The Ikigai Podcast
The Ikigai Podcast
Timeless Japan: Preserving Cultural Treasures in a Modern World with Monika Sadkiewicz
Monika Sadkiewicz's journey from Poland to Japan might seem like a story of unexpected twists, but it's a testament to the transformative power of embracing new cultures. In this episode, we sit down with Monika, the dynamic community manager at Planet Labs, as she recounts her life-altering move to Japan as a teenager. With no initial interest in Japanese culture, Monia's path took an intriguing turn as she found her calling in teaching and eventually connected with Planet Labs through a serendipitous meeting with their founder, Tamaki Nishimura. Listen as Monika shares how these experiences shaped her role in promoting cultural preservation through innovative vacation rentals.
Japan's tourism landscape is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, yet there's often a disconnect between government initiatives and the authentic experiences sought by foreign visitors. Monika sheds light on this topic, sharing her insights into fostering genuine connections through a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structure at Planet Labs. This approach not only empowers investors to become co-owners but also aligns with the Japanese concept of 'ibasho'—creating spaces where individuals can truly be themselves. Monika's passion for community engagement and sustainable living shines through as she discusses projects like the renovation of a historic temple and the Bamboo Forest House in Hayama.
The conversation explores Monika's deep appreciation for Japanese culture, touching on the harmonious principles of wa and the unmatched hospitality of omotenashi. As Monika discusses her personal journey to understanding ikigai, we explore the balance between individualism and collective harmony, offering a fresh perspective on how these cultural values differ from those in Europe and Slavic regions. Finally, Monika shares the excitement of expanding Planet Labs' community projects, with a focus on building meaningful relationships and embracing the unique dynamics of new communities. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the spirit of collaboration and cultural preservation driving Monika's endeavors.
But is that the goal? Is it a goal to make it any better?
Speaker 2:Yes, it is Exactly. I want this to be a safe space for everybody, where they can have not only the psychological ownership of the property, but also sense of purpose and belonging to something greater and this collective aspect of it too.
Speaker 1:Find your Ikigai at ikigaitribecom. My guest today on episode 94 of the Ikigai podcast is Monica Stadkovic, the community manager of Planet Labs, and on episode 93, the previous episode, I spoke with Tamaki Nishimura, founder and CEO of Planet Labs, an organization that specializes in transforming iconic properties across Japan into unique vacation rentals, with this focus on cultural preservation and fostering partnerships with local communities, which is a really exciting project. And, monica, you were meant to join us on that episode but you were sick, so it's good to now see you that you're better.
Speaker 2:Yes, my apologies.
Speaker 1:That's fine. Thank you, Nick. So welcome to the podcast.
Speaker 2:Happy to be here.
Speaker 1:Let's start with a bit of background, because you do have an interesting life and background. Please share.
Speaker 2:Yeah, first of all, thank you very much for this opportunity, nick, and thank you for understanding and allowing me to be here. I'm really excited. And yeah, I guess you can say so. I'm not a typical person who was fascinated by Japanese culture or language per se and ended up being here by choice. So I was born and raised in Poland, but my mom has been connected with Japan since 90s and later on.
Speaker 2:She was fortunate enough to remarry with the Japanese when I was around seven. She was fortunate enough to remarry with the Japanese when I was around seven, so I spent my vacation in Japan and then, soon enough, when I was a teenager, at the rebellious 16, I relocated to Japan with no interest in Japan and not really any, to be honest. No language capacity. I couldn't say hello, my name is Monica and count from one to 10. There's no language capacity. I could say hello, my name is Monica and count from one to 10.
Speaker 2:And I needed to learn how to navigate the third culture identity.
Speaker 2:But I wasn't a typical third culture child, so it was also challenging because it wasn't like I was in elementary school and our house was very mixed, so outside we would speak Japanese, at home we would speak Polish only and we relocated with my grandma too.
Speaker 2:So, yeah, I don't want to go into too much details, but I kind of learned about Japan in a reversed manner, meaning that first I was rebellious and I missed everything about my homeland, so I kind of hated everything here. So I needed to learn how to fall in love with Japan and how to, um, I think first I started to respect the culture and I started to realize, um, the positive sides of it and then slowly I started to fall in love, some around, some sometime in my twenties, when I actually started to work here and I used to teach English. I love kids. My stepsister is Japanese, so it was very interesting to see how Japan affected me and how Poland and Japan affected her growing, and that kind of inspired me to become a teacher. But then the COVID hit and that was about a decade of me being a teacher and I kind of wanted to try new things and expand my, let's say, impact further, and that's how I ended up with Planet Dao.
