Cultural exchange with Japan has traditionally been limited to the fine and performing arts, such as the Tea Ceremony, Noh and Kabuki theater, or to more contemporary cultural phenomena like anime, manga, and film.



However, our relationship with Nature is not only a deep and pervasive aspect of Culture, but – given the immense challenges facing humankind – perhaps the most important. Exchanging and sharing Japan’s and Colorado’s unique and complementary perspectives and experiences relating to sustainablity and climate change can, I believe, lead us to an increasingly sustainable, and vibrant low-carbon future.



Cultural exchanges focused on sustainablity and climate change are likely to lead to robust economic relationships that will enrich the planet and bring the world a bit closer together.

As a very small step to this end, in 2004, I set out to explore opportunities to use wood-as-energy projects (an important part of biomass energy) as a way to connect and engage Colorado and Japan on this path.



This small book chronicles my adventures – and will hopefully inspire others to look at Culture in a broader way.