“I have something I want to do. But I can’t take that first step.” This is a feeling shared by many.
A dream or a vision is an emotion. However, life-changing shifts occur through Structure.
Currently, I am launching a project to renovate vacant houses in rural Japan and host a monthly Harvest Festival. Restoring dilapidated buildings, tilling the soil, growing vegetables, and then, everyone gathering around the dining table. Each of these is a small action.
But this “small cycle” connects people, nurtures experiences, and transforms the local atmosphere.
The concept is there. Yet, the first step is nothing more than a Simple Structure.
- What to grow?
- When to harvest?
- How to build the space?
- Who to involve?
When there is too much to do, people tend to stall. That is why I believe: If you want to start, start with “Design.”
Dreams are nurtured in the heart. But action is driven by logic. With a design in place, you become harder to stop.
Cultural & Linguistic Notes (Japanese to English)
Small Cycle (小さな循環 – Chiisana Junkan): The term “Junkan” (循環) means circulation or cycle. It refers to the sustainable flow of resources, energy, and human connection within a local community.
Design (設計 – Sekkei): In Japanese, the word “Sekkei” (設計) literally means “blueprint” or “engineering design.” While “design” in English often refers to aesthetics, here it emphasizes the logical planning and structural framework necessary to turn an abstract dream into a concrete reality.
Structure (構造 – Kouzou): The author uses “Kouzou” (構造) to contrast with “emotion.” It implies that lasting change doesn’t happen just by “feeling” like it; it happens by changing the underlying system or environment you live in.
Harvest Festival (収穫祭 – Shuukakusai): A “Shuukakusai” (収穫祭) is a traditional celebration of the harvest. In this context, it represents more than just food; it symbolizes the “results” of labor and the communal joy of sharing what has been cultivated together.
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