Speaker 1:I see. So yeah, I mean that's quite a unique experience to move to a country where you can't speak the language, you don't understand the culture, you're not really understandably interested in the culture, you've lost your home, your friends, everything you've known yes, yeah, and then adjust to it and then be part of a blended family too.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And then go through your childhood and then your teenage years would be. That's challenging enough without all that complication.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:But it sounds like now you've found your place in Japan, especially with the work that you now do. Yes, so, how did you get involved with Planet Labs?
Speaker 2:I always say by luck, which is true, luck, which is true. Well, um, in 2017, I had a pleasure to work for the inbound tourism agency owned by gayaks at that time, and that's exactly where I met tamaki. So I was a customer service representative and, um, it was very early in my 20s. So, to to be very honest, I think I wasn't ready, especially when it comes to my Japanese capacity, because I had to utilize both languages and you know, keigo, the honorific language, can be sometimes very challenging, and I was still kind of polishing my English too at that time. So it was a little bit challenging, but I really enjoyed it. I realized that I enjoy connecting with people. I really liked the fact that I could be very deep into the crafts and I call it essential tourism, which is not just going to Harajuku taking pictures or taking selfie with Hachiko in Shibuya Crossing or that kind of thing, but actually going to make soba from scratch and talk to the soba master, and it doesn't matter if you have somebody there to translate it for you or not, but kind of immersing yourself into the experience and getting to know the essence of Japan. I really enjoyed that, but because of the language, it was very Especially the written Japanese. It was very especially the written Japanese. It was really hard for me. So we part ways.
Speaker 2:I went back to teaching full time and, yeah, seven I think yeah seven years later or so Tamaki reached out to me and, funny enough, there's a story. I don't think I told you guys yet, but there is a story behind that. Because after COVID I decided that I want to shift with my career and I didn't really have a set plan B, but I just knew that I cannot. I was burned out after COVID and the overtime hours working in an international, at the international school, and I signed my resignation and literally within less than a week, about four days or so, tamaki just randomly reached out to me and we didn't.
Speaker 2:We stayed in touch but we didn't really exchange comments or messages or you know. We just followed each other or SNS. And she said oh, I started this project and I have, you know, I would like to propose a position, are you available for a meeting? And I laughed. I was like to propose a position, are you available for a meeting? And I laughed. I was like what a timing. And of course I would love to hear. And Planet Dow became exactly a combination of multiple factors that I wanted to utilize, but I just never found a right place to do so, so the timing was perfect too.
Speaker 1:The universe maybe was conspiring to help you.
Speaker 2:I think, so I like to laugh about it.
Speaker 1:And it is such an inspiring project. Thank you very much. Part of today's podcast is to support what you're doing a specific property that we'll touch on later.
Speaker 2:I appreciate that. Thank you.
Speaker 1:Oh no, not at all, and this is what I read or heard about from Alex Kerr, author of Lost Japan. He has this story about how local governments make all these strange golden modern buildings or things that look like mosques, or these strange buildings, thinking that will attract tourism. And it's as if they have no idea Foreigners are interested in historic value and traditional culture. There's certainly obviously a lot of tourists who like to go to Tokyo and do all the touristy things, but there are many tourists or many people interested in Japan who want to uncover the culture and go deeper.
Speaker 2:Exactly. I think one doesn't exclude the other. You know, like I feel like combination is best. Or you either immerse yourself or you do combination of the touristy things together with trying to understand and learn about the culture so you can speak on behalf of it and really have, let's say, transforming, because Japan has this big impact. Of course, depending where you're from. If you're from Asia, it will be different, but for people like me, from Europe, and I would dare to say from people from America as well, when you visit is very different to what we are used to and by immersion I feel like you can really transform the way you see the society and how it works and you can get a lot of inspiration from embracing and being a part of Japan, rather than just, you know, going to places as bullet points or checklist tourism that I mentioned I totally agree, yeah, so going going deeper and, I think, also connecting with people.
Speaker 1:And you, you seem to have more opportunity, I think, of connecting deeply when you go to these rural, rural areas. Um, in the city it's as we know this there's just so much tourism now and it's so busy, but that can certainly happen too in in the cities. So let's touch on your role with planet labs. What do you do there?
Speaker 2:so, as you mentioned before, the community manager. So I focus on community engagement and the management of all the people that we have as a part of our community. So, basically, not only building but maintaining and the inclusive factor of it. Because we are very unique, we do utilize the dowel structure, which is a decentralized, autonomous organization structure, meaning that we want to involve our investors, which I don't like calling investors. I see everybody as owners or co-owners. So we really want to develop trust and start initiatives such as quests, and not only where we can actually dive together into finding solutions and providing the best service possible.
