Photographer Stefan Speidel, who has called Japan home for over 30 years, presents images from his three-month, 2,000 km trek across his adopted country—no fixed schedule, just one step at a time. The journey marks the transition between one chapter of life and the next.

He hiked west from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, then left Honshu for Kyushu, returning to Tokyo from Beppu via the ancient Nakasendo trail along the San'in coast. He captured the journey in black-and-white photographs that often resemble ink drawings, accompanied by a written account of his thoughts and encounters. As he walked, his perception shifted: time began to flow differently, and his gaze became more attentive.

"I notice the wonderful scent of the forest, the raindrops on my face, and my feet hitting the ground with every step. I enjoy every day, but the days are starting to blur." The images tell stories of landscapes, transitions, and the realization that even on foot, one can still move too fast.

Opening reception July 9, 2026, 4–6 pm, in the Galerie im Treppenhaus 1967. Introduction by Herlinde Kölbl, music by Masako Ohta, and finger food from the Tannerhof kitchen. The exhibition runs until November 28, 2026, daily 10 am–6 pm, free admission.

stefanspeidel.com · Just Walking (Book)

The evening centers on a reading by Yuko Kuhn from her novel Onigiri. With quiet intensity, she tells the story of Aki, who travels to Japan with her mother, Keiko, who suffers from dementia—a journey back to family roots, memories, and a nearly lost closeness. Between moments of disorientation and surprising clarity, a deeply moving story unfolds about identity, heritage, and the fragile bond between generations. Pianist Masako Ohta creates a unique musical dimension with poetic improvisations on the Taishōgoto. Literature and music intertwine organically, lending the evening an almost intimate density.

YUKO KUHN was born in Munich and studied cultural economics in Passau and Aix-en-Provence. In 2019, she turned to writing through her work at the University of Television and Film Munich. Her debut novel, ONIGIRI, was published by Hanser in 2025.

MASAKO OHTA is a pianist, sound performer, and composer. The Münchner Feuilleton aptly described her as a "poet of the piano." Trained in Tokyo, the musician moves confidently between classical and contemporary music, improvisation, and performative formats, and has received numerous awards for her work.

ONIGIRI When Aki learns that her grandmother Yasuko has passed away, she books two flights. She wants to take her mother to see her family in Japan one last time, even though she knows how risky it is to take someone with dementia out of their familiar environment. And indeed, she has never seen Keiko as lost as she is on their first night at the hotel. But then they sit down to eat in their old family home, and suddenly her mother, who had become so quiet, speaks happily and clearly to herself. Only on this journey does Aki recognize the courageous and life-hungry woman her mother once was, before that great, threatening fatigue took hold of her in Germany. With gentle clarity, Yuko Kuhn crafts the fascinating story of a German-Japanese family that gets lost between cultures and finds itself anew.

“Yuko Kuhn writes heartbreakingly wonderfully about two worlds: Japan and Germany, mother and daughter, rich and poor, old and young—and about herself in the middle of it all. Beautiful enough to make you cry.” Doris Dörrie

“We become who we are through small experiences, through encounters, through the words our family gives us. This novel tells that story: cautiously, precisely observed, tender and delicate, full of love.” Lena Gorelik

“A family gets lost and finds itself again. As comforting as your favorite childhood meal.” Isabel Bogdan

“A book with great pull… I couldn’t stop reading… A very delicate, very beautiful book.” Elke Heidenreich

“Onigiri is a book full of contrasts, full of farewells and new discoveries, full of holes and emptiness, but also full of warmth and optimism. Above all, however, it is a book about a daughter who honestly tries to understand her mother and do her justice.” Julie Metzdorf

“It is probably the most understated novel of the year—and for that very reason, one of the most moving.” Christoph Amend

Qigong Camp with Susanne Pries

Oct 17 – 24, 2026. Qigong is a Chinese self-healing method aimed at health and inner growth. By combining movement, breath, and concentration, you activate your own life energy. "Chan Mi Gong" is based on gentle, wave-like movements of the spine. In this camp, we will learn and deepen the basic exercises of Chan Mi Gong. Exercises from Five Elements Qigong will wake us up in the morning. Rest and meditation will help us find our center. The goal of these exercises is to relax and strengthen the body while fostering serenity and clarity.

Beginners and advanced practitioners of all ages are welcome at the camp. No prior experience is required. The day begins with an invigorating morning session. After a healthy breakfast, you will learn a simple sequence of exercises that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. The program includes an additional late-afternoon session on four days for relaxation and deepening your practice. Nature hikes round out the week.

Saturday: Arrival by 5:00 PM, introduction 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Sunday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM and 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Accommodation, depending on room category, and meals are in addition to the camp fee. Please book separately.
Reduced course fee for DQGG members: 520.00 EUR

Susanne Pries, born in 1966, is an interior designer and Qigong teacher, as well as an instructor for children's and adult Qigong. She is a member of the German Qigong Society. She regularly leads Qigong courses and weekend seminars.

www.qigong-susanne-pries.de

A retreat that brings clarity and ease.
Featuring coaching insights from positive psychology, personal development, and mental training. Vibrant, holistic, resourceful, and empowering.

Over these 4 days, you will discover more about your individual strengths, your values, and the potential still dormant within you. You will gain a compass to help you proactively shape your life with ease. For greater self-awareness and clarity in decision-making.
Unfold your full potential! If not now, when?

What to expect:

• Inspiring workshops: Every morning, you will dive into an intensive workshop (approx. 90 minutes). Solution-oriented and designed to provide clarity and fresh perspectives with ease.*
• Activities for body and soul: Every afternoon is yours – time for yoga, Pilates, tai chi, aqua aerobics, hiking, biking, or simply enjoying yourself. Relax in the sauna, treat yourself to a massage, or enjoy good conversation by the fireplace – the landscape, the sound of the stream, and the Tannerhof provide the perfect atmosphere.
• Optional one-on-one coaching sessions: Would you like to delve even deeper into your topics? Take the opportunity for an in-depth individual coaching session with me.

Ready for 4 well-deserved days just for you?
I look forward to seeing you!

Trixi Wolfseher
Graduate Psychologist, Systemic Therapist, Certified Positive Psychology Coach, Yoga Instructor

www.wolfseher-coaching.de

*There is room for exchange among participants, but it is not mandatory. Get the inspiration in a way that feels right for you, knowing that this is a personal development retreat and not a support group ;)

Participant testimonials about Heroine Time:

"These were once again very intense and beautiful days that recharged my batteries - thank you so much for that!"

"Thanks for the tailwind..., the camp was great, I constantly think of your input during little things and try to preserve the tranquility of the Tannerhof."

Everything is better together: bring a fellow heroine and save on accommodation costs and get 20 EUR off the camp!

Takes place with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 heroines. Starts Thursday at 3:00 PM and ends Sunday at noon.