Day 5
We were not sure if we could get together today due to the pouring rain and the road closures until last night. However, we got a big help from the host families and the supporters and we made it!
We went to the Eco-banana farm first. Drivers were Ben and Mick.
The last time we visited here was 2015, at the very first time of this refresh camp.
They have been donating the eco-bananas for the Japan Day of Hope every year.
Thank you for your continuous support!
Frank started his farm 17 years ago.
When he told that he decided to make a completely organic eco-banana
When he told that he decided to make a completely organic eco-banana
farm without an chemical products, people said "it is crazy... you'll be
bankrupt soon..." severely.
However, he had to move on just believing his thought.
At first, bananas and trees were smaller than the ones grown in other
farms.
He was wondering if he could really make it with those small bananas.
After that, he kept monitoring, kept believing his own way and kept
trying tests patiently then finally his soil changed in better way and
so did bananas.
After that, he kept monitoring, kept believing his own way and kept
trying tests patiently then finally his soil changed in better way and
so did bananas.
And then, other farmers started to ask him his methods next.
Now they are exporting this product overseas and they are sharing
their methods with other farmers.
Even now, we still have a lot of tough situations.
However, we have to move on believing our own way.
They don't use any agricultural chemicals or insecticides.
We always label the insects as they are nice ones or bad ones,
even though they exist fairly as lives in the nature.
We cannot label who is good or bad!
They all have a good side and they are connected each other to live.
They still keep monitoring the insects once in fortnight, how they
influence each other.
Wanna make the bananas bigger! Better looking!
If you want more, you will use more insecticides or chemicals and
you will get more problems.
They don't use the agricultural chemicals at all and save the cost of
$60,000 through the year compare to the average cost in other farms.
One more good thing is that the bananas grow slowly so that it is
better for our digestions.
And they are very delicious.
The waste chemicals from the farms in this area are going out to the
Great Barrier Reef, which is an important icon for us to know how
healthy the earth is.
There is a problem of the coral bleaching because of the global warming.
When you look at the Great Barrier Reef, you can find the condition of
the earth.
This farm is cooperating with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as well.
Actually, the life time is limited.
As things are passed on and on to our children and grandchildren,
my mission is making the earth better place to live for my descendants.
I want to make it even better than the time I arrived!
They have a trademark as well.
You might be able to see those Red Tip Eco Friendly Bananas in Japan
soon.
Now they are exporting this product overseas and they are sharing
their methods with other farmers.
Even now, we still have a lot of tough situations.
However, we have to move on believing our own way.
They don't use any agricultural chemicals or insecticides.
We always label the insects as they are nice ones or bad ones,
even though they exist fairly as lives in the nature.
We cannot label who is good or bad!
They all have a good side and they are connected each other to live.
They still keep monitoring the insects once in fortnight, how they
influence each other.
Wanna make the bananas bigger! Better looking!
If you want more, you will use more insecticides or chemicals and
you will get more problems.
They don't use the agricultural chemicals at all and save the cost of
$60,000 through the year compare to the average cost in other farms.
One more good thing is that the bananas grow slowly so that it is
better for our digestions.
And they are very delicious.
The waste chemicals from the farms in this area are going out to the
Great Barrier Reef, which is an important icon for us to know how
healthy the earth is.
There is a problem of the coral bleaching because of the global warming.
When you look at the Great Barrier Reef, you can find the condition of
the earth.
This farm is cooperating with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation as well.
Actually, the life time is limited.
As things are passed on and on to our children and grandchildren,
my mission is making the earth better place to live for my descendants.
I want to make it even better than the time I arrived!
They have a trademark as well.
You might be able to see those Red Tip Eco Friendly Bananas in Japan
soon.
I would like you to share this red tipped bananas story with a lot of people.
It might be true that the money is important.
However, it is not only about the money.
The balance between the money and the health of the earth is more important.
We should pass on better earth to the future generations.
We need to be aware what we eat and how they are made.
Think one by one.
You guys are wonderful! You can do it!
They served us their banana smoothies which were just delicious!
Browsing the insect collection
We visited the banana farm next.
After the flood, we had to walk in the farm barefoot.
After the flood, we had to walk in the farm barefoot.
It was impressive that they were enjoying walking barefoot excitingly.
After the question and answer session, Fukushima Kids told their
experiences to Frank.
Frank himself loves the nature and he went to play in a creek
when he was little.
when he was little.
Listening about the experiences of kids that they could not play outside
for a while after the disaster, he imagined how was is severe for kids.
for a while after the disaster, he imagined how was is severe for kids.
