Born and raised in England, Ansel Swindells moved to Tokyo in 2022 to deepen his relationship with the other half of his heritage. In addition to contributing articles to The Japan Times, coordinating editorials for POPEYE Magazine and writing copy for the likes of Issey Miyake, he has thrown himself into the local culture by bartending at his local izakaya and working on a natural farm in Okayama Prefecture.
What does a journey mean to you?
Doing enough planning and research to leave the door open for serendipitous encounters.
Which other country or location most inspires you?
A small village called Chuka in Okayama Prefecture. Surrounded by forests and mountains, just being among all the greenery is invigorating, especially coming from Tokyo, but it’s really all the talented craftspeople and artisans who’ve settled there that I find so inspiring.
Where would you go back to, and why?
Hiruzen Kougei, a shizen-saibai (natural cultivation) farm located in the village I just mentioned. I’ve become good friends with the couple who run the farm, and staying with them each summer has become a ritual.
Top insider tip for Tokyo?
This applies more to the whole of Japan, but try some shochu—Japan’s national spirit—when you visit a bar or an izakaya: it’s way more accessible than nihonshu and, when mixed with soda, has the potential to be the next G&T (in my humble opinion). Daiyame is a famous bottle I’d recommend starting with.
What journey would you most like to go on?
The Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage of 88 Buddhist temples that takes you round the perimeter of the island of Shikoku.
Find out more at swindeed.com
