What I learned in Niseko

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There are times when you would never have imagined that wisdom would come out of nowhere.

I lived in Niseko before and there is one incident I keep remembering. 

I moved on to a few places and finally I settled in Karatsu in Kyushu,

and when I'm figuring out a way to sustain the rich nature and environment here, 

I remember the elder auntie that started talking to me in Niseko.

A lot of people already talk about the bright side of Niseko. Today I want to talk about keeping that brightness Japan has.

The Farmer auntie

When I moved to Niseko was few years before Covid-19 hit.

Niseko was experiencing a bubble, and there was new construction everywhere.

I started to live with a farmer who works in Niki, and helps out the harvest for the farmers in Niseko as well.

I joined the harvest in Niseko, and was introduced to many farmers.

Then one auntie was interested that I grew up in the Bay Area, California.

"Boy, I can't speak English so can you be the one to tell the developers that if you guys are here for the snow, please make sure you think about sustaining it"

She was worried that the nature is breaking in Niseko, while people are attracted to nature in Niseko.

hmm... She is right.

A few years later, the developers started to experience water shortages building resorts. I heard that there wasn't enough water to pump for all the rooms for the resort.

Same thing in Karatsu

Karatsu is a fish city rich in nature and I'm drawn to the potential it has on becoming a gourmet town like the San Sebastian in Spain.

But locals keep telling me that there aren't a lot of fish anymore like it used to.

After getting to know important players of the city, I realized that there is a pattern same as Niseko.

During the economic boom in Japan, Karatsu broke nature for economic construction. It was said back then that it will take decades for the sea to recover.

But the bright side is, it's already been decades since that happened.

And the sea is getting closer to what it was before.

Here is a video of local divers filming Yobuko, Kartasu.



The diver is amazed that there are rare fishes swimming by him just under one of the ports.

This place is actually where my colleagues and I fish Arakabu rock fish.

I've always wanted to try diving but after watching this and also knowing I live so close by I'm going to start diving, too:)

What I learned in Niseko

We all have different values and I'm proud of Niseko that it's part of Japan and the internationals came in and grew it to what it is today.

Without them Niseko couldn't become the current Niseko.

But I think we all need to know that without nature it's just like fireworks. It's pretty for a little while, and then it dies.

To keep the beauty evergreen, it's a must for all the players to talk everyone's win win, and to sustain the balance of the economy and nature.

In order to do that, I already have some ideas.

I'll be sharing it with the people here in Karatsu, and to you, too through this blog.

So don't forget to follow the blog:)

Related:

Thanks for Reading! 

I started my business "Know your Why" in Karatsu on June, 2025.

I started two things in my business.
  • Food guide and interpretation services in English
  • English support for businesses in Karatsu

I would love to connect with people interested in fishes, cooking, and Japanese food. Share me your interests, and let's hang out!

This will be my long game, and I look forward to sharing what happens.


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