KOTOWARI: A New Environmental Program for Japanese Youth

We are said to be the last generation that can stop the climate crisis. The youth generation knows about it and started to fight for preventing climate change all over the world. However, Japan has not yet seen many youth initiatives to face the implications of climate change. This is not because they have no interest in the issue but because there doesn't exist an open place of learning and dialogue for them to critically engage with the challenges posed by the climate crisis. In order to change this situation, we launched the environmental education program called KOTOWARI AIZU Summer School.

KOTOWARI AIZU Summer School offers Japanese youth an opportunity to learn the relationship between humans and nature and reimagine a way of life moving forward. Kotowari is a Japanese word that means the unchanging law of truth that governs humans and the environment. We aim to explore kotowari from diverse perspectives and with the youth who join our program.

This four-day summer program focuses on learning about individual and societal values that drove the climate crisis in the first place. Since the environmental issues are like a mirror that reflects the core values of individuals and society, we incorporate an intensive self-inquiry and liberal arts approach to understanding one’s own values and societal values. We will also engage in outdoor activities and discussions to gain first-hand experience and get exposed to different viewpoints. Together, the program aims to lay the foundation for the youth to think deeply and take action regarding the climate crisis.

The program does not promote a certain ideology, value, or a message like “let’s protect our environment for the future generation.” This is because we value individual journeys to reach their own conclusions. To promote that individual process, we expose the youth to diverse perspectives on environmental and climate crises and help them unearth their thoughts and values.

This program is run and organized by a group of young professionals who went to liberal arts colleges in the US and is supported by Earth&Human, an environmental NPO founded by a traditional Japanese Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa.

Written and translated by Kota Uno