Our Destiny on Earth
—A Talk with Professor Kohama—

● 1. Noah's Ark ●

"That sounds a bit strange, even to me. Why are you interested in photos like this—sailing through untouched parts of the Earth and the raw beauty of nature?"

I was speaking with Dr. Kohama from the Institute of Fluid Science at Tohoku University. He's researching the 'Aero Train,' a high-speed hovering train.

"As I understand it, you embarked on this adventure entirely on your own, without any sponsors. That's quite different from the adventures we usually see on TV nowadays."

That's right. I worked in different countries to earn enough money to keep sailing and continued my voyage for eight years.

"This is about the global environment, but these days, people rarely have the opportunity to experience untouched nature. I believe that only when someone encounters pristine nature, as you did, can they truly understand the extent of its pollution."

I sailed across vast oceans alone, journeying through remote regions like South America, Patagonia, and Cape Horn, where fierce winds howled. I even made it to Antarctica on my own. I saw the Earth in ways most people will never experience.

"You sailed one of the smallest yachts ever to complete a solo circumnavigation, and I believe that by witnessing and experiencing some of the most dangerous parts of the planet, you've gained profound insight into the roots of our environmental issues."

Although this voyage was completed some time ago, he believes it's crucial for the world to hear about it now, especially with the urgency of today's environmental issues.

Professor Kohama's Aero Train research focuses on creating a sustainable energy system designed to minimize environmental impact.

"Professor Kohama, I believe the root of environmental problems lies in how people think and behave toward nature. I realized this after nearly ten years of sailing around the world.
" For example, we live in a human herd, in towns and cities, much like a flock of sheep. There, we laugh, cry, get angry, fight, and in the end, die—all within the herd.
" We hardly pay attention to what happens outside the city and avoid looking at it. We just don’t care. But I believe that what happens outside the herd will eventually determine our fate."

"That's why I want you to share these thoughts with everyone through your photos and writing. I believe anyone would find those photos shocking, even if they hadn't experienced it themselves."

"I've tried talking about these things, but no one around me seems to understand or care."

"It's just like Noah's Ark. Noah tried his best to warn people that something terrible would happen if they didn't change, but most didn't listen. It's the same idea. But that doesn't mean you should stop trying to spread the message."

"So, you mean I should keep doing it, right?"

"By the way, what inspired you to embark on such a great adventure—perhaps the greatest of your life—in that tiny yacht?"

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● 2. Closed World ●

"Yachts don't rely on fuel, which is fantastic. That's the beauty of them. You can sail using only the natural energy of the wind.
"I believe that even large ships—tens of thousands of tons—could potentially reach their current speeds using just wind and solar power. I’m convinced it’s possible to travel with zero emissions and no waste."

Professor Kohama, who says this, is researching the Aero Train, a future hover train powered solely by wind and solar energy. He's also the creator of the Aero Train.

"I have a lot of interests and have explored many hobbies, like flying airplanes, but the one I'd love to return to is yachting because it's so profound. Yachts are like miniature spaceships."

When I was a student, I often sailed on a yacht owned by Professor Kohama.

"Exactly. There are no grocery stores or supermarkets on the open ocean, so all the food and water I had on the yacht was what I packed before leaving port. It's a world where you can't rely on outside supplies—running out of food or water means you won't survive.
" You have to live on what you've brought. It's the same concept as living on a spaceship—or even on Earth. It's a closed system, where you have to carefully manage your water, food, and resources with the future in mind."

"Whether it's food or oxygen, humans can't produce these things on our own. We've been living on the 'interest' that nature provides, much like the interest paid by banks. But now, we're beginning to use up the 'principal'—the resources themselves. If this continues, my calculations suggest that, just for example, even oxygen could run out in 57,000 years."

Later, I learned that, according to research conducted by the National Institute for Environmental Studies, between 1999 and 2005, the average annual decrease in oxygen levels was 4 ppm.

"But there are hardly any people around me who are seriously concerned about global environmental issues or humanity's future. What about in your circles, Professor Kohama?"

"There are still very few, but I've noticed that people who have lived outside mainstream society or experienced life on the edges tend to be more aware of these issues."

"It means stepping outside the human herd in the city and seeing things from the outside, doesn't it? I believe venturing into the wilderness on a yacht, risking your life, is another way of stepping outside the herd."

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● 3. Delusional Earth ●

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● 4. Farming Realization ●

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● 5. Shift in Priorities ●