hokkaido– tag –

Japan’s giant killer hornet is a fisherman’s nightmare, but it might be the only thing keeping the forest ecosystem—and our wooden furniture—safe. I explore the unsettling paradox of the giant hornet as both arch-enemy and keystone species, analyze the genius of the native bee’s "bee ball" strategy, and contrast this ecosystem with my home in Hokkaido.

Japan abolished its aristocracy, but a hidden noble class persists. A naive Hokkaido boy explores this secret society, mistaking a TOYOTA heiress for a struggling salesperson. I reveal how their true mark is not conspicuous wealth but profound modesty and normality. This leads to the ultimate marketing challenge: how to sell luxury furniture to people who wear their wealth with invisible tags.

In Manhattan, it’s a dinner date. In Asahikawa, it used to be a place where talking was forbidden and hair had to be tied back. Explore the intense, monastic world of Hokkaido Ramen and learn why even a local "survivor" sometimes prefers the quiet comfort of a designer chair to the battlefield of the noodle shop.

Why do the colorful feathers of male peacocks attract female peacocks? Some people may accept the simple explanation: "Because they are beautiful," but I never did. In all through my school days from primary to university, I was an enthu...

【We Hokkaido people reach enlightenment by clearing snow】 Nothing can stay the same. This is very famous Buddhist terminology, meaning "Life is fleeting and empty." Even on weekend, I always wake up very early and leave home before six...

I begin by sharing my "romantic secret"—that snow-lit Hokkaido nights glowed orange—a secret quickly debunked by my wife's superior knowledge. This orange glow, caused by sodium lamps, is now disappearing due to energy-saving LEDs. I lament this because the lights attracted stag beetles, which were easily collected near acorn trees (Oak)—the same wood we use for our furniture. This Hokkaido Oak shares another legacy: it provides the essential cask material for some of the world's finest Japanese Whisky. The light may be gone, but the resilience of the acorn tree quietly connects the past, fine whisky, and our furniture.

Asahikawa: Hokkaido’s second city and a former strategic military front line. Discover its unique history, its 150 rivers, and why we are turning our furniture factory into a world-class destination. Experience industrial tourism in a city where even businessmen fish like James Bond.

Logging isn't just a job; it's a winter siege. Join me as I compare the freezing reality of the forest to a famous hostage crisis, explain the logistical differences between the police and the military (from my own experience of being crushed by the GSDF), and why the "YouTuber" generation is the greatest threat to our forests.

Elsa makes it look easy, but shoveling snow at -41°C is no fairy tale. Join me as I explore the reality of life in Japan’s coldest city, the struggle of maintaining solar panels in a blizzard, and the brilliant, low-tech secret of using winter snow to air-condition our summers.

I sell furniture but don't care about "things"—unless they’re a good investment. Join me as I dive into the strange world of collecting: from the 140% returns of the luxury watch market to the profound, sightless whisky collection of Valentino Zagatti, and finally, the 1,350 masterpieces of the Oda Collection here in Hokkaido.