Bio
Kensei Furuyama was born in 1998 in Iwaki City of Fukushima Prefecture. From high school, he backpacked around Southeast Asia and South America, fascinated by the world. He spent a year living in eco-villages and communities in Israel, Denmark, England, learning farming and sustainable living. In 2021, he established “0site” based in a mountain village in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture. He also manages the schoolyard and classrooms at "0site," a small abandoned school in the center of the village, as well as a campsite. Kensei and his wife will soon start a project called 'Kūzan', to “work as if we are truly living and sustain our lives”. He is now a father of one child and lives with his family and two goats.
Message
When I was 20, I fervently pursued my dreams while living in Tokyo, but amidst the city's fast pace and emphasis on efficiency, I lost sight of the important things in life. Mentally and physically drained, I constantly pondered various matters, feeling the contrast between people and struggling to find my own path. It was a challenging existence. However, when I escaped the artificial city atmosphere and immersed myself in fields and forests, I found solace. In natural settings, I experienced a sense of tranquility, whether taking walks, gathering around a table to enjoy delicious meals, or simply observing a crackling fire. There, I discovered the beauty of genuine connections, where strangers could open up and be themselves. I strongly believe that those facing similar urban challenges should immerse themselves in nature, allowing it to refresh their spirits. Furthermore, I encourage others to rediscover and repair the aspects of life taken for granted or lost in our efficiency-driven modern society. We aim to provide experiences that go beyond intellectual contemplation, allowing you to simply be and feel.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
Nature hosts countless impressive events, and among them is a profound experience I had when I was 20 and feeling lost and troubled in life. It happened during my travels in the southern desert of Israel. The desert landscape was rugged, with sparse vegetation. To foster human life in this harsh environment, communities had created houses, pools, dining halls, chapels, permaculture farms, pastures, and even soccer fields with artificial turf. One evening, I found myself alone in a building resembling a lighthouse, where I sat and admired the surroundings. Beyond the desert settlements, near the Jordanian border, the stunning mountains of neighboring Jordan cast their shadows. Around 6:00 p.m., a group of desert dwellers joined hands and began singing and dancing together. As the sun set, darkness enveloped the scene, and I was deeply moved by the profound beauty of living in harmony with nature.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
Nature is essential and rooted within each of us. It serves as a guidebook for life, prompting us to pause and reflect without the need for conscious thought. While nature itself is finite, it imparts upon us, as humans, an understanding of infinite possibilities.
Q: What has nature taught you?
To live is to die, and to die is to live. Thank you. The things of this world.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
I encourage you to embrace an experience that goes beyond mere intellectual contemplation. Open your ears to what is happening right in front of you. Distance yourself from a society that constantly compares and judges. By doing so, you will be able to forge your own path and live a fulfilling life. Previously unheard voices will start to emerge, and nature will serve as a guiding force towards a more abundant existence aligned with your own aspirations.
