Guests: Tetsu Nakamura (Organizer of “Oyako Day @ Teganuma Park,” Digital Creator), Kei Endo (Director, Hakone Museum of Photography; Photographer), Miho Morishita (Representative, NPO “World Hibakusha Exhibition”), Naoto Anzai (Secretary-General, the same NPO)
Moderator: Satoru Seki (Editor, Producer)
Hosts: Bruce Osborn (Photographer), Yoshiko Inoue (Oyako Day Promotion Committee)
Organizer: Oyako Day Promotion Committee
Broadcast Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025 – 9:00 (Live)

The 23rd “Oyako Day” Special Live connected with Hakone, where an exhibition was underway, bringing real-time updates from the venue. Guests included Tetsu Nakamura—deeply involved with Oyako Day—and Miho Morishita, winner of the Oyako Day Grand Prize.

In this article, we present highlights from the video.
＜Watch the full video＞

Participants:

Tetsu Nakamura (Organizer of “Oyako Day @ Teganuma Park,” Digital Creator)

Since 2022, he has hosted “Oyako Day @ Teganuma Park” in Abiko, Chiba. He is deeply involved in Oyako Day, helping build horizontal links among local activity groups and contributing to community development.

Kei Endo (Director, Hakone Museum of Photography; Photographer)

Born in Hakone in 1958. While serving as director of the Hakone Museum of Photography, he presents work in Japan and abroad, including France, and participates in numerous photographic projects.

Miho Morishita (Representative, NPO “World Hibakusha Exhibition”)

She continues the activities of the NPO founded in 2002 by her father, photographer Ittetsu Morishita, advocating for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Naoto Anzai (Secretary-General, NPO “World Hibakusha Exhibition”)

As secretary-general, he organizes photo exhibitions and, from a restored traditional house in Yamanashi, works on building a sustainable local community.

Satoru Seki (Editor, Producer)

Has planned and edited culture magazines such as “POPEYE,” “BRUTUS,” and “Takarajima.” Currently a part-time lecturer (e.g., at Nihon Kogakuin College) and Director of the Stimulus Switch Laboratory. Writes the “Movie Oyako-don” column on the Oyako Day website.

Bruce Osborn (Photographer; Originator of “Oyako Day”)

Began photographing parents and children in 1982. In 2003, proposed making the fourth Sunday of July “Oyako Day.” Received the Higashikuninomiya Culture Prize for the social impact of his photography activities including Oyako Day. Continues to share the message “Present to the Future.”

Yoshiko Inoue (Head of Oyako Day Promotion Committee; Producer; CEO, Ozone Co.)

As Bruce Osborn’s professional and life partner, she has produced many exhibitions and events.

Oyako Day” Special Live—We’re On the Air!

Seki: Hello everyone. It’s Sunday, July 27—the fourth Sunday of July—so it’s Oyako Day itself. Yoshiko, Bruce, congratulations!

Yoshiko Inoue: Today’s Oyako Day photo session is a bit different—we’re streaming from Hayama.

Seki: And today, we’re connecting live with many people from various locations—this is a groundbreaking multi-site broadcast. Bruce, could you introduce some recent photos?

Bruce Osborn: This is by Tetsuya Chiba.

Seki: Yes—the famed creator of “Ashita no Joe.”

Bruce Osborn: We visited him.

Yoshiko Inoue: Until now people came to our studio, but from here on we’ll visit the families we’ve met—homes, workplaces—go to their “castles,” so to speak.

Seki: A “Traveling Oyako Day,” then.

Yoshiko Inoue: That’s right. The very first one was at Mr. Chiba’s place.

Seki: They both have such great expressions.

Yoshiko Inoue: Exactly—so many treasures. Joe and all… I feel like taking pictures anywhere.

Seki: Truly a trove of masterpieces. “Notari Matsutaro,” too; I was watching from “Harris no Kaze.”

Bruce Osborn: He really loved our T-shirt and wore it.

Seki: I see. I’m excited for more Traveling Oyako Day sessions.

Introducing “Oyako Day” in Abiko

Seki: First, we’re connecting with Mr. Tetsu Nakamura, who hosted Oyako Day in Abiko last week. Hello!

Tetsu Nakamura: Good morning.

Seki: Where are you now?

Tetsu Nakamura: Believe it or not—Hayama.