Is there still the nature? Are there any birds and creatures?
If the nature has been broken, we should protect the creatures and let
them recover it.
If we can recreate the nature, it is possible to make it back to normal.
Kids listened to Frank very carefully.
After we got a lot of bananas as souvenirs, we headed to the Paronella
Park.
This creek was flooded too much to go across in the morning but it was
all good at the time when we went across.
all good at the time when we went across.
Look at the water level!!
It looks like we joined a jungle cruise...
Paronella Park is the place our committee member Junko works at and
they have been providing some vouchers for the fund raising events
every time.
They also support us inviting Fukushima Kids to the park every year.
they have been providing some vouchers for the fund raising events
every time.
They also support us inviting Fukushima Kids to the park every year.
The waterfall was amazingly powerful after the big rain
We walked imagining the time our dreams come true.
Lunch time
The dream letters
Thank you Junko for your kind support!
The park owner Judy came over and Fukushima Kids made some speech.
After the speech, Judy commented and left a strong message.
We also suffered from floods and other natural disasters.
However, we got them over many times.
Your dream will come true. You should believe it and don't give it up!
The kids talked about their dreams at the Tarzan café yesterday and
they learned that it is possible to get over the hardships today.
Now they are believing that their dreams will come true.
We also suffered from floods and other natural disasters.
However, we got them over many times.
Your dream will come true. You should believe it and don't give it up!
The kids talked about their dreams at the Tarzan café yesterday and
they learned that it is possible to get over the hardships today.
Now they are believing that their dreams will come true.
Thank you very much for your continuous support, Paronella Park!
Millaa Millaa Falls
We have arrived in Malanda, the Spring Dew Farm.
Taka, owner of this farm, is growing organic vegetable here.
We made 2 groups, the harvest team and the cooking team.
This is the harvest team
Taka, owner of this farm, is growing organic vegetable here.
We made 2 groups, the harvest team and the cooking team.
This is the harvest team
Learning how to pick the veggies from Taka.
Taka loves veggies so much that we suspect that he might be
naming all of the veggies here.
Inge, Taka's wife, instructed patiently how to build the tents.
Everybody worked together.
Taka loves veggies so much that we suspect that he might be
naming all of the veggies here.
Inge, Taka's wife, instructed patiently how to build the tents.
Everybody worked together.
Cooking team
Yummy curry!
Ayatori (Japanese traditional string game)
Finally, Taka's Peace Walk talk session started.
Taka and Inge walked across the uranium sites in Australia and the
nuclear power plants in Japan to appeal world peace.
This story is always impressive.
nuclear power plants in Japan to appeal world peace.
This story is always impressive.
One of the highlights was a comment of Inge, who used to live in Japan.
They say "Japanese are always..." trying to explain the typical Japanese
but I don't think this is the right way.
There are so many people in Japan and everybody is different.
There are so many nice people too.
That's why you don't need to judge the people in categories.
This is true.
We find more of the beautifulness of Japan in overseas.
We should do whatever we can do with the pride of Japanese.
We believe the power of Japanese people.
We should do whatever we can do with the pride of Japanese.
We believe the power of Japanese people.
Camp time at night.
Kids were exited to sleep in a tent.
Sumire K and Sumire N (both Sumire) have experiences of camping.
The reports today
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Kohki Hisada
What stood out for me
* I’m happy to join in the activities again
Some reflections
* Banana farm
Organic farming is not easy. I was impressed by the way the farm was able to hit a good balance between environmental sustainability and profitable business. I heard that there were opposing opinions at first. However, I thought it was cool that he continued to believe in his ideas and kept making efforts towards it.
* Paronella Park
(Similar to my reflection in visiting banana farm) It’s inspiring to pursue your dreams and not give up on it. I want to be like that, too.
* Farm stay
I really felt that it’s important to think for yourself and to continue doing that.
Day 5
Kohki Hisada
What stood out for me
* I’m happy to join in the activities again
Some reflections
* Banana farm
Organic farming is not easy. I was impressed by the way the farm was able to hit a good balance between environmental sustainability and profitable business. I heard that there were opposing opinions at first. However, I thought it was cool that he continued to believe in his ideas and kept making efforts towards it.
* Paronella Park
(Similar to my reflection in visiting banana farm) It’s inspiring to pursue your dreams and not give up on it. I want to be like that, too.
* Farm stay
I really felt that it’s important to think for yourself and to continue doing that.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Mahiro
What stood out for me today:
* At the banana farm, we went into the muddy puddles
* Stories about North Korea
* Living with rain water.
