So he built a greenhouse to grow mangoes (which normally do not do well in the colder parts of Japan) and use his indigo waste to fertilize them. Turns out they are so good, he sells them to patisseries in Ginza and the Ritz Carlton hotel in Nikko.

He learned that indigo seeds are a healthy antioxidant, so he founded a bakery using indigo seeds to make bread in which the majority of his employees are physically or mentally disabled. He also found that byproducts of indigo farming make great fertilizers.

Another example: Wakabayashi-san learned aizome indigo dyeing in Tokushima Prefecture, where most indigo in Japan is grown and processed. But he started his own indigo farm in his hometown of Mibu in Tochigi to make his own dyes for his aizome studio. Then he took things to the next level.

For example, my friend Yuki teaches kintsugi. She uses natural lacquer from Noto, pure gold powder, not brass. She provides a premium experience. But she comes at it from her personal experience; kintsugi provided emotional healing for her when she needed it. And she wants to pass that on to others.

Not a social media lover, but I DO love to connect with interesting people who do interesting things. I want to share a Japan (and Korea) that is completely different from the algorithm driven feeds of other platforms. So reach out if that describes you!

Cherry blossoms at sunset in Hamamatsu Flower Park

Post #1: I'm from the SF Bay Area, now a creative working in Tokyo. I write, shoot and promote travel and cultural topics in Japan, hoping to expand into Korea this year too. FT: I take meandering walks through Tokyo, check out new art exhibitions, and watch way too many K-dramas with my wife.