Seki: It’s calm today. Please tell us how Oyako Day in Abiko went.

Tetsu Nakamura: Sure. Could you put up the photo?

Tetsu Nakamura: Abiko has a freshwater lake called Teganuma. We held one activity on the pier by the boat dock. You can see the Oyako Day flag behind us. We had kids join in, holding placards and taking part.

Tetsu Nakamura: We started this event in 2022—this was our fourth year. The African drumming group playing djembe that joined us the first time came again. They held an open drumming circle beside the pier where children could join freely. It was wonderful.

This is Abiko’s lifelong learning center “Abista.” We reserved almost the whole facility. This is the tatami room, where we lined up picture books for families to read on the mats. Surprisingly, some small children had never experienced tatami. Rolling around while reading together—it turned into a really nice corner.

Seki: Thanks to you, Abiko has more and more events.

Tetsu Nakamura: There are already people doing great things; the key is linking them. When everyone gathers or collaborates, new ideas come up—so I think it’s creating a positive flow.

Tetsu Nakamura: This is the cooking workshop—looks like they’re making dumplings.

Seki: How many events were happening simultaneously?

Tetsu Nakamura: Inside Abista we had about ten sessions in total.

Seki: Impressive. Do you plan to continue every year?

Tetsu Nakamura: Yes—my goal is ten years. We’ve done four, so six to go.

Seki: With such popularity, people will say “don’t stop!”

Tetsu Nakamura: We also have support from the city and the board of education. Since it’s a public center, costs are minimal—mainly usage fees and flyers. Each group runs its piece independently when we all gather.

Seki: I see. Thank you—and stay cool!

Tetsu Nakamura: Thank you!

Seki: That was Mr. Nakamura from Abiko’s Oyako Day. He’s heading out to surf now.

Bruce’s Photo Exhibition at the Hakone Art Festival

Seki: From Abiko to Hakone—Bruce’s photos are on display at the Hakone Art Festival. Hello, Mr. Endo. Could you introduce yourselves?

Kei Endo: I’m Kei Endo, in charge of the Museum of Photography at the Hakone Museum.

Eiko Endo: I’m Eiko Endo. We launched the Hakone Art Festival, with the Hakone Museum of Photography serving as the secretariat.

Seki: Thank you for joining.

Endo: We started the Hakone Art Festival, and our museum is currently the secretariat.

Seki: I see. You’ll show us around today? What’s the concept this year?

Endo: We now have 27 venues. The concept is to move around Hakone and enjoy art throughout the town.

Seki: Here are Bruce’s photos.

Kei Endo: Yes—18 works. We held a Bruce Osborn exhibition at our museum last year, and invited him again this year as a central artist. This facility is Hakone’s Social Education Center—they’ve kindly provided it free of charge.

Eiko Endo: These are Bruce’s works displayed on the second floor—18 works in total across both floors, including large tapestry-style pieces.

And here is a work by Tadanori Yokoo in Hakone Town. Facing it is Bruce’s photo of the Yokoo parent-and-child; there’s a space for enjoying the piece. The exhibition runs through August 31, with free admission. Locals love it—his Ultraman photo piece, the portraits of Yuzo Kayama and Ken Uehara are also popular.

Yoshiko Inoue: We’re so grateful to exhibit in such a lovely place. I hope many people will see it.

Seki: It’s 35°C in Tokyo—cooler in Hakone?

Endo: The max here is around 32°C.

Seki: Then it’s a bit of a summer retreat—come see Bruce’s photos, enjoy people, art, and hot springs.

Yoshiko Inoue: It’s wonderful—so much greenery, and places where both kids and adults can play. Please come!

Seki: I’ll visit during summer.

Endo: We’ll be waiting.

A Message from Bruce’s Daughter, Mika

Seki: Since it’s Oyako Day, Bruce’s daughter Mika and her family are joining us. Hello—where are you today?

Mika: Philadelphia.

Seki: Is it hot there?

Mika: It is.

Seki: A flaming-hot Oyako Day, then—please share a message for your parents.

Mika: You’ve kept this beautiful Oyako Day going for years—even through COVID. I’m so happy you can do photo sessions again. Keep it up!

Yoshiko Inoue: And Dad’s feeling great again.

Seki: Everyone supported the family during Bruce’s health chapter—we could really feel the bonds. Wonderful, isn’t it?

