Kozue Oka: Legend of Future Japan - Mirai no mori

Sep 21

In this legend, we learn about the power of nature and of opportunities.

Welcome to Season 4 Episode One!

Helping abused, neglected, and orphaned children living in Japanese care homes to develop skills and confidence through outdoor programs. This is what my wonderful guest Kozue Oka, director of Mirai no Mori or “Future Forest” does. She is just 30 years old but has packed so much into those years. I would love you to share in this story of someone helping children to grow into happy and successful young adults through the power of being in nature.

If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Head over to Apple Podcasts to leave a review and we’d love it if you would come and say hi over on @sarahfuruyacoaching on Instagram.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The healing effect of being in nature for children
What are Japanese care homes and how they differ to “orphanage”
How studying in Sweden for a year gave Kozue a new appreciation for how to make nature a part of your lifestyle
Kozue’s journey to become the director of NPO Mirai no Mori
The importance of giving people certainty and another chance
Kozue’s growth as a leader and a speaker
Inspirational plans for the future of Mirai no Mori

About Kozue

Kozue Oka is the Executive Director at Mirai no Mori. Born and raised in Japan, she has always believed in the power of nature. After studying Environment/Outdoor Education in Sweden for a year, she joined Mirai no Mori to share her experiences and to create an environment in which marginalized youth can be steered toward a positive cycle of self-actualization and creativity by discovering new possibilities and developing into confident individuals.

Connect with Kozue

Website: https://mirai-no-mori.jp/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiraiNoMori

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirainomori/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mirai_no_Mori

Links

Wholesum Japan Campaign September 2021: https://wholesumjapan.jp/pages/mirai-no-mori-campaign-2021

To contribute anytime: https://mirai-no-mori.jp/get-involved/

Connect with Sarah

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sarah-furuya-coaching/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahfuruyacoaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sarahfuruyacoaching