Speaker 2:So facilitating the transparent communication is one of my main goals, not only between the team but obviously between the investors, but also the creative side of it, such as writing sub-stack articles or writing some posts on LinkedIn or other media platforms and reaching out to amazing individuals like you who you know create opportunities for us to speak further. So, yeah, a little bit of the content creation and promotion. And, yeah, I always say that I like to see myself also as the creative problem solver. Always say that I like to see myself also as the creative problem solver. So, you know, I like to speak on behalf of the sustainable living and the local engagement and the tourism aspect of it too. But my main focus is creating the community, creating and maintaining the community, and I also try my best to.
Speaker 2:Of course, everything is at the baby stage, because we just started the renovation is, you know, we're going towards that direction, but as a community we're still developing trust, I think.
Speaker 2:But I really hope that in the future, not only the decision making and the safe space for, you know, having discussions as a collective and utilizing everybody's potential as an individual because we have wide variety of individuals within our community and I do really hope that in the future this will lead to not only some kind of form of networking and support on the individual level, but also, hopefully, some friendships Like this is the little goal of mine that you know, I know that you know I already somebody, um, yeah, our other, uh, co-owner, but, um, I hope that two people who didn't know about each other at all, you know, will become friends, and if they're across the world or if they're on the same, the same country, you know, doesn't matter. But I'm patiently waiting and hoping for that moment when I can hear that two people became best friends, you know thanks to being a part of panandao I think it's possible and it sounds like you're forming an e-bashall, which is one of my favorite words and it's it's actually a sub-theory of ikigai.
Speaker 1:It's like the social aspect of ikigai and there are all these papers on ibasho, so it's become a psychological concept. It's also such a cool word because it really just translates to be you know your place to be or where you can fit in. So, yeah, it sounds like you're giving the investors that opportunity to contribute. They have a voice and some can even have a role and take ownership of quests.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:You're doing all this through emails, whatsapp, monthly meetings, newsletters, weekly updates, linkedin, so you're very busy. But is that the goal? Is it a goal to make it any better?
Speaker 2:Yes, it is Exactly. I want this to be a safe space for everybody, where they can have not only the psychological ownership of the property but also sense of purpose and belonging to something greater, and this collective aspect of it too. Because as an individual too, I felt like at some point in my life there were so many ideas and so many things that I wanted to change or trigger a change, but I felt kind of like there was no such a place for me to do so. Like how can I utilize the fact that my stepfather runs a real estate on top of you know my grandma passing away right before COVID, making me realize about the elderly in Japan, making me think about it throughout the COVID, and then realizing that, oh, I focus so much on the younger generation but I want to support, you know, the elderly in Japan, and that got me into a whole loop of you know like not enough babies in Japan and the aging society and all that.
Speaker 2:But I just felt as an individual that even though I have ideas, like how can I create a change? What can I do, you know, and I hope that within our community too, people I mean the, the co-owners will have a space where their voice matters and they won't feel like they're little. They can verbalize that, they can utilize their expertise and use the ideas to trigger a change. With such a complex aspect and I feel like Planet DAO is solving multiple issues within Japan and providing a solution on many layers within Japan and providing a solution on like many layers so I hope that people can feel that it's a safe space within the community for them to verbalize and dream big. That's what I want. I want everybody to dream big and be able to achieve something together and on the individual level as well.
Speaker 1:There does seem to be a strong sense of unity coming together, from what I see of the response just within WhatsApp.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:You have some very active members who are very much passionate about what you're doing and get involved, so that must be very fulfilling.
Speaker 2:It is. I'm really happy to see that. But I'm also very careful because, obviously, like, we want everybody to contribute, but I don't want to push anyone out of their comfort zone or, like, push them to do something when they're already striving to have their own company or working, you know, full time et cetera. But I want to make sure that everybody is welcomed whenever. Whenever they have time, we share the meetings and even if you didn't participate in the beginning, you can still be involved in the solution-seeking session. And even if you're late, we debrief every.
Speaker 2:You know every individual and I do feel fulfillment and also, recently, just the fact that some people show up throughout the month multiple times and then you see the same faces and they start to recognize each other and I think, slowly we're getting on the stage when people start to recognize names, like, oh, this person participated in that meeting. You know, so slowly we're getting there. You know so slowly we're getting there and, yeah, I really hope that one day it it will be a really lively um community where people really have vivid discussions and um feel safe to say their opinions yeah, that's something very special and I'm I'm confident that'll happen, so that's something to look forward to.
