#Japan #Keizo Funatsu #Akaiwa #Moriiku #Akaiwa Village

Immersing Children in Nature's Wonders: A Hiking Adventure

In a collaborative effort to engage young minds with the beauty of the natural world, the DAC Future Support Cultural Promotion Organization, led by director Kazunori Ishikawa, executed a remarkable hiking program called "Moriiku Ridge Hiking" in Akaiwa Village, Hokkaido. This initiative took place on March 8, 2026, where children had the unique opportunity to hike alongside renowned adventurer Keizo Funatsu, who is famous for his record-breaking journey across Antarctica via dog sledding.

About the "Moriiku" Project

Moriiku, which translates to “forest nurturing,” emphasizes the education of children by allowing them direct interaction with the forest. This initiative aspires to foster a sustainable community where nature and humans grow together. The Moriiku Ridge Hiking serves as a pilot project for the more extensive Moriiku program planned for subsequent years, aiming to instill an appreciation of local ecosystems in the younger generation.

Objectives of the Program

1. Cultivating A Love for Local Nature

Despite being surrounded by fascinating natural landscapes, children today have fewer opportunities to connect with their local environment. This event encourages participants to explore the snowy mountains within their hometown, enhancing their emotional connection to the region and nurturing their love for it.

2. Learning to Embrace Challenges from a World-Class Adventurer

Keizo Funatsu, a professional adventurer with experiences traversing extreme conditions around the globe, led the event. Engaging with him allowed children to nurture their curiosity and develop a daring spirit, empowering them to embrace new challenges.

3. Fostering Connections Beyond Local Boundaries

Sharing experiences with peers from different schools and neighborhoods in such ventures nurtures teamwork and community bonds. This aspect is vital for building a sense of camaraderie and cooperation among the participants.

Program Highlights: Adapting to Weather Challenges

Although the day of the event faced harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and snow, safety remained the top priority. By 7:00 AM, discussions with local guides led to adapting the program's location to NIKI Hills Winery in the neighboring town of Niki, still within the Yoichi district.

Participants enjoyed snowshoeing around the winery facilities, engaging in fun activities like sliding down snowy slopes. Additionally, they experienced dog sledding using snowmobiles and participated in an indoor