Yoshiko Inoue: Mika’s husband Justin and Mika researched so hard and found a hospital in the U.S. where Bruce could have surgery—thanks to that, he’s this healthy now. Justin, thank you so much!

Justin: Of course! No problem!

Announcing the 19th Oyako Grand Prize!

Seki: This year’s Oyako Grand Prize has been decided! The winners are photographer Ittetsu Morishita and his daughter Miho. For nearly half a century they have photographed the lives of hibakusha and advocated for nuclear abolition worldwide. He is also the founder of the NPO “World Hibakusha Exhibition.”

We selected photographer Ittetsu Morishita and his daughter Miho for their meaningful work—especially in times like these. Congratulations! Ms. Morishita, are you with us?

Miho Morishita: Yes, I’m here.

Seki: You’ve joined our online talk live before, but today as a Grand Prize recipient—how do you feel?

Miho Morishita: Honestly, last year in Hiroshima I thought of stopping our photo exhibitions. It’s hard to keep expanding this activity. But when we did a show in Saga this year, the response—like in Hiroshima—was overwhelming. Even so, continuing steadily is tough… and then Ms. Inoue told me, “We’d like to award Miho the Oyako Grand Prize,” and I felt encouraged again.

Seki: Like getting a push on your back.

Miho Morishita: It made me glad we kept going. It felt like a huge gift—I burst into tears. Since my father passed away, I hadn’t been able to cry… I was truly happy. Thank you so much.

Yoshiko Inoue: Congratulations. This year marks Showa 100 and 80 years since the end of the war. There’s no one more fitting than you and Ittetsu. We decided to present you the Grand Prize—congratulations!

Miho Morishita: Thank you—I’m grateful. I think I can keep going a while longer.

Seki: What are your plans from here?

Miho Morishita: I want to hold an exhibition within the year. For funding, Mr. Naoto Anzai—right here beside me—is running around helping.

Seki: Mr. Anzai, a word please.

Naoto Anzai: Thank you for this wonderful prize—it revived our motivation. This year marks 80 years since the war and the bombings, and many things are happening. But it’s not the end—this is where we begin. From this summer to the summer of 2030, we aim to expand the Hibakusha Exhibition around the world.

Miho’s father, Ittetsu Morishita, had said we would bring the photos to 100 countries by 2020. We aren’t there yet, but we’ll reset and push out globally.

People in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles have already invited us. We want to spread across the U.S., so we hope everyone will support us.

Yoshiko Inoue: The world feels unstable in many ways, so we want to grow movements like this. Oyako Day, of course, and the message of treasuring life—we want to keep sharing that.

Miho Morishita: We have only two photos of my father and me together taken by Bruce, so they’re true family treasures. They’re displayed in our old Japanese house. It was the first and last time—so I’m deeply grateful to Bruce for taking them.

We wore “No Nukes” T-shirts made by young people. My father insisted on standing at the venue even though he used a wheelchair—he said, “A wheelchair is unbecoming; I’ll stand.” It was tough to support him, so I’m barefoot in the photo.

Seki: In the photo he looks robust.

Miho Morishita: Thanks to Bruce.

Seki: We look forward to your continued work—please keep it up.

For the Finale: Everyone Shouts “Oyako Forever!”

Seki: Yoshiko, Bruce—we’re nearly out of time. For a wrap-up, could you share your hopes and outlook for Oyako Day?

Bruce Osborn: Yesterday in Hayama we had people come for the event, and on Oyako Day many gather to take photos—it’s so much fun.

Yoshiko Inoue: I was thrilled people remembered us at the Hayama event. Drawing energy from everyone—once we clear this year, there’s next year. I suddenly thought, let’s do Oyako Day in New York next year. Whether it happens or not, we’ve got a year to plan—let’s try.

Seki: I’ll come along—oh wait, I have to be here.

Yoshiko Inoue: No—let’s plan it.

Bruce Osborn: Yes.

Seki: Thank you all for joining us today. Shall we end with something we all say together?

Yoshiko Inoue: How about “Oyako Forever”?

Seki: Great—on three. “Ready—go!”

All: Oyako Forever!

Seki: Thank you—have a wonderful day!

The post Transcript Edition – The 23rd “Oyako Day” Special Live appeared first on 「親子の日」Oyako Day.