Speaker 1:Thank you, yeah, and I guess that could lead to you know, collaboration and all these other opportunities. I feel like there's definitely a bright future in what you're doing, and I guess you validated what you're doing with the first property you saved. So do you want to talk about that property and how it felt to get the funding and have investors saying, yep, we'll support you, we trust what you're doing, we believe in what you're doing.
Speaker 2:Of course, it felt amazing. It felt amazing. It felt wonderful. You know, from the very beginning there was something special about the Ryugonji temple, and it's not just the fact that it's our kickoff start first property. No, it's not just the fact that it's a first one. I'm still trying to discover if it's on a personal level, but I don't think, after multiple visits to the site, I feel like it's not only on a personal level. There's something bigger and greater about this property, specifically in the local community too.
Speaker 2:So, to answer your question, from the very beginning I deeply believed that it will happen. I never doubted that this won't happen. I just kept on doing my job and reaching out to more people, and at some point I didn't even I try on purpose to avoid the numbers and just keep on going, and I really hope that this will be a success. But to answer your question, I think I visited the Rekonji for the first time in December and I joined the project in November and I was still very fresh. I was still trying to understand how is this going to happen, what exactly are we doing, what kind of community? And back then I focused on the local community specifically. So at that stage I also think I was going through a career change. So that's why I mentioned the individual level, because I thought maybe that's why it had such a big impact on me the fact that they ask about the food, not where I'm from, the fact that they're so close together and the sense of serenity and peace and unison.
Speaker 2:You know, irokawa used to have over 3,000 members. Now it's really hard to find how many of the actual residents are registered, but it's around 300 or 320. And it's a very, I would dare to say, small community. And actually Irokawa as a village it's a word out of use. It was merged with other area, but the local community still uses the same name, they still say they're from Irokawa and nothing has changed in their identity. And I wanted to really understand why do they want to save that specific property? Why is it so important that they're able as a community? Because you know there's a lot of skepticism for a project like ours to just come, because there are many companies that kind of invade the villages and they just buy the property or buy the land, you know, and they transform the land without really involving the local community at all. So I wanted to really understand that.
Speaker 2:But the moment I visited Ryugonji, first of all, it's 170 years old and the bones are very good. It's kept very neatly, very clean, so it was way better than I thought. When I looked at the information, you know, in the documents, it wasn't what I expected at all, but then the view, the view, the fact that you can see the whole village and there is some sense of power. You know I love hiking, and being on a hilltop like that reminded me of this feeling of when you hike through all the stairs that are historic, you know all the way up, and then suddenly you feel such a sense of peace and it's so quiet and your ears can rest, your eyes can rest with the green surrounding the area. There's something magical about it and very powerful, and I was really happy to hear that we actually achieved the goal and that we will be able to transform it and breathe the fresh life into the bones of the property. I hope that answers your question. I'm not sure I got too nostalgic.
Speaker 1:It's not just a property you're saving, you're supporting a community, and is very unique. I think it's very unique in its design too. Yes, exactly.
Speaker 2:There's some people who believe that there is some correlation with that being used as a shelter for, you know, some royals. There's no evidence, but there is some historical evidence that people you know had to separate and some of them actually did end up seeking asylum or, you know, running away towards that area. And that's why I said like you can actually see the entire village and you can see a little bit of the sea and the sky is just at night especially. It's really, really charming and it's very powerful, yet peaceful and humbling, but also empowering at the same time. So it's filled with these contrasts that really make you feel something on the personal level. Perfect for retreats.
Speaker 1:Yeah, the property itself sounds like any bash hole. And I mean, on the subject of retreats, this does sound like it ties back to the work you did with Tamaki back in 2017 with Inbound Tourism, so I guess that is part of the plan.
Speaker 2:Yes, so we're going to utilize the funds, with the collective consensus of the co-owners, to renovate the property and then transform that into Airbnb, into rental property. So I hope we'll have a greater impact on a wide range of individuals and hopefully families, and I hope there can be some kind of retreats held that can utilize the potential and the power of the place, because I feel like that's the reason why it's so resilient until now, why it still stands, why it's still there and why the local community sees so much potential and importance into saving it, so it serves for future generations and, in the end, so it's quite special to take people to a unique location that's not overrun with tourists maybe you know remote, so it's a little bit harder to get to but it has this unique personality personality and then it has this unique community with all these different personalities.