* We went to Paronella Park
Some reflections
I reflected deeply about “numbers”. What are “numbers”? When I went to banana farm, the question popped in my head. If you look at “numbers” in dictionary, it says, “Something that shows quantity, volume or value”.
However, this is what I think:
Even if there are lots of numbers or a lot of quantity of something, it does not mean that we can achieve peace, or that we can become happy.
So when I think like that, I don’t simply trust ‘numbers’…
I do not like people that live a life that’s governed by numbers.
Whatever it is , if it shows high amount of number, such people would be guided by that (the issue of radiation is an exception).
Such people would go according to the majority.
But can we go on living like that?
As for me, I would like to build a world that accepts not only what numbers show, but various people’s worldviews.
I find Kodama san’s stories very interesting…
At Paronella Park, we heard about the power of dream. To think about dreams in such a beautiful place was quite romantic and wonderful. If I have another life, I would like to come back as a cat, but after hearing Jose’s story, I thought that his life sounds rather fun, too.
At Taka san’s farm, there were two very cute girls. They were my comfort
♥
I heard that they live relying on rain water. After hearing that, water became very precious. So when I was washing the dishes or taking shower, I used it with care. Usually, I like to take time in shower, but this time, I was in a bit of a hurry. lol.
It was a great experience for me!
I really enjoyed chats with Ben, too.
Day 5
Mahiro
What stood out for me today:
* At the banana farm, we went into the muddy puddles
* Stories about North Korea
* Living with rain water.
* We went to Paronella Park
Some reflections
I reflected deeply about “numbers”. What are “numbers”? When I went to banana farm, the question popped in my head. If you look at “numbers” in dictionary, it says, “Something that shows quantity, volume or value”.
However, this is what I think:
Even if there are lots of numbers or a lot of quantity of something, it does not mean that we can achieve peace, or that we can become happy.
So when I think like that, I don’t simply trust ‘numbers’…
I do not like people that live a life that’s governed by numbers.
Whatever it is , if it shows high amount of number, such people would be guided by that (the issue of radiation is an exception).
Such people would go according to the majority.
But can we go on living like that?
As for me, I would like to build a world that accepts not only what numbers show, but various people’s worldviews.
I find Kodama san’s stories very interesting…
At Paronella Park, we heard about the power of dream. To think about dreams in such a beautiful place was quite romantic and wonderful. If I have another life, I would like to come back as a cat, but after hearing Jose’s story, I thought that his life sounds rather fun, too.
At Taka san’s farm, there were two very cute girls. They were my comfort
♥I heard that they live relying on rain water. After hearing that, water became very precious. So when I was washing the dishes or taking shower, I used it with care. Usually, I like to take time in shower, but this time, I was in a bit of a hurry. lol.
It was a great experience for me!
I really enjoyed chats with Ben, too.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Mio
What stood out for me today:
I was surprised how it’s possible to make bananas that are so delicious without having to rely on chemicals. I was impressed by the power of natural environment.
Some reflections:
I felt really happy to eat so many delicious bananas.
At Paronella Park, I learnt about the importance of not giving up on your dream.
I want to pursue a career in dancing, so I want to make effort towards making my dream come true.
I thought it was very clever of Jose to recycle rail frames and create water fountain using water pressure from the water fall.
I learnt that in order to make his dreams come true, Jose received a lot of help from other people.
When I heard Taka san’s story, I heard that two employees were exposed to radiation and passed away. I thought that the impact of radiation is grave.
In order to prevent more people from getting bad impacts of radiation, I thought that it was important for me to continue my speech as it’s something that I can do.
Day 5
Mio
What stood out for me today:
I was surprised how it’s possible to make bananas that are so delicious without having to rely on chemicals. I was impressed by the power of natural environment.
Some reflections:
I felt really happy to eat so many delicious bananas.
At Paronella Park, I learnt about the importance of not giving up on your dream.
I want to pursue a career in dancing, so I want to make effort towards making my dream come true.
I thought it was very clever of Jose to recycle rail frames and create water fountain using water pressure from the water fall.
I learnt that in order to make his dreams come true, Jose received a lot of help from other people.
When I heard Taka san’s story, I heard that two employees were exposed to radiation and passed away. I thought that the impact of radiation is grave.
In order to prevent more people from getting bad impacts of radiation, I thought that it was important for me to continue my speech as it’s something that I can do.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Mizuki
What stood out for me:
* I saw a banana tree for the first time in my life!