Guest: Hiroichi Yanase (Professor, Institute for Liberal Arts, Tokyo University of Science)
Moderator: Satoru Seki (Editor, Producer)
Hosts: Bruce Osborn (Photographer), Yoshiko Inoue (Oyako Day Promotion Committee)
Organizer: Oyako Day Promotion Committee
Broadcast Date: June 29, 2025 (Sun) 1:00 PM (LIVE)

Our guest for the 35th Online Talk Live is Professor Hiroichi Yanase.
This article features highlights from the live video interview.
<Watch the video [here]>

Participants:

Hiroichi Yanase (Professor, Tokyo University of Science, Institute for Liberal Arts)

Born 1964. After graduating from Keio University, he joined Nikkei McGraw-Hill (now Nikkei BP) and edited many best-selling books. Since 2018, he has been Professor of Media Studies at Tokyo University of Science. Major works include “Route 16,” “My Father’s Encoffinment,” “Kingfisher City Tokyo,” and “Anpanman and the Japanese.” “Route 16” won the Seii Teshima Memorial Research Award. He is also active in environmental conservation around the Miura Peninsula, Kanagawa, for nearly 30 years, and works as a radio host on TBS and Shibuya Radio.

Satoru Seki (Editor, Producer)

Has contributed to culture magazines like “POPEYE,” “BRUTUS,” and “Takarajima.” Currently also a part-time lecturer and director of the Stimulus Switch Laboratory. Responsible for the “Movie Oyako-don” section of the Oyako Day website.

Bruce Osborn (Photographer, Oyako Day Originator)

Began photographing parents and children in 1982. Established “Oyako Day” (fourth Sunday of July) in 2003. Winner of the Higashikuninomiya Culture Award for social impact, and continues to spread his message “Present to the Future.”

Yoshiko Inoue (Chair, Oyako Day Promotion Committee; Producer; CEO, Ozone Co.)

Produced numerous exhibitions and events as Bruce Osborn’s partner in both work and life.

Introducing Professor Yanase

Seki: Hello! For our 35th Oyako Day Online Talk, we welcome Professor Yanase from Tokyo University of Science.

Yanase: Thank you for having me.

Seki: Could you please introduce yourself?

Yanase: I teach media studies at the Institute for Liberal Arts. I’m not an academic by training; I worked for 30 years as a journalist, book editor, and online producer at Nikkei BP. Seven years ago, I moved into university life thanks to a lucky connection.

Route 16 and Japanese Culture

Seki: You’ve produced a lot of best-sellers. I especially enjoyed “Route 16.”

Yanase: Route 16 is a ring road circling four prefectures of Tokyo—326 km in total. In the early 1990s, Japan saw a roadside business boom, and the economy shifted that way. As a magazine reporter, I documented that transformation.

Seki: And then Yuming, Southern All Stars, and all sorts of modern culture got mixed in. It became wild, didn’t it?

Yanase: Yes. Many artists have sung about Route 16—Yuming, Off Course, and now Yokoyama Ken from Crazy Ken Band.

Seki: Places like Fussa along Route 16 always felt grown-up and mysterious.

Yanase: It was full of American culture. The first places to sell Western music, movies, foreign cars, imported furniture—all started along Route 16. Even the pizza chain “Nicholas” was there.

Anpanman: Japan’s Shared Language

Bruce: I love Anpanman too! Did you watch it with your daughter?

Yanase: One reason I wrote “Anpanman and the Japanese” is my daughter’s obsession—she was hooked before her first birthday. When she got a shot at the hospital, the nurse drew Anpanman’s face on her bandage. For about three years—until kindergarten—it was Anpanman every day. It amazed me how powerful that character is. I soon learned nearly every family experiences this.

Seki: He’s the world’s 6th biggest character business—worth 7 trillion yen!

Yanase: Nearly every baby born in Japan is, in some way, an Anpanman fan. When I surveyed students at Tokyo University of Science, 90% said they grew up with Anpanman. Almost everyone!

Yoshiko: That’s why Anpanman is a topic anyone can talk about. It’s a national common language.

Seki: I see—it really is a shared language.

Expanding Ideas from Personal Experiences

Seki: Your book “My Father’s Encoffinment” was very moving too—about becoming an “okuribito.”

Yanase: In 2021, my father passed away at 87. Because of COVID, we couldn’t hold a normal funeral, so we did a wake at home. The mortician offered to let us help dress my father. I helped with everything, start to finish.

