What Yumi Loved About Ocean and Everyday Life in Tarumi, Kobe

Hello.
I’m Inoji from Kobe Share House WARAI.

Yumi lived at Ocean from 2012 to 2013 and later helped WARAI with operations and renovation work. She reflects on finding friends, enjoying Tarumi’s local atmosphere, and maintaining lifelong relationships after moving out.

Read the Japanese version

Watch the full interview

リフォーム隊に復活！

This article has been edited for clarity while preserving the meaning of the original interview.

Yumi’s Year at Ocean in Tarumi

Why She Chose WARAI

Yumi found WARAI through its blog. Photos of residents gardening, enjoying cherry blossoms, and spending time together made the community look lively and welcoming. She thought it would be a place where making friends could happen naturally.

Living with people whose routines and backgrounds differed from hers was fascinating. At the time, share houses were still uncommon in Japan, so the experience felt especially valuable.

The Local Atmosphere of Tarumi

Yumi loved Tarumi’s friendly, old-neighborhood atmosphere. Local greengrocers and fish shops made everyday shopping feel connected to the town rather than anonymous.

Work, Renovation, and Life Before WARAI

While living at Ocean, Yumi worked at a bakery. She later helped with WARAI’s operations and renovation projects, including painting and applying traditional plaster. She also wrote blog posts about residents. After leaving, she became a gymnastics teacher for children.

Before WARAI, Yumi spent two years in Laos as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer, teaching physical education to high-school students. She then joined a one-month work exchange on a macadamia-nut and coffee farm in Hawaii.

Friendships That Continued After Moving Out

Yumi says WARAI gave her many meaningful connections. Even after moving out, she stayed with former housemates, went hiking with them, and formed friendships she expects to keep for life. After marrying, she continued to return for renovation work and events.

Her advice to anyone who is uncertain is to attend an event or house viewing once. Experiencing the people and atmosphere directly can make the decision much clearer.

Inoji remembers Yumi as an energetic person with a bright smile and hopes their families will remain connected for years to come.

Explore WARAI

• See the Ocean property page
• Watch more WARAI videos on YouTube