I'm new here (found you through Elle Griffin's recommendations) and this is the first of your newsletters I've read and I'm already in love! I'm fascinated with the idea of Kamikatsu being a zero-waste village... I honestly believe that this is the only way forward for humanity and fervently hope that this model becomes more commonplace rather than a curious novelty. I'm sure that you must've written specifically about Kamikatsu and how it operates previously - could you direct me to the correct post?
I live in a very beautiful country with abundant nature, South Africa, but I'm in our largest and most "city" city, Johannesburg. Having said that, I do still have a lot of nature around me even in the city - Joburg is actually classified as the world's largest man-made urban forest, with over 10 million tress! For this I am very grateful but I often dream of a life more connected to the rythms of nature and away from the hustle and bustle, but somehow feel like I'm 'stuck' here for now (various reasons, including my job and my son needing to be in the same area as his father from whom I'm divorced.)
Lol not sure why I just shared so much in what was meant to be a simple comment of appreciation - I think the nature of your newsletter reminds me of pre-internet days when as a child I had a penpal in Russia. I used to wait so eagerly for her letters to arrive by post, to be able to read of a life so different from my own. It's this aspect that I am truly enjoying about Substack, whereas with other social media it's an empty promise of the deeper connection we humans crave.
I have been one of new followers of your newsletter and podcast since I read about your article in the Japan Times. I am Japanese knowing some of the beauty and difficulties of the countryside in Japan and your stories are always inspiring. Love to read how you observe small things in everyday lives.
Sorry to hear about your rooster. However, I enjoyed reading your post and and seeing your most recent pictures. It's nice to have your sister close to you again. I moved in with my older sister in 2020 and it's nice to spend time with her.
Your Tending Gardens newsletter is refreshing and informative. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Best wishes to you, your garden, your dogs, and your chickens.
So happy to see the photo of your ayu cook-up. I was always excited for ayu season to come round as it’s my favourite fish and my (former) mother in law would cook it for me.
I’m absolutely intrigued by the micro seasons - I want to explore that more.
Glad to hear of your precautions for the typhoon and wish you all safe and sound.
Always a fan of yours, so I am here to write down the 20th comment! Keep going, Kana! It's such a joy to follow your updates :) This autumnal one was heartwarming, and how I love that it's the official debut of #MinaInKamikatsu
Enjoyed your writing and observations as usual. Excited to check out the podcast and your sister's newsletter. Also, I especially love that photo of the chestnuts. You always have such amazing photography!
Hi Kana
I'm new here (found you through Elle Griffin's recommendations) and this is the first of your newsletters I've read and I'm already in love! I'm fascinated with the idea of Kamikatsu being a zero-waste village... I honestly believe that this is the only way forward for humanity and fervently hope that this model becomes more commonplace rather than a curious novelty. I'm sure that you must've written specifically about Kamikatsu and how it operates previously - could you direct me to the correct post?
I live in a very beautiful country with abundant nature, South Africa, but I'm in our largest and most "city" city, Johannesburg. Having said that, I do still have a lot of nature around me even in the city - Joburg is actually classified as the world's largest man-made urban forest, with over 10 million tress! For this I am very grateful but I often dream of a life more connected to the rythms of nature and away from the hustle and bustle, but somehow feel like I'm 'stuck' here for now (various reasons, including my job and my son needing to be in the same area as his father from whom I'm divorced.)
Lol not sure why I just shared so much in what was meant to be a simple comment of appreciation - I think the nature of your newsletter reminds me of pre-internet days when as a child I had a penpal in Russia. I used to wait so eagerly for her letters to arrive by post, to be able to read of a life so different from my own. It's this aspect that I am truly enjoying about Substack, whereas with other social media it's an empty promise of the deeper connection we humans crave.
I hope you're having a beautiful day!
How exciting to have your sister join you for a year! Also, I love hearing about the subtle shifts in seasons - those are my favorite time of year :)
I'm so happy to hear that Mina has joined you in Kamikatsu! What a blessing! I'm sorry to hear about your rooster though :(
Happy (nearly) two years in Japan and Tending Gardens! <3
I have been one of new followers of your newsletter and podcast since I read about your article in the Japan Times. I am Japanese knowing some of the beauty and difficulties of the countryside in Japan and your stories are always inspiring. Love to read how you observe small things in everyday lives.
Sorry to hear about your rooster. However, I enjoyed reading your post and and seeing your most recent pictures. It's nice to have your sister close to you again. I moved in with my older sister in 2020 and it's nice to spend time with her.
Your Tending Gardens newsletter is refreshing and informative. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Best wishes to you, your garden, your dogs, and your chickens.
So happy to see the photo of your ayu cook-up. I was always excited for ayu season to come round as it’s my favourite fish and my (former) mother in law would cook it for me.
I’m absolutely intrigued by the micro seasons - I want to explore that more.
Glad to hear of your precautions for the typhoon and wish you all safe and sound.
Lovely observations and insights as always. Ayu looks yum too.
Always a fan of yours, so I am here to write down the 20th comment! Keep going, Kana! It's such a joy to follow your updates :) This autumnal one was heartwarming, and how I love that it's the official debut of #MinaInKamikatsu
Enjoyed your writing and observations as usual. Excited to check out the podcast and your sister's newsletter. Also, I especially love that photo of the chestnuts. You always have such amazing photography!