Seki: You always start from personal experiences and then share new insights with readers. That’s your magic, I think.

Yanase: I can’t think about things in the abstract. I always start from what I’ve actually seen or touched, then let my imagination run wild from there.

Yanase’s “Layered Thinking” Method

Seki: Most people can’t develop ideas like that. What’s your secret?

Yanase: I call it “layered thinking.” Everything has layers—think of it as an underlying structure. For example, geography is at the bottom. The shape of the land influences culture, food, and even the local ecosystem.

In Japan, most towns are shaped by rivers—large river basins like the Tone River or small ones like Hayama’s Morito River. On top of that, people settle, and civilization develops in unique ways in each place.

Even if you enter through surface layers like fashion or music—say, Crazy Ken Band’s song “Mikasa Park beyond the tunnel”—you realize Miura is a classic rias coastline: hardly any flat land, seven tunnels in three kilometers. I think Yokosuka has the highest tunnel density in Japan. You start to see how the underlying geography shapes culture and history.

Seki: That’s real “Earth-diver” thinking.

Yanase: You can enter at any layer. Surface fashion, mid-layer military history—it doesn’t matter. Take the “Sukajan” (souvenir jackets) of Yokosuka—they come from the region’s silk-weaving heritage, which grew because U.S. military personnel bought them as souvenirs. So, the story of the U.S. bases and even deeper, the land itself, all stack up. Making those kinds of connections is just my habit.

Seki: Japan’s landscape is so narrow that everything is layered on top of each other. In places like the American West, it’s nothing like that, right?

Yanase: Where the “layers” are broad, you can build big cities in a planned way. But Japan’s land is steep, complex, and harsh—so towns and economies can only develop as the landscape allows. That’s why features like earthquakes and tsunamis are such powerful forces in Japan.

Swimming with Dolphins on Mikura Island

Seki: The conversation is jumping a bit, but could you explain the photo of your child swimming with dolphins?

Yanase: Mikura Island is a small island between Miyake and Hachijo in the Izu chain. Nearly the whole place is cliffs, with about 250 people living clinging to the land. 90% is old-growth forest. And it’s the only place in the world with a resident dolphin population of over 100.

I’ve gone almost every year for over thirty years—my daughter first came when she was four. The water’s 20 meters deep and you can see dolphins swimming below you. There’s so much you can only experience here: no convenience stores, just swimming with dolphins, hiking, and napping. I love it.

Seki: How do you get there?

Yanase: A big Tokai Kisen ferry leaves Tokyo’s Takeshiba Pier every day. It circles Miyake, Mikura, and Hachijo in about 24 hours.

Bruce: All still Tokyo, right?

Seki: It’s a real hidden gem.

Looking Ahead: Next Projects

Seki: Could you share your future plans?

Yanase: I’m working on two books: one is a summary of my media studies classes, and the other is about city planning for high schoolers. Right now, most urban planning ignores the essential “layer” stories.

I want to explain to the next generation how to build towns as populations decline. There are two key points: transportation and water. Hayama is a great example—there’s no train station.

Yoshiko: Just buses, cars, walking, or bikes.

Yanase: As the population ages, public transportation gets harder, and people rely more on cars. Except for central Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Japan’s been a car society for 30 years, but most politicians, media, and scholars live in central Tokyo and don’t realize it.

So when people call for more walkable towns, they always forget to ask, “How do you get there?”

The Importance of Water and Living Things

The base of every town is transportation. In America’s Wild West, it was all about where the stagecoaches could stop. But for both horses and people, water is the true essential. Towns simply can’t exist without it—that’s the second key point.

Places with water are limited, which is why cities get concentrated. In Europe and America, water is scarce, so cities are naturally compact. In Japan, every valley head has a spring, so communities tend to spread out more.

I want to help the next generation think about city building in terms of these fundamental issues. That’s why I’m writing these books for high schoolers and middle schoolers.

Seki: That’s a big topic!

Oyako Day Event Announcements

Seki: Yoshiko, could you share some announcements?

Yoshiko: Oyako Day is July 27. We’re running a photo contest and an essay contest—entries are open until August 31. Please take some wonderful photos and send them in! There’s also a photo exhibition at the Hilton from July 3, plus other shows in Hakone and more. Details are on our website, so please come if you’re nearby.

