【Vol.1】Jazzercise Studio Ujina: A Place to Enjoy "Me Time"
Jazzercise Studio Ujina, located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, opened approximately six years ago, and there are many people who consider it their go-to place, finding a sense of belonging at Studio Ujina. What is the allure of Jazzercise and Studio Ujina? I had the opportunity to speak with the owner, Eiko Mizosaki, in this studio overlooking the expansive ocean.
Interestingly, many people come here to spend quality time alone.
Jazzercise has become like a second home for many. I feel that numerous individuals have made this their "third place," alongside their home and workplace. (Note: A "third place" refers to a comfortable place that is neither home nor workplace.)
Here, no one knows about each other's past or background.
That's why we can be our true selves in return.
During our classes, we often say, "Even if you run into each other at the supermarket, don't acknowledge each other, haha." It's because our connection is only within this space.
We're not someone's mom or a coworker from the workplace.
We may not know anything about the person sitting next to us.
Where they live or how old they are.
Those things don't matter. As long as we can enjoy this space together, that's all that matters.
I believe that's what makes it truly comforting.
That's also why Judy (the founder of Jazzercise) didn't create a changing room.
Having a changing room can lead to unnecessary complications...
So, the relationships here are very "clear" and "simple."
We can be ourselves, and many people feel relieved when they come here.
That's probably why Jazzercise becomes a "third place."
People who visit the Jazzercise website probably imagine a lively group atmosphere, right? (laughs) That's why they tend to think that "communication might be bothersome" or "I'm shy, so I'm not comfortable with the atmosphere."
Actually, it might be the opposite.
I believe that people who need their alone time come here to spend their "me time."
There are plenty of individuals who prefer not to talk to others, and some just sit and scroll through their smartphones absentmindedly.
And nobody really minds.
Just a while ago, after the class ended, there was someone stretching while looking at the sea (outside the window) alone.
At that moment, the person next to them was just tidying up without paying any attention to the fact that the other person was stretching alone and looking outside.
Such things happen normally, and I think it's a beautiful sight.
I'm sure that here, no matter who you are or how you present yourself, they will accept you as you are.
That sense of reassurance, I believe, is present in this place.
A Place Where You Can Be Left Alone with Warmth
You see it with warm eyes, but it gives off a feeling of being left alone, right?
This is completely different from the situation where each person is "completely ignored and silently doing their workout."
Everyone doesn't pay attention to what others are doing and doesn't intrude.
However, there is an atmosphere where everyone respects the person next to them.
No matter who they are. Whether they're energetic or feeling down.
Because they are respected, one can also feel comfortable.
That's why you can come here alone.
Jazzercise is not about doing it in a large group; it's about individual gatherings. I want people to experience this comfortable atmosphere.
Planning, Reporting, Writing: Nagisa Kimura
Photography: Takumi Matsumura