* I learnt for the first time that in this part of Australia, its savannah climate, and it has 4,000mm of rainfall annually!!
* I thought that it’s amazing that Taka san walked 5,000km.
Some reflections:
It was an early start, and we were quite active physically for a long period of time so I’m quite tired, but it was a lot of fun.
At Paronella Park, we threw coins in the dream-come-true fountain, so I hope my dreams will come true.
The banana juice at the banana farm was so delicious; I was so impressed. Organic bananas are so delicious.
At Paronella Park, I was really inspired by Jose’s strong will to make his dreams come true, to not give up and keep on taking challenges, to not forget his first desire for his dream. It’s amazing.
I found Taka san’s story very deep. In particular, I thought it was amazing that he did peace walk to raise awareness around nuclear issues in Japan and Australia.
From half way through, the talk became so deep I could not keep up.
Day 5
Mizuki
What stood out for me:
* I saw a banana tree for the first time in my life!
* I learnt for the first time that in this part of Australia, its savannah climate, and it has 4,000mm of rainfall annually!!
* I thought that it’s amazing that Taka san walked 5,000km.
Some reflections:
It was an early start, and we were quite active physically for a long period of time so I’m quite tired, but it was a lot of fun.
At Paronella Park, we threw coins in the dream-come-true fountain, so I hope my dreams will come true.
The banana juice at the banana farm was so delicious; I was so impressed. Organic bananas are so delicious.
At Paronella Park, I was really inspired by Jose’s strong will to make his dreams come true, to not give up and keep on taking challenges, to not forget his first desire for his dream. It’s amazing.
I found Taka san’s story very deep. In particular, I thought it was amazing that he did peace walk to raise awareness around nuclear issues in Japan and Australia.
From half way through, the talk became so deep I could not keep up.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Nana
What stood out for me:
When I visited Paronella Park, I learnt about the life of Jose, and I thought it was amazing that even after his death, his life story gets told across the next generations.
Some reflections:
I did the ‘thing’ that people do in Paronella Park where you throw the coin and wish that your dreams come true.
We went to banana farm. I saw banana trees for the first time in my life. The banana juice was delicious.
I thought that it’s not about whether one opinion is right or wrong, but about hearing different opinions and establish your own thoughts.
At the banana farm, the natural environment and the ecosystem was really valued, and I learnt that it’s the ecosystem there such as the insects etc that make the bananas grow well.
When I heard that Taka san walked 5,000km, I thought that was amazing.
Day 5
Nana
What stood out for me:
When I visited Paronella Park, I learnt about the life of Jose, and I thought it was amazing that even after his death, his life story gets told across the next generations.
Some reflections:
I did the ‘thing’ that people do in Paronella Park where you throw the coin and wish that your dreams come true.
We went to banana farm. I saw banana trees for the first time in my life. The banana juice was delicious.
I thought that it’s not about whether one opinion is right or wrong, but about hearing different opinions and establish your own thoughts.
At the banana farm, the natural environment and the ecosystem was really valued, and I learnt that it’s the ecosystem there such as the insects etc that make the bananas grow well.
When I heard that Taka san walked 5,000km, I thought that was amazing.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Sumire Kuge
What stood out for me today:
Today, we went to organic banana farm, and we tasted the bananas there.
The bananas that don’t use pesticides tasted really delicious and I was very surprised.
At Paronella Park, I learnt about the importance of not giving up on your dream.
Then, for the first time since arriving in Australia, we spent a night away from our host family (camping at a farm). It was really fun.
Some reflections:
Today, at the banana farm, I learnt that to find a farming method that aims to both coexist with the ecosystem such as the insects but also to make delicious bananas is extremely difficult. But, I also learnt that if you don’t give up, it’s possible to make your dream come true.
At Paronella Park, I heard how Jose Paronella never gave up on his dream despite being mocked by other people along the way. I was inspired to pursue my dream and not give up.
After this, we went to Malanda farm, where we did camping. It was the first time to spend a night in Australia away from my host family. I found Taka’s talk on uranium and about world affairs very interesting.
We also heard stories from Kodama san at night time, and I was really inspired to cherish every single day.
Day 5
Sumire Kuge
What stood out for me today:
Today, we went to organic banana farm, and we tasted the bananas there.
The bananas that don’t use pesticides tasted really delicious and I was very surprised.
At Paronella Park, I learnt about the importance of not giving up on your dream.
Then, for the first time since arriving in Australia, we spent a night away from our host family (camping at a farm). It was really fun.