Seki: What other events will there be for Oyako Day this year?

Yoshiko: We’re planning to host a parent-child photo session in Hayama, our hometown, and will share details online. Hope you’ll join us!

Yanase’s “Present to the Future”

Seki: To close, may we have your “Present to the Future” message?

Yanase: For me, it’s “Living things and water.” I live in central Tokyo, but even there, if there’s a stream, you’ll find lots of life. There are over 700 natural springs in Tokyo, mostly surrounded by parks—nature preserved by people before us.

Even inside the Yamanote Line, you’ll find rhinoceros beetles and dragonflies. Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean there’s no nature. If you look, you’ll find creatures living by the water’s edge. I think it’s wonderful to search for water and discover life. Even in the city, you can find other lives intertwined with your own.

Seki: That’s the perfect topic for a summer science project.

Yanase: This is Senzoku Pond near my university. It’s home to goshawks and small hawks called tsumi.

Seki: There are always lots of people taking photos there.

Yanase: There are so many “kingfisher uncles” with their cameras, too.

Yoshiko: Even in the city, you see flowers growing from cracks in the concrete. Wild creatures are resilient, and with a little care from humans, we can live together anywhere.

Yanase: Absolutely.

Seki: Let’s keep an eye out for all the living things—and for water. Thank you for your inspiring story.

Yanase: It was a pleasure.

Seki: Thanks everyone—see you next time!

The post Text Edition: 35th Online Talk Live with Hiroichi Yanase – “Present to the Future” appeared first on 「親子の日」Oyako Day.

Guest: Mr.Takumi Nagai (Representative Director of Sokka General Incorporated Association)
Moderator: Satoshi Seki (editor, producer)
Host: Bruce Osborne (Photographer), Yoshiko Inoue (Parent and Child Day Promotion Committee)
Sponsored by: Parent and Child Day Promotion Committee
Distribution date and time: January 19, 2025 (Sunday) starts at 13:00(LIVE distribution)

The guest of the 30th online talk live is Mr.Takumi Nagai.
*This article introduces the highlights of the video.

Click here for video

Cast:

Takumi Nagai (CEO of Sokka General Incorporated Association)

After a nearly-drowning experience in his childhood, Nagai became fascinated with the ocean after a long-distance swimming experience in high school. After graduating from university, Nagai worked at a black pearl farm in the Tuamotu Islands. He started the Kuromon Flying Fish Club on Zushi Beach in 2010. In 2016, he founded Sokka General Incorporated Association with a friend. He runs a community for outdoor sports and sea and mountain play for preschoolers to adults.

Seki Satoshi (Editor, Producer)

He has participated in the planning and editing of culture magazines such as POPEYE, BRUTUS, and Takarajima. He is currently a part-time lecturer at Nippon Engineering College and other institutions, and the director of the Stimulus Switch Research Institute. He is in charge of “Seki Satoru’s Movie Oyakodon” on the official website of Oyako Day.

Bruce Osborn (Photographer, Originator of Oyako Day)

He began taking photographs with the theme of parents and children in 1982. Since 2003, she has advocated for the fourth Sunday of July to be Oyako Day. He was awarded the Higashikuninomiya Cultural Award in recognition of his social activities through photography such as Oyako Day. As an artist, he continues to spread the message of “Present to the Future.”

Yoshiko Inoue (Oyako Day Representative Producer, CEO of Ozone Inc.)

As Bruce Osborne’s professional and private partner, she has produced numerous exhibitions and events.

Seki: Hello everyone. This is the first online talk show of the new year. Time flies and this is the 30th one! We have invited Nagai Takumi as our guest. Thank you for your support.

Nagai: Thank you for your support.

Introducing Nagai Takumi

Seki: Could you tell us about your activities so far?

Nagai: I live in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, where I run an after-school nature school and nursery school called “Sokka General Incorporated Association.” It is a place where children can have as much fun as they want in the sea, mountains, and rivers, based on a connection with nature. You are now showing us our website.

Seki: What kind of activities does Sokka do specifically?

Nagai: Our activities place importance on children and their guardians having fun together in nature. After school, we gather at the beach and, when it’s beach season, we dive deep into the ocean. When it’s not beach season, we go to the mountains, learn first aid, or go exploring with a topographical map.