Speaker 1:Yes, it also gives the community a chance to offer something, and they feel good about that, so they can offer these experiences. I think we spoke about zazen or sober making. Yes, whatever it is, and it gives them, it maintains their role. So you're helping to maintain these roles, maybe even giving a new role to people in the community that they just would struggle to maintain or wouldn't have without what you're doing. So it's, it's, yeah, it's bigger than just saving a property exactly which is really inspiring.
Speaker 2:Yeah, thank you. Have you heard the idea of the blue zones?
Speaker 1:Yes, I have.
Speaker 2:The longevity right. So this is my personal take on it, but that was the first thought I had when I visited that Obviously a lot of people, when it comes to Japan, they think about Okinawa being the blue zone. It comes to Japan, they think about Okinawa being the blue zone, but I think Okinawa is the most commonly spoken of longevity hub in Japan, let's say. But there are other areas that provide longevity and have these traditions that actually make people have the happy living, happy, long, healthy living. I felt like Irokoa is one of these places because I was amazed to see, you know, people in their 70s to just climb these stairs when me and Tamaki were, like you know, trying to go through partially the excitement. But I was like, wow, you know, they have no problem to climb up. And also that area is very famous for organic farming. So that's one of the things that I think. And also the spring water. They utilize the spring water.
Speaker 2:So I still try to discover more depth into why people live their longer happier, why so many U-turners and I-turners come back to the place, even though they were exposed to living somewhere else, like Tokyo or Kyoto.
Speaker 2:Yet they still come back. Or people visited once and then they fell in love and they decided to buy a property there and settle with their family. There is something, there's definitely something about it and personally I really enjoyed the fact that whenever we have a meal, when we serve and get ready together, I can hear the story that this spinach is from Nani Nani-san over there and these eggs are from this Nani Nani-san that you spoke to yesterday, and I just love it. It makes food so much more nutritious. Obviously it's nutritious because it's organic and it's all well-made and all that and it's fresh. But I feel on the emotional level you know, food is love, so I feel like it's just packed with all that value and hands-on commitment of the local community that when you eat it it's just the best. It always feels like the best meal, the most fresh, you know.
Speaker 1:I guess that's something rare, so that would be special. When do you see the temple being ready for people to to rent?
Speaker 2:so we hope that in spring 2026 it will be ready. Yeah, we hope it will be ready on time. So right now we're in the process of finding the construction companies and the architects to present, to have some kind of consensus and get them to make proposals so we can present that and translate everything for our co-owners so we can collectively make a decision with which one we're going to proceed with. So we can collectively make a decision with which one we're going to proceed with, and I'm really excited to see the final product and how it's going to look. It has so much potential and also, I feel like there are many ideas coming from our community that can be utilized, that will give a personal, individual, special touch to the place.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but we want to keep it authentic, as authentic as possible, and do it in a, let's say, symbiosis with the Japanese culture and values. At the moment, there is no conversation about turning that into any I like to say kira-kira-pika-pika luxurious comfort zone. So we want to keep it authentic and the main problems right now is the fact that there is no plumbing, and definitely that's one of the main things we need to do and just make sure that there's a special designated room. The main room is kept very well, but the other rooms around it, surrounding it need to be renovated in order for people to stay there.
Speaker 1:So, yeah, I'm looking forward to that happening yeah, the people can go to your website and look at some of the plans and ideas you have. Yes, so we might touch on the second property and then maybe we'll end on more of a personal note about you know, yorikigai and what you love about Japan, but the second property you have is the Bamboo Forest House in Hayama, kanagawa. So do you want to talk about that property? Because that is, you're seeking funding now, so our listeners could, yeah, take part, ownership and invest in the property, and that's something they could do right now, till the end of January 31st, and the ideas you have for this bamboo forest house is pretty exciting. Of, course.
Speaker 2:Thank you, nick. So of course I would like to invite everybody to be a part of our community, if you're interested in such an initiative and if you want to be part of it. We are in the middle of the fundraising for the second property, so there's time until January 31st to apply. We have 49 days remaining and it's being updated on our website. But Forest House is another special property.
Speaker 2:I like to say that we, as a project, consider a lot of complicated cases that are very hard for individuals to attain, and I think Bamboo Forest House is one of perfect examples of that, because so, first of all, it's 7,119 meters square of land. It's massive. But within the property there is not only the air raid shelter from World War II and the IKEA itself, which is the abandoned I like to say half abandoned, half neglected property that obviously needs a renovation. There is also a little shed and on top of that there is a remaining agricultural part of the land where there used to be the tanatas, the rice fields, the stair-like rice bodies, and on top of that it's filled with a bamboo forest that needs a constant maintenance. So it's not only the forest that you know locally needs a lot of effort, but also the agricultural land on top of the IKEA and some historic heritage site included. That's been untouched for years. And one of the special aspects of Hayama Bamboo House is that Hayama is the surface hub. Yeah, it's right near the Kamakura and it's filled with beaches and you know the chill, happy beach life, let's say. And it's very famous for the SDGs, like they really take sustainability seriously there, the residents. But it's very interesting because the house itself it feels like it's so secluded that it's another property that just gives you a sense of peace. Whenever you enter there, just because the land is so massive, once you're there, all you can hear is just your own thoughts and the insects around and maybe people that you're surrounded by.
