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I forgot to mention in the video how rural Japanese are often quite wary of interference from the state. Many village families first came to the mountains during the feudal period to escape government corruption, exploitation and crippling taxation and they have since cherished their freedom and remain rather aloof from outside oversight and interference. Showing up with some government document indicating legal possession of land (such as perhaps through the paying of long-overdue back taxes) would surely rub them in all the wrong ways and likely make enemies of the neighbors whom you might otherwise come to love (and be loved by). Enter the village as a humble stranger, express your genuine respect for what the village has accomplished in terms of developing a community in relative harmony with the natural surroundings, tell them how you dream of such of life and share perhaps any sincere urban stories of the sterile lifestyle you wish to leave behind (or however you feel about it...those are just my words of course :-). If you happen upon an empty house tell them how lovely it is and how you would love to live in such a place. If your words are sincere and if the village is willing you might then find something magical taking place. I can't promise anything and there are some villages who indeed do not welcome strangers, though the majority I have spent time in seemed delighted at my company and I am confident I could have become a member of their community had tried. That said, I need to finish with a caution that village life in Japan is not all gentle days of farming and quiet evenings of moonlight. If you become part of the community (unless you live way off the beaten path) you will likely be expected to take part in the social duties of village membership. You will also be subject to the scrutiny of your neighbors who will gauge your ever action according to the Japanese standard of right and wrong (and there is no other acceptable standard here). This can be very difficult, especially if that was the type of thing you left the city to get away from in the first place. If you are that type of person then pick a farm in a more remote location where you need only make token, periodic visits to the village to keep the bonds intact. I hope that this info is helpful to anyone who might be interested. :-) ---- You can view the forum post which kicked off at the following URL: http://softypapa.net/ Search for the post titled " abondond farm in the mountains" (sic) ---- Welcome to Abandoned Japan. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan's lost and forgotten places with me. I'm available on social media at the links below and can be reached via email at dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/softypapa Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LylesBrother On Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/109050782163582511388/posts Instagram: http://instagram.com/softypapa LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kurt-bell/b/416/754 My blog: http://softypapa.wordpress.com ---- THE PATH OF WILDNESS The Path of Wildness is easy to find The course of a stream Leaves blown in the wind A beast's track through the brush And the direction of our first inclination The Path of Wildness is an answer and response to a prescribed way of life which may leave some individuals with a sense that their living is little more than a series of pre-determined, step-like episodes between birth and death. The stages of living between these events: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, parenthood and senior are themselves natural and in accord with the needs of the species and most individuals. Many find their satisfaction in living this course and to these individuals I have little or nothing to say. Others though long for something more; something innate, genetic and seemingly calling. Adventure and change can give a degree of satisfaction and relief yet even these may seem too tame. To those who feel drawn to something beyond the entertainment and stimulation of senses I offer a walk along The Path of Wildness. Don't bother penciling the event in your schedule, preparing a pack with goodies and supplies or even inviting a friend along, for this experience is along the course of your first inclination and you must surely always go alone. Learn more about The Path of Wildness here: http://wp.me/P5A2F-As ==== CHANNEL CREDITS "Japanese Falls" image is by the artist Lane Brown. See more of Mr. Brown's work at the following URL: http://lanebrownart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html Channel Theme Music "Song For Kurt" used with permission by Nowherians. Discover more about the artist and their music at the URL below. http://nowherians.bandcamp.com