When my children were born, I studied lifesaving in Australia and aimed to compete in a wide canoe competition in Hawaii. There were a lot of programs for children there. So I thought I would create a similar place in Zushi, where we started living as a family.

Seki: That’s wonderful. It’s like a never-ending summer vacation.

Nagai: That’s how it feels. The photo you’re looking at is Zushi Beach, and you can see Mt. Fuji to the west, and it’s really nice at sunset. If you come to the beach, you can find your friends and play freely by yourself. I think that’s important. That’s why at the club, we also play games that you would play during school breaks.

Seki: Nowadays, there aren’t many places for children to play. They can’t play at school, and they can’t even take detours. There are no places where children can freely express their feelings like in the past, so this activity is very valuable. Can anyone participate?

Nagai: It’s a registration system. Members who attend an information session and join can participate. However, the beach doesn’t belong to anyone, and it’s open. So sometimes friends from school play soccer together. In the past, you could do this kind of thing on your own. I think it’s important to make it a world where such things are commonplace.

Yoshiko: I think it’s wonderful that children can do what they like freely and have adults around them who can do it with them. I think that’s the mission of “Tobiuo Club” and “Sokka”. I think it’s wonderful that everyone can enjoy it while the children are at the center. I hope it spreads more and more.

Bruce: Everyone speaks directly and communication is excellent. Children and adults talk on an equal footing. They also enjoy experiencing things related to the ocean. I think children who grow up like that are very lucky.

Hated the ocean as a child

Seki: I heard that you used to hate the ocean. Is that true?

Nagai: Before I started elementary school, I lived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. So I went to the ocean. It was my first time in the ocean, and when I jumped in, I got swept away by the waves.

Seki: This is the ocean in Brazil.

Nagai: And I drowned twice on the same day. After getting out of the ocean, I went to the pool. But I was scared, so instead of getting in the water, I played with a toy boat floating in the water. Then the toy slipped out of my hand, and when I reached out, it fell on my head. It was very traumatic. After that, I hated water so much that I couldn’t even go to the ocean or take a bath at home.

The ocean, which I hated, turned into something wonderful

Seki: What made you turn that around?

Nagai: In the summer when I was 16 and a high school student, we went on a seaside school trip to the ocean in Chiba. We swam long distances every day for a week and dived off rocks, which was something I hated at the time. But I couldn’t avoid it, so I did my best without showing any signs of it. In the first half, I really wanted to run away. However, when I was offshore, the unpleasant feelings left me, and I suddenly felt like I could accept everything. I was able to come this far because of the sea and my friends. The sea feels so good. There was a moment when my whole body felt like it all made sense. And then, everything changed.

Seki: So you reached a state of enlightenment.

Nagai: That’s right. I think that experience is still alive in me today.

Seki: I guess drowning was very important. You could say that it changed my life.

Nagai: You’re right. That intense experience turned a negative into a positive.

Seki: So multiplication happened.

Starting to walk with the sea

Nagai: I’ve always been involved with the sea in various ways. In college, I did various marine activities and sports such as lifesaving, surfing, and canoeing. I also worked for a black pearl farming company, a weather forecasting company for surfers, and a wave information company. I also worked for an outdoor sportswear company and a surfboard store.

Connection with Bruce & Yoshiko

Seki: What kind of person is Nagai to you, Yoshiko?

Yoshiko: There are a few people who I think, “If this person likes me, I’ll be fine,” and Nagai is one of those important people.
When I’m walking on the beach, he calls out to me from the ocean, “Yoshiko-san.” He came from really far away, and it wasn’t just once. It feels like he’s back home, and I’m really happy. I’m so happy that he appeared at our talk show again today.

Seki: What kind of person is Nagai to you, Bruce?

Bruce: Nagai loves the ocean. He respects not just knowledge and love, but everything about it.

Nagai: You two are always walking along the shore together, so when I found you in the water, I was so happy that I called out to you. I was moved by the way you picked up all kinds of things that had washed up on the beach, old toys, shells, and so on, and found love and interest in each one. It was a great inspiration.

Bruce: You put the things you found in a cookie jar.

Seki: He elevated that to art, and a while ago a piece was exhibited at the Imperial Hotel. Isn’t it amazing that the rubbish from Hayama is decorating the entrance to Tokyo? I think it’s very satisfying. There are many issues, such as environmental destruction and global pollution. It’s good to be able to send out a warning in such a happy way, without being preachy.