Speaker 2:And I feel like for the this is just my personal take on it, but I really do feel like this could be a creator's help, because very often we all need a spot to kind of I don't want to say lock ourselves, because that's not a healthy word but like we need a safe space that's quiet and peaceful.
Speaker 2:Yet when we have everything provided, to kind of contemplate on ourselves, or sometimes maybe people want to, I don't know start writing their book or write a business plan and they just want to really dive into by themselves, or I don't know, start writing their book or write a business plan and they just want to really dive into by themselves, or I don't know, find their ikigai and sit down with their own thoughts, you know, and really deeply contemplate on that and have this creative aspect of it the contemplation, the meditation and also the relaxation. I think that's a perfect property and we do plan intent into having a little path that will let you experience the entire forest on top of air, open air bath and some sauna on the property. So I think that sounds good. I want to visit. What is that? I want to? Yeah, go immerse myself for five days or maybe a week I've seen your post renovation vision oh yeah, photos look amazing.
Speaker 1:it does seem like it's a place where you could just go for like you taught it, like for this space and the space to have peace of mind, and you could go there and essentially do nothing as well. Yes, go there and contemplate on your next phase of your life, or just get away from the artificial world and have some time to breathe, so I might be going there in a few years.
Speaker 2:Yeah, let's go together and separately too.
Speaker 1:Let's see what happens. Let share, yeah, yeah, a very inspiring. So yeah, we will link to the property we and we'll put photos on the show notes of the property, because this is, uh, something that's special and it's quite affordable also to be involved. You're, you know, you're seeking hundreds of dollars, thousands of dollars. So if you have a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars, you can become an investor and contribute to this. You know wonderful vision and and yeah, your own part of it.
Speaker 2:So it's a place you can, you know, visit as well, and I kind of love the idea that these properties also expose people to places in japan they probably normally wouldn't go to yes, exactly, there's a lot of over tourism these days and I don't want to dive into that too much, but I do think certain regions that are very popular are not ready to handle all these tourists, and the level of English from, you know, english teachers perspective is just disappointing, and I feel like there is a big need for projects to target the areas that are not as famous yet accessible. Of course, you know Rio Grande is right next to Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Road. Hayama is also recognized, you know surface and it's famous for a lot of marine sports et cetera, and it's very recognized. But I think these places are recognized by people who live here a little bit more Like.
Speaker 2:Hayama is a place I used to go to because she was too busy or a little bit too dirty and too many parties going there. So, personally, before we actually decided on that property, I used to go there every year to just take a walk by the coast and it felt more peaceful and not as packed and you can see a lot of families. Of course it depends when you go, but yeah, so it really is offering a different experience.
Speaker 1:And you can, as I said, you can be part of that and invest and make it happen out of the creation of this vision.
Speaker 2:Yes.
Speaker 1:So we've talked about all of you know this ambitious project that you're a part of. But let's get a bit personal and maybe we touch on your Iki Gai and what you love about Japan and Japanese culture. So, as we've mentioned, you have lived in Japan for half your life.
Speaker 2:Yes, it's a long time. I still don't believe it. When I realized it was a half earlier this year, I was like, really that kind of feels like a milestone.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it is a milestone. So what do you love about Japan and Japanese culture?
Speaker 2:Oh, there are many aspects, but I think I can try to pinpoint maybe three main. As for my ikigai, I always want to become the bridge between the Japanese and the foreign, just because I'm always in the sweet middle and I learned how to live that way. So I understand the Japanese, but I never will be Japanese, no matter if I live here for two thirds of my life. It won't happen. And I was born and raised in the heart of Europe. So I have that aspect of me, but I kind of ended up somewhere in the middle. So I have understanding of both, I have respect of both and love for both. So I try to utilize all my strengths into becoming the bridge for people to safely go through and have understanding and respect. And I always say that you know Japan has so much to offer.
