Father, the Root of My Eco-Friendly Journey

“What kind of business do you run?”
Any time I mention that I run a business, people usually ask what exactly it is.
When I say I’m focused on eco-friendly products, I often see surprised reactions in their expressions and voices—almost like it’s unexpected to associate me with “eco-friendly.” That made me wonder why I’m so drawn to this field, and I decided to reflect on what really led me here.

Memories of Nature with My Father

Ever since I was little, I’ve preferred nature over the city. I’ve always loved animals, too.
Thinking back on it, I realize I have so many happy childhood memories of being surrounded by nature. My father truly adored the outdoors—especially mountains. Whenever he had some free time, he’d pack up camping gear and head out hiking. Naturally, I ended up going with him on countless trips. I can still vividly recall the feeling of walking those green mountain trails hand in hand with him, the rich scent of the earth, the refreshing breeze, and the gentle murmur of flowing streams. Those sensations remain deeply etched in my mind to this day. And the stew he used to cook on site was the tastiest meal in the world. It delighted all my senses. As a child, just knowing we were going to the mountains was enough to fill me with excitement and anticipation.

Lessons from Nature and the Value of Life

My father cherished the beauty he found in nature. He had a particular fondness for stones with unique shapes and colors. He would carefully polish them, saying, “Take a look at this. Isn’t it beautiful?” In his eyes, I could see a sense of awe and profound respect for the natural world. It was so peaceful and reverential—almost like a ritual—that I never found it boring to watch. He’d tell me that each stone, like each person, had its own special connection to him. And once he had cared for them with genuine love, those stones would begin to shine, becoming art pieces each with its own story. I thought, “I want to be someone who helps beautiful things shine even brighter!” Watching my father, I naturally wanted to become that sort of person myself. It came so easily to me that, for a long time, I didn’t even recognize it as a special dream. Now I realize it’s my father who instilled my interest in eco-friendly products.

He wasn’t only passionate about nature; he was deeply compassionate toward animals as well. One story that left a strong impression on me was how, when my father was in middle school, the dog he was raising suddenly went missing. He searched the entire neighborhood and finally found it battered and bloodied. I remember how his eyes would grow a little misty every time he relived that memory. But because he never gave up and kept taking care of the dog, it survived. He used to say how happy he was to have saved its life. Hearing that taught me just how precious life can be and the importance of seeing things through to the very end.

The Start of My Eco-Friendly Journey

As I look back, I see that so many of my warm, cherished memories revolve around nature and my father. The mountain hikes we shared, the beauty we discovered in stones, and the will to protect life at all costs—these things have converged to shape the eco-friendly product business I run today. Realizing that this venture grew from my own personal roots, rather than simply following a trend, gives me a quiet sense of pride. I wanted to share, in an honest way, just how my father’s respect for nature and living creatures weaves through my life and my work. And if reading this has helped you recall a warm feeling or memory from long ago, I’d be so happy. I plan to continue sharing stories about cherishing and safeguarding our natural world. I hope that the eco-friendly values that took root deep within me will connect with everyone reading this newsletter, and that we can continue having heartfelt conversations in the days to come.