The seeds for our Center were planted in 1997 when The Rodale Institute and Shumei formed a partnership based on common goals. Shumei members from Japan moved to Pennsylvania to work on the regenerative/Natural Agriculture projects at The Institute. Friendships were formed and ideas were shared, and Pennsylvanians became new members of Shumei. A small group of members started meeting regularly in 2001.

We pass through picturesque rolling hills of Pennsylvania German farmland to reach the Pennsylvania Center, which officially opened in October 2002. The Center is located near The Rodale Institute and within a two hour drive of Philadelphia and New York City. It is nestled on beautiful property filled with mature trees, lush plantings, and colorful flowers. Many birds, butterflies, and other wildlife make their homes among the trees. We have welcomed friends from several states in the US, Japan, and many parts of the world since the Center's opening.