Speaker 2:And I do speak about the negative sides of Japan too, because I feel like, after all this you know experience that I had I have a right to do so, but I only speak on behalf of things that actually try to make a change, so noticing the things but instead of hating or, like you know, I do say that occasionally you know I have a love-hate relationship with Japan. It depends sometimes, but the respect factor, I think it's what bridges the cultures and the generations and the world itself. So I think one thing that I like is the collective unison of the society, which is very not very, but it's different from what I've grown with. So, you know, the collective unison in Japan is, I think, rooted in the concept of wa, which is the harmony and the giri, the social obligation of doing things. So there is a strong emphasis on the individuals as a collective being the part of the society with the mutual respect and the maintenance and balance is very important. So people very often refrain from being direct. People try to be politically correct, let's say, or they try to limit the direct confrontation. And that's something interesting because, you know, this manifests in the everyday life from, like public transport, when you're, I don't know, trying to get on the metro, or, for me, because of the Fukushima you know, the whole coordinated disaster response. I feel like this, actually, this collective unison, really does matter a lot for a country like Japan, not only for the individuals, but also for the safety of all, because we are living on an island that is filled with volcanoes and earthquakes and tsunamis and all that. But I feel like this mentality is very beautiful, but it's important to notice how different it is from the other countries.
Speaker 2:And here's my second point that I like about Japan, which is the contrast between European slash Slavic culture, because there are some similarities. We are very family oriented, but I feel like the individual, the sense of individual, is way stronger and we value the traditions but we don't have as a strong obligation sometimes and collectively the sense of individual comes out sometimes in situations that create other conflict other than you know the harmony, and sometimes I feel like we should have a little bit more collective aspect in Slavic and European cultures and find the middle spot, you know, find the middle spot, you know. So I like the fact that Japan, as drastic as it was for me as an individual, I feel like I have the exposure to both sides. So from this touchy, huggy kissy, you know no private space, let's say, you know culture all the way to bowing and respecting everybody's space and turning around on a train to make sure that you don't offend somebody and being aware of the eye contact, while in you know slavic culture you do make eye contact because it's a part of how we communicate quite often. So I feel like I really like the fact that japan kind of opened my eyes that there is not one correct way to do things, it's the mixture and, depending on the situation, for the again best of all it's important to do.
Speaker 2:Of course, it's important to have the sense of individual, as we do have in Slavic cultures and in Europe, and not only, but to the extent be aware that sometimes it's not worth it. Sometimes it's better to prioritize the harmony rather than the individual in order to create a safe space for everybody. So, not only the earthquakes but other situations you know. And lastly, it's of course the omotenashi in Japan. You know the hospitality I feel like whoever comes to Japan senses the emphasis on the mindfulness and also the respect and the social interactions being aligned with people's own values, and the customer service is just exceptional. You know, when you get to experience being in Japan, when you go everywhere else, I'm yet to see somebody welcoming me with a smile in the immediate irashimase you know somewhere else. So, yeah, I like these three parts the most.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I can relate to all of them, I totally agree. And then with Japanese, as we both know, they have these unique terms or words that are untranslatable, or concepts we understand but we don't have one word to articulate. And obviously one of these words is ikigai and, as you know, japanese don't really talk about ikigai and it's usually something quite private, but it has also become this psychological concept and very popular now in the west. Do you remember being introduced to the word, or did you hear it often growing up in japan, or what's your kind of history or relationship with ikigai?
Speaker 2:so, going all the way back, I think the first time I found out about Ikigai was definitely not from a Japanese person, definitely not through my symbiosis with the culture and, you know, being in a school environment. I think it was sometime in my early 20s when I realized the power of. First, I started to do yoga because I did teach English through sports. So I got interested in yoga and that kind of naturally led towards me being interested in meditation in general and then discovering different types of meditation and touching upon the concept of mindfulness meditation on top of Zazen and others, and somehow, you know, when you dive into that pot.
Speaker 2:Let's say, ikigai is something that shows up in english a lot. But before I speak on my ikigai, I would like to hear your definition of ikigai, because I feel like there's so much income, like misconception around the internet and, depending on the source, I mean, you see the diagram everywhere and some of them are too colorful and I'm not sure if if that's exactly what it is. So maybe if we could define your definition of it so I can understand the question. Because, yeah, again, it's just a very wide concept and I think there's a lot of misconception around it, especially now.
Speaker 1:Absolutely yeah. So I always like to refer to Miiko Kamiya, who I like to refer to as the mother of Ikigai, and she was a pioneer researcher on the concept. She wrote this amazing book in the 1960s and had very unusual but amazing life. And so in her book she says you have ikigai sources, which could be your hobbies, relationships, roles yes. And then you have ikigai kan, which is the emotional feeling that these objects or people or experiences give you. So it's very subjective, but I think it's often tied to your social world. So it's usually a relationship with someone, a role you have, yes, or being part of, perhaps a community or an e-bash hall. But then it can be these smaller things like ken moggy talks about. So it can be just enjoying your morning cup of coffee or your favorite music or going to a live band, and then it can even be a coping mechanism. And you know some japanese will say well, drinking or smoking cigarettes is my key guy, because it helps me get through the week.
