remote Shinkiko”—sending Ki energy to your ancestors—such as when placed on a Buddhist altar. We encourage you to use them in conjunction with an HG Tray. Please feel free to contact your nearest center for more details.