Konichiwa from near the Southern base of Mount Fuji.
I'm Paul originally from Greenwich Village NYC, moving to the Chubu region of Honshu about 2 decades ago to become an ESL teacher. Its been a wonderful experience and I'm very thankful that I had the opportunity to live here and meet so many wonderful people. However its getting time to take the next step which includes moving back to the States and starting a market garden based upon sustainable farming methods so I can plow any future profits back into producing more & betterer quality of veg. Also planning to incorporate an education plan to introduce city kids to the wonders of agriculture and good country living, especially students from neighborhoods who don't get an opportunity to experience a different lifestyle. My mom was a school based social worker for a few decades so I fully aware of having the privilege of offering alternative education to motivated urban kids who can help change things in the big city. Not getting any younger and I know enough to understand that farming is not easy work. Fortunately electric power can help me with some of the back breaking labor
Japan is a black box when it comes to how foreigners understand their system and defies analysis in many ways. The scale of living here is really something quite different which starts with the mindset. The culture and the language are truly unusual. If anyone has any questions about farming or living here I will be happy to try and answer them.
I've installed solar panels on my friends house in Oakland California, had an indoor garden there too. Owned and operated a wholesale/retail furniture company selling mostly softwood shelving. Worked for a short selling hedge fund in Marin county as well as the aforementioned teaching so I'd like to believe I have a few feathers in my cap. Not new to farming or outside the box thinking but feeling
VERY fortunate to have found you lot. Sometimes the internet can really rock ones socks and that is how I'm feeling right now y'all. Found the site after learning about Rocket Stove Mass Heating. My wife is from Shizuoka city which has a very temperate climate and in almost 2 decades we've seen snow flurries maybe 3 times so she has zero tolerance for cold. It was only natural that rocket stoves would make the list of things to learn about.
I've been very fortunate to work mostly for myself over the years, albeit in an urban environment which are where my roots lie. I hope to learn much from the community and perhaps share some things I've learned along the way as well as promise to share whatever knowledge learned here with as many others as possible.
Wishing all constructive and positive people only the best of wishes, happiness and good health.
Sayonara
Paul
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