I was short, dumb and bullied as a child so it was not surprising if I didn't go to school. Kids our age were into video games and did not go out to play, mainly because our teachers told us that even hanging out at the river could be dangerous. However, I was lucky that I hung out with the nature-loving leader of the pack. I've learnt so much from him. He was aware of the power of nature. He told us off when we put ourselves in danger. I've learnt just how much our lives depend on nature.

As a high school student, I joined the biology club where I learnt to understand the value of life by raising chickens from eggs. During my second year in high school, I became sick and underwent a series of medical tests for a year. My doctor said that I might have a serious illness related to my hormone imbalance. I was quite depressed by the devastating news that I might not be able to live past 20. My parents told me that I could quit high school and do whatever I wanted. Only later did we discover that I was sick from a hormone imbalance found in adolescents. That made me realize the value of life on different levels. I am thirty-five years old now and try my best to advocate for nature. I would like others to use all their senses to feel nature when they go into the forest. It is important to realize that the forest produces air and water for us to survive.

It is true that environmental degradation has accelerated after the development of civilization. Many species are becoming endangered in Japan, which is one country that has contributed to deforestation. It will be impossible for us to inhabit and even survive on this planet if we don't come up with a solution. If everyone is aware of the idea that protecting just one tree can save the world, we can make a better society. I would like to continue my advocacy for nature and protecting natural landscape, as a forest producer.