Bruce’s “Zodiac Exhibition”

Seki: Yoshiko and her team are holding a “Zodiac Exhibition” at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) throughout the month of January as an annual New Year event. Let me see some photos. What kind of people are participating?

Yoshiko: The third person from the left in the spiral is Mick Haggerty, who has created works that are fairly well known to many people. Next to him is Shigenari Onishi, from Shigechan Land in Hokkaido. They are all snakes, but they have put a lot of thought into their New Year works. The exhibition is being held at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) throughout the month of January, so please come and see it.

Bruce: It is free to enter except on Sundays and holidays. Children are also welcome. Please come and visit.

※”Zodiac Exhibition” : https://www.fccj.or.jp/exhibition/january-2025-exhibition

Introducing the Nagai family

Seki: Let’s take a look at this photo of Nagai and his child taken by Bruce. How many years ago was this?

Nagai: This child is 15 now, and was probably 3 or 4 years old at the time. So it was more than 10 years ago.

Nagai: This photo was taken at Zushi Beach.

Bruce: Nagai is the mood maker of the family.

Nagai: Our eldest son loves running, and our second son loves fishing and the sea. My wife’s grandfather was an Olympic marathon runner. He’s often mentioned in a historical context, as he competed in the Berlin Olympics hosted by Hitler. His Japanese name is Son Kitei, and his Korean name is Song Ki-jeong. He is featured in the film “Boston 1947” (directed by Kang Je-gyu).

Seki: It’s the new film from the director of “Shiri.” Korean films are interesting too.

I want to design a society where people don’t damage the natural environment even if they live normally

Seki: Nagai, what do you think about adults today?

Nagai: Well, I’m getting older too. In today’s world, even if you live a normal life, you can still damage the natural environment. It’s not about who is good or bad. That’s why I want to design a society where everyone can live a normal life and don’t damage the natural environment. I think it’s a shame that nowadays you have to push yourself to do something good for the environment.

Seki: I think adults up until now have been irresponsible. I feel like they haven’t thought about important things like the environment.

Yoshiko: Adults need to change, like being more grateful to nature. Nagai’s activities embody that, and they’re wonderful.

Announcement of the Lecture “Coastal Ecosystem – For the Conservation of Zushi Coast”

Seki: By the way, Nagai-san, you have some news to share.

Nagai: On February 15th, we will be holding a lecture on the ocean and the environment at Zushi City Hall entitled “Coastal Ecosystems – For the Preservation of Zushi Coast.” We have invited Professor Satoko Seino, an associate professor at Kyushu University Graduate School, to speak on the theme of the ocean ecosystem.

Seki: What kind of talk can we hear?

Nagai: We will hear about Zushi’s ecosystem, how small things can change it, and we will get hints on what we can do in that environment. For example, measures to prevent sand runoff from the beach are usually carried away by power shovels. However, for example, if you let grass grow, it will become a base for the sand, and sand will accumulate at the base. That is how you can enrich the vegetation and protect the beach. We will introduce some small ideas to solve problems using the power of nature.

Seki: So there are a lot of hints for changing adults, as I mentioned earlier. Please come.

*For inquiries, please contact Zushi Tourism Association, Tel: 046-873-1111. Participation is free.

Takumi Nagai’s “Present to the Future”

What is Nagai’s gift for the annual “Present to the Future”?

Nagai: Even if everyone lives a normal life, the sea, the city, birds, and flowers. Let’s create a world where these things are abundant and beautiful. It’s not a matter of trying too hard, pushing yourself too hard, or spending a lot of money, but a society where it’s normal for everyone to live normal lives and not destroy the environment.

Seki: That’s truly sustainable. It has to continue, doesn’t it? Finally, let’s say goodbye by watching “By the Sea,” a video that summarizes Nagai’s activities.

Nagai: Our base is playing in the local nature, but we don’t just enjoy outdoor sports, we are also involved in various activities with the aim of protecting the local nature. As part of that, we asked Ben Matsunaga, a resident of Ninomiya, to create a video introducing our activities with farmed wakame fishermen.

Seki: Thank you very much for today. Please watch the video!

Video Screening
By the Sea : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNhHTnkQkq0

The post Guest: Mr.Takumi Nagai – Present to the Future vol.30 appeared first on 「親子の日」Oyako Day.