Creating a Welcoming Space in Rural Japan
In the scenic mountains of Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, a Moroccan Muslim and his Japanese wife have embarked on a unique journey to foster community spirit through their traditional farmhouse, which boasts over a century of history. Fatih Ymran, a 33-year-old IT engineer from Morocco, and his wife Nanami, a 35-year-old former civil servant who embraced Islam before their marriage, are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming environment where visitors can feel at home. Adorned in elegant kimonos, the couple invites locals and travelers alike to share in the cultural experience of matcha tea preparation, seasonal cooking, and heartfelt conversations.
A Journey of Love and Cultural Exchange
The couple's story began in 2016 when they crossed paths in Kobe while Fatih was pursuing his studies as an international student and Nanami was working for the local government. Their mutual fascination with traditional Japanese culture laid the foundation for a blossoming relationship. Following her first experience of Ramadan in 2018, Nanami discovered a deeper appreciation for food, leading her to convert to Islam. The couple tied the knot in 2020 and made a bold move to Yasugi, driven by their love for nature and the serene ambiance of the area. In 2023, they acquired the farmhouse, where they now reside with their two-year-old son, Sami, who delightfully watches animated films in both Japanese and Arabic.
As they open their home to neighbors and foreign residents from various backgrounds, including those from Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, Fatih and Nanami have cultivated a sense of belonging within their community. Visitors are welcomed to partake in traditional practices, such as crafting seasonal delicacies by wrapping glutinous rice in bamboo leaves, which fosters a spirit of collaboration and connection among participants.
Fatih, who works remotely for a company based in Tokyo, often interacts with guests even while immersed in his work, reflecting the cultural norm in Morocco where neighbors frequently drop by to socialize. He emphasizes the importance of community ties, sharing a teaching from the Prophet that highlights the significance of caring for one's neighbors. Despite the challenges of discrimination faced by Muslims in some urban areas of Japan, the couple has experienced nothing but kindness and acceptance in their rural setting. Nanami expressed gratitude for how the local residents see them for who they are, reinforcing the essence of multicultural coexistence through mutual respect and understanding.
As reported by mainichi.jp.
