This entry was taken from the blog of Earth Embassy volunteer Adam Shane. To read more, please visit AdamShane.com
So… about farm life in Japan! A lot of people have been asking what I’d be doing here, and up until this week I really had no idea. Let me start by answering some of the more common questions.
Q: How do you expect to wake up at 5am and work the fields when you normally don’t go to bed until sunrise?
A: First of all, I don’t have to start work until nine. Second of all, the jetlag and time change has significantly altered my schedule. Lastly, the rooster makes it well known when the sun comes up.
Q: Will you be picking rice in a large paddy field?
A: No.
Q: What will you be doing then?
A: Mostly having fun. I fix things, build things, and sometimes get to destroy things. Amongst all of the little handyman odds and ends, most of my work revolves around getting the grounds ready for a 2 day festival/rave happening this weekend (May 4-5th. If you happen to be in the area you should definitely come).
I do work about 8 hours a day, but the tasks I’ve been assigned have been enjoyable. This past week, I’ve used an industrial sized weed-wacker to clear a large field. I made frequent off-roading trips in a 4WD hauling supplies between buildings. I also constructed a large durable fire pit that should last at least a millennium. Sometime this week, I’m building a stage. It’s like being a kid playing with all of his toys in the dirt again… except these toys are real and very dangerous to play with. =)
Q: When you’re not working, what is there to do in the Japan wilderness?
A: The farm is located at the base of Mount Fuji, on the direct outskirts of the Aokigahara National Park. There are lots of trails, mountains, lakes, and caves to explore. When not out enjoying nature, time is usually spent in the café with the other volunteers, staff, and guests. We drink, play music, eat well and generally have a good time.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting quite a few of the locals, and expats from around the world. With the exception of the bi-weekly onsen public bathing occurrence, there haven’t been too many ‘unusual’ events. BBQs at the park, dinner in trendy restaurants, and bonfires at the farm are pretty normal to most people from America. Once you throw in the cultural mix and Asian influence life still remains extremely exiting.
Before my first full week of work at the Earth Embassy’s organic farm I took a short hike through the surrounding Aokigahara “Sea of Trees”. Among the volcanic rock and dense, mossy woods is the Ice Cave (cue FF7 music). During Mt. Fuji’s last eruption several lava tunnels were cut through the area. This particular cave happens to stay so cold and wet that icicles and blocks of ice are present even in the hottest summer months. While that sounds cool (no pun intended) in theory, it was actually quite a miserable experience to squeeze my 6’4” body into. I didn’t really consider how small and icy these lava tunnels actually are. After nearly witnessing horrible slipping injuries of a few people in front of me, I carefully made way to the exit and back to the farm.
Staying here is has been very worthwhile. I’m getting very used to meeting diverse people from around the world. My Japanese vocabulary is growing each day. Mt. Fuji is always visible, from the moment I wake up to the time I sit typing this blog. Each day has been memorable, but I’ll save the elaboration here for more adventurous tales. I may have some stories to tell after this weekends festival, but if not I have plans to spend a few more days in Tokyo next weekend.
