Cloud Hands is a movement that exists both in Taiji and Qigong, where the hands are moved smoothly from side to side, as if they moved clouds between them, sometimes standing still, sometimes with steps to the side. The movements improve coordination, calm thoughts, strengthen the back muscles and cause the neck and shoulders to relax.

The most remote point on our journey is at the same time the most familiar. Returning to Japan feels almost like home, but at the same time it becomes a reflection of our own home ground. We have been many times in Japan and it is difficult to generalize, but we see parallels to our own country.

We always live in Asakusa when we are in Tokyo. Here were the old entertainment districts in the early 1900s, and here we meet another Tokyo than the fancy department stores at Ginza, the high-rise buildings in Shinjuku or the technology shops in Akihabara. The houses are lower, it is cluttered, more lively, less polished.

In premises in the local Buddhist temple, on tatami mats, a group of people gather for Tuesday Taiji training. The second hour there is sword training. We have not trained this form before, but some principles are similar. It is difficult, but is an introduction to advanced Taiji.

Buckwheat flour and water is mixed together, kneaded and rolled according to strict rules. The soba chef instructs us very seriously and corrects us when we are not doing right. The round dough is twisted between each roll and the circle becomes larger and larger. After careful folding, the dough is cut with a traditional square knife, very thin strips.