水口 晶 Akira Mizuguchi

水口 晶 Akira Mizuguchi

Representative of EARTHSHIP, Mogami City, Gifu Prefecture, "City of Water and Dance”

Bio

Born in Kyoto in 1972​,​ Akira spent his university years residing in Minami-cho​,​ Gujo City​,​ Gifu Prefecture. It was during a memorable canoe trip down the Nagara River that he had a close call with a potential disaster. Fortuitously​,​ he received assistance from a kind stranger​,​ which became a turning point in his life. After completing his studies​,​ Akira made the decision to relocate to Gifu. In 1997​,​ he established EARTHSHIP​,​ an outdoor sports experiential business. Currently​,​ Akira focuses on organizing activities such as rafting and canoeing experiences on the Nagara River​,​ managing a campground​,​ and coordinating performances along the Kiso River. Akira's lifelong mission revolves around "the revitalization of people and nature." With Gujo City​,​ renowned for its bountiful natural environment​,​ as his base​,​ he pursues a range of ventures centered around outdoor pursuits. Acting as a bridge between urban and rural areas​,​ Akira aims to establish a sustainable economic model that not only promotes tourism but also leverages the natural resources of rural regions for energy​,​ food production​,​ and more.

Message

Our specialty is the famous city of Gujo in the upstream area of Nagara River in Gifu Prefecture​,​ known as the "City of Water and Dance." We offer various experiences such as rafting and kayaking on the Nagara River​,​ SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)​,​ shower climbing to the source​,​ camping​,​ and trekking. What we propose is to enjoy and spend time in the natural environment​,​ feeling a sense of comfort. In other words​,​ it means playing in nature. Through play​,​ we invite you to experience the joy​,​ comfort​,​ and sometimes even the challenges that nature has to offer. We hope you can truly feel the kindness of nature​,​ encompassing all of these aspects. By getting to know and experiencing these things​,​ we believe that respect for nature naturally emerges as an extension.

Guide Q&A

Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?

Including experiences abroad, various moments have left a lasting impression, but one recent memory stands out: backcountry skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido. Gliding down an untouched slope in a transcendent space filled with dancing diamond dust, leaving no trace behind, and at one point, parallel to a pure white snow hare.

Q: What does nature represent to you?

A space where joy, fun, kindness, and fear coexist.

Q: What has nature taught you?

I believe that most of the important things within myself have been learned from nature. Among them, one thing that I strongly believe in is my "role with the assumption of death."

Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?

First and foremost, I would like you to fully enjoy that space and moment without any reservations. I believe that everything begins with enjoyment. What you will feel after that depends on the field and the activity. Of course, it is not all positive, but I would be happy if you can feel the negatives in nature and make a small impact on your own life.

Highlights

1997 Outdoor Sports Experience Business EARTHSHIP established Language: Japanese

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