Speaker 2:No me kay.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but I mean, I think it's obviously something you know positive and life-affirming, and for me it's you know, it's definitely my work, but my work's very social, so it's doing stuff like this and making new friendships, and so we'll, you know, we'll probably have some form of friendship in the future through what we're doing. Yes, and I really value that and that makes my life worth living, and today my day is more fulfilling because we've had this conversation, and if we hadn't had this conversation I probably would have done.
Speaker 1:You know, just work I'm not really interested in. So I think, yeah, you have something in your life that makes you feel life is worth living, and that could be a conversation, a hug, pursuing your hobby, but it's something you feel, so I don't know if that's helped.
Speaker 2:It did, it did, thank you. So I think I'm still in the process of kind of finding a strong definition of what my Ikigai is, but I think it's a mixture of, again, possibly three things. One thing that's really important to me is being the bridge and engaging with other people, which means, simply, I think I get a lot of joy from meeting new people and talking to new people and just kind of sharing experiences, and not only my own, but this balance of listening and talking, because I'm a constant learner and I really do have a strong identity of that. I feel like I don't understand the concept of boredom. There's always something you can learn from and I feel like if you have this the ability to meet a lot of new people and listen to them and learn from them, but also share what you have learned and things that you value these conversations is one of the most joyful and the strong points of my existence. I thrive on that and it's very important, although I do have this duality in me, because if I'm exposed, I'm 60% extroverted, 40% introverted, apparently, and if I'm exposed to a lot of these conversations for a prolonged time, I do need to look inwards for a day and I've realized that it's a pattern that I'm going through.
Speaker 2:So that's connected to the second point, which is this concept of slow living with intention. It's very important to me and it's connected to the third part, which is living in this respect and balance with nature. So being conscious of how much you take and how much you give. And, yes, I'm one of these people who, you know, feed stray cats and adopted and rescued two cats from Nara who were interrupting earlier in the podcast. And I'm one of these people who like to walk barefoot, grow my own herbs in a patio and we try to, let's say, give to the nature and be aware of how much I take and just live.
Speaker 2:A slow living sometimes have a really bad connotation, but it doesn't mean that you're being lazy, it's just you. Actually, when you the cup of coffee that you mentioned earlier, you know it's just not just having a coffee because it's a part of your routine, but having days when you actually sit down and you notice the taste, the temperature, the smell. You notice the cup, the texture of the cup and how the temperature affects your hands and what kind of sensation it gives you. I feel like this is another Ikigai of mine, on top of giving. Being able to slow down and give to myself Does that make sense?
Speaker 1:No, it makes sense and I can relate to all of them, especially the. You know making making new friends, and it's such a joy when you connect with someone, you have this conversation and you yes you have this new person maybe in your life, and you never know what that can lead to. So so I feel that with you we're sort of now friends.
Speaker 2:Yes, thank you, nick, I'm so happy.
Speaker 1:I think this is our second conversation, but I'm really inspired by what you do and your journey. Likewise Really want to support what you're doing. So where can people go if they're interested in becoming an investor for the Bamboo Forest House?
Speaker 2:Our website. If you search for planetdollworld, you can find all the information. If you'd like to, you know if you're on LinkedIn, you can also find us on LinkedIn. We have a page over there. If you have any questions, feel free to just search for my name, connect with me there and shoot a message. And yeah, I would love to welcome new people to our community. I'm actually looking forward to starting the second community and I think it will be very interesting to see how one community is different from the other and exploring the needs and getting to know individuals like you on a deeper level and becoming friends. So I guess I reached a goal here.
Speaker 1:And you're doing a wonderful job too.
Speaker 2:Thank you, I try.
Speaker 1:Really inspiring and you really care about this and you do it with grace intention. Thank you. Aw, love. So yeah, let's get this second property funded. Yes, and you're going to have double the workload, with two communities to look after.
Speaker 2:Two babies to look after. Let's see, let's see, awesome, monica.
Speaker 1:Thank you so much. Yeah, and I'm sure we'll meet in Japan.
Speaker 2:Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Let me know when and I'll be there.
Speaker 1:Okay, awesome. Thanks for your time.
Speaker 2:Yeah, thank you for having me.