Twenty high school students selected for the Human Resource Development Project in Fukuoka Prefecture visited our Second Nature Farm. This is the third year our farm has participated in the program.
Their packed schedule included a tour of the farm, hands-on training in soil preparation and seedling planting using natural agricultural methods, a tasting of ulu curry, and a presentation on our project’s past, present, and future.
This student’s delegation from Fukuoka seemed well-prepared. Gary and I were bombarded with questions and even consulted by students who said, “I want to try working on natural farming, too.” Their genuine curiosity and enthusiasm made us feel proud and motivated about the future of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. We were delighted to see how interested Japanese high schoolers are in these vital issues.
Even after the delegation left, Gary and Takae, together with volunteers John, Takuya, and Nana, who helped with the training event, lingered in the positive energy that the students from Fukuoka had left behind. We discussed the future of young people in Japan and the U.S. and felt a renewed sense of hope and connection. While conveying the importance of natural farming, biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation, the event served as a heartfelt reminder of the potential for cross-cultural understanding, thanks to the youth delegation.
When the delegation was about to depart, one of the high school girls, Mei Hirai, handed me an interview sheet. She said, “Please read this later. If you have time, could you answer the questions?” From the beginning, the sheet was densely filled with messages handwritten in small English letters.
“Thank you for the enjoyable experience today. As someone interested in agriculture, I think() this was a truly valuable opportunity for me. Through this trip, I’m exploring Hawaiian culture and local agriculture. I’d appreciate hearing your thoughts. If you’re willing, I’d like to share my e-mail address—would you mind answering my questions? If that’s difficult, I’d be grateful if you could scan this QR code and complete the survey instead. I wish your company continued success and prosperity.” (The underlined words are edited later.)
Next came seven meticulously worded questions in polite English. We were impressed by the earnestness and sincerity conveyed by this carefully composed text, which must have taken considerable time to write. Gary was so moved by it that he wrote back his responses to each question in his own handwriting, earnestly and sincerely striving to address her concerns. (See the scanned sheet.)
It is terrific that Japanese high school students and some farmers in Hawaii could have such a serious discussion. We are grateful for the power of nature that connects people across countries, languages, and generations. Gary and Takae are firmly resolved to do whatever it takes to pass on the Agroforestry Natural Farm Project to future generations.
[Personal Note]
Perhaps I overworked because I thought I was still young. I led the young people around the farm’s bumpy mountain paths while carrying heavy tools and stuff. Once I arrived home and the tension finally subsided, however, I began to feel stiffness and a dull ache on the right side of my lower back.
That was a warning sign of potential back pain. When this happens, I usually soak in a hot bath to release tension in my fascia throughout my body. Then, without touching the painful area, I slowly realign my spine and pelvis using original yoga poses that stretch the five fascia lines. It’s my own back pain prevention method that I developed. It worked incredibly well. When I woke up the next morning, the stiffness in my lower back had completely eased, allowing the pelvis to rotate fully, and the warning stiffness had vanished entirely.
That said, our farm had uneven mountain paths here and there. From now on, I must not overestimate my health. Especially when leading children or young people, as I did this time, I must be extra cautious for their sake and my own. It reminds me of walking step by step, firmly planting each foot on the ground. This will help me maintain my body balance for as long as possible so I can continue to guide visitors who want to learn more about this natural farm.
