My name is Yuichi. I was born in Tokyo, but have spent most of my life in Los Angeles, California.
As the oldest of three children, I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood, where I was exposed to both American and Japanese culture. Perhaps it was my upbringing to be a well-behaved Asian boy, but I was rather quiet and reserved.
Two things which were a constant in my adolescent life were listening to Japanese music and watching and playing basketball. These activities helped shape my identity in a way. Started to give me “that edge”.
However, when I entered the real world, I had my first bouts of anxiety and depression which lasted well into my adult life. Looking around, my peers were well on their way to great careers with top firms. So, I decided to take the U.S. Certified Public Accountant test. After several grueling years of heading to the local library to study, I passed the exam. I would spend several years after that with an accounting firm and eventually would move to Tokyo, Japan (where I am now).
As fate would have it, around the time I began work as an accountant in Los Angeles, I came across information on the internet about a local stream in the San Gabriel Mountains. It was summertime and water levels were low. I had the brilliant idea(!) of putting on some snorkels and swim shorts and catch Rainbow Trout with an aquarium net. Evolving from this rudimentary approach to catch fish, I picked up fly fishing, which became an addiction. This little stream quickly became my hideaway, where I would take my family and friends. They loved it.
Just as much as I like the conveniences of a big city, I love connecting with the world in a slower, more intentional way. Perhaps, in this frenetic and crazy world, these tangibles things and places are what I need to slow it down. A place to call my own.
I now freelance, so I have the flexibility to take guests to undiscovered parts of Japan.
I believe our common language is compassion for others, and a sense of discovery to look beyond our closed world. I certainly need these things, and I hope I can share special moments with you and your loved ones on this trip.
Hope to see you soon.
From your friend and guide,
I GUESS SOME THINGS DON'T CHANGE. NATURE HELPS US RECHARGE OUR BATTERIES AND GIVES US INSPIRATION
ABOUT IWATE PREFECTURE
Iwate, part of the Tohoku region is the second largest prefecture in Japan. The land is nearly 80% covered in forest, which allows wild plants and animals to thrive. It covers the longest mountain range in Japan, as well as the magnificent coastline of the Pacific Ocean.
In the lower half of the prefecture are the cities of Kitakami, Nishiwaga, and Tono where our trip takes place. A fairly unknown area, where even the keenest of Japanese travelers have never set foot on. Snowy winters give way to the birth of a vibrant spring and summer, with the main rivers (Kitakami and Nishiwaga) and its tributaries, home to native Japanese Char and Trout.
This abundant nature has inspired Kenji Miyazawa, one of the most famous Japanese writers who has depicted expansive universes in children’s stories. The prefecture also holds the world heritage site of Hiraizumi, known for the prominent Chusonji Temple and Moutsuji Temple.
