Yano Research Institute Ltd. (YANO) has been working on the demonstration experiment of a small local circular economy model.¹ Related to this business, the other day, I participated in “Mori de Retreat Special” held by the Japan Environmental Education Forum (JEEF) and the Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project, Inc. (KEEP). JEEF is a public interest incorporated association engaged in developing human resources who create a sustainable society through environmental education that places importance on experience and communication. KEEP is a public interest incorporated foundation that operates “Seisen-ryo,” a symbol of “Kiyosato,” and conducts more than 250 environmental education projects every year.

The major purpose of the event, “Mori de Retreat Special,” is to “feel the forest in this early spring and listen to the voices of nature and yourself for two days.” On the first day, blessed with good weather, we enjoyed the day forest and the night forest. On the second day, we went barefoot to the rainy forest. Touching trees, feeling wind, listening to the sound of nature, breathing in the rain, and stepping barefoot on the ground – I fully used my five senses through this experience. The commentary by Akiko Ono and Motoki Furuiwa, experienced rangers of KEEP, was pleasant. I was also inspired by “the barefoot man” Jun Kaneko’s genuine passion for looking for a “meaningful relationship between humans and environment.”

There were diverse and talented 10 participants including a researcher at a research institute under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Agency, a manager of an external relations strategy department of a local government, a manager of a camping resort business, a consultant in SDGs issues, a clinical psychologist, a sales representative of a foreign-invested enterprise, and me. Those working on forest and nature restoration, those involved in environmental education, and those who support and promote regional revitalization and corporate environmental strategies all have different relationships between forest experience and their main occupations, but the common thing of them was that they all have deep and strong feelings to forests and nature. I was totally a “beginner” among the participants in various senses.

The long holidays are coming soon. I assume that many of the readers of this column are excited to fulfill the holiday plans. If you have not made any plans yet, I highly recommend discovering the forest. If you do not want to go out during the holidays to avoid the crowds, or if accommodations are already fully booked, you do not need to travel far. I believe that there is small nature around you where you can feel the forest.² Close your eyes, breathe deeply, get away from your daily life for a little while, and condition yourself. (This phrase includes not only my own words but also secondhand words originated by someone else's.) Work hard for one more week and have a nice vacation.

 

*1: Our efforts on a small local circular economy model: On December 2018, YANO established “Carbon Neutral Business Research Institute,” an internal organization of the company. This institute has been recognizing the changes in social and industrial structures to achieve a carbon neutral society as business opportunities to create new values. As part of these efforts, YANO started the “Kokorade Project,” a demonstration experiment of a small economic circulation model in Plateau of Yatsugatake Mountains.

*2: Forest walking events will be held simultaneously at 24 locations across Japan on May 4 (Greenery Day) during this Golden Week holidays. If you cannot travel far, please visit a forest near you.

Organizer: The GotoForest! Consortium (Representative: Future with Forest Association)

https://shinrin-yoku.jp/go-to-forest-2023/

[Related Posts]

“Looking for the Sustainable Richness, A New Model of a Local Circular Economy Starts in a Plateau of Yatsugatake Mountains” This Week’s Focus, July 8, 2022

“Co-Creation Innovative Activities Start in Hokuto City to Realize the Sustainable Society” This Week’s Focus, October 28, 2022

 

This Week’s Focus, April 21

Takashi Mizukoshi, the President