Some reflections:
Today, at the banana farm, I learnt that to find a farming method that aims to both coexist with the ecosystem such as the insects but also to make delicious bananas is extremely difficult. But, I also learnt that if you don’t give up, it’s possible to make your dream come true.
At Paronella Park, I heard how Jose Paronella never gave up on his dream despite being mocked by other people along the way. I was inspired to pursue my dream and not give up.
After this, we went to Malanda farm, where we did camping. It was the first time to spend a night in Australia away from my host family. I found Taka’s talk on uranium and about world affairs very interesting.
We also heard stories from Kodama san at night time, and I was really inspired to cherish every single day.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Sumire Noda
What stood out for me today:
* The bananas at the banana farm were very delicious.
* I was surprised to hear about the significant history of Paronella Park.
* Conversations with Kodama san on the topic of North and South Korea were very thought provoking.
Some reflections:
Today, it was an early start and we went to many places.
First, at the banana farm, I thought it was important to hit a right balance between health & wellbeing and profit & business.
At Paronella Park, I heard about the life story of Jose Paronella, about miraculous encounters and life circumstances, and the ways in which, through it all, he did not give up on his dreams. I learnt that although it might take a long time, if you don’t give up, dreams can come true.
At Taka san’s farm, I listened to his talk and I found out that there was a nuclear power plant accident in a place other than Fukushima. That was really shocking.
Even after occurrences of nuclear power plant accidents in the past, the Japanese government is pushing to continue operating nuclear power plants. This did not sit well with me.
I wish that the Japanese government would pursue not only its own benefits, but be more considerate of what’s going on outside them, and choose a path that’s beneficial for everyone.
I also wanted to become a person that would be proactive in taking actions.
Day 5
Sumire Noda
What stood out for me today:
* The bananas at the banana farm were very delicious.
* I was surprised to hear about the significant history of Paronella Park.
* Conversations with Kodama san on the topic of North and South Korea were very thought provoking.
Some reflections:
Today, it was an early start and we went to many places.
First, at the banana farm, I thought it was important to hit a right balance between health & wellbeing and profit & business.
At Paronella Park, I heard about the life story of Jose Paronella, about miraculous encounters and life circumstances, and the ways in which, through it all, he did not give up on his dreams. I learnt that although it might take a long time, if you don’t give up, dreams can come true.
At Taka san’s farm, I listened to his talk and I found out that there was a nuclear power plant accident in a place other than Fukushima. That was really shocking.
Even after occurrences of nuclear power plant accidents in the past, the Japanese government is pushing to continue operating nuclear power plants. This did not sit well with me.
I wish that the Japanese government would pursue not only its own benefits, but be more considerate of what’s going on outside them, and choose a path that’s beneficial for everyone.
I also wanted to become a person that would be proactive in taking actions.
Wednesday, March 28th
Day 5
Wakana
What stood out for me today:
* What I saw and heard for the first time: At the eco banana farm today, I heard about “ecoganic” farming methods for the first time. I heard about Frank’s story and the way he cherishes the natural eco system.
* What I want to find out more about: what is it made of, where are the ingredients coming from, where is it sourced...
Some reflections:
We went to eco banana farm and heard from Frank about his “ecoganic” farming method. I learnt about how a sugar cane field became a banana farm, his life and his ways of thinking.
What was striking was his passion for the environment. He was thinking a lot about how to protect the insects which serve an important role in the eco system, while ensuring that he is able to establish the business of banana farm.
He took us around the farm and gave us an opportunity to put the red wax at the tip of the bananas, which is kind of like a trademark of their brand.
Harvesting bananas can be difficult, and cost of bananas will be slightly higher, but I thought that it would be wonderful if more farmers adopt such method that would produce safe and delicious vegetables and fruit.
After this, we visited Paronella Park. It was wonderful to see with my own eyes Jose Paronella’s “dream-come-true place”. It made me think about my dreams.
At the farm stay, I put up a tent for the first time in my life. Also, it was the first time since arriving in Australia that we sat around the table together and at Japanese curry. It was so fun cooking the curry together.
And then we heard from Taka and Inge about “Peace Walk”. It was a good opportunity for me to think about my future and possibilities.
Day 5
Wakana
What stood out for me today:
* What I saw and heard for the first time: At the eco banana farm today, I heard about “ecoganic” farming methods for the first time. I heard about Frank’s story and the way he cherishes the natural eco system.
* What I want to find out more about: what is it made of, where are the ingredients coming from, where is it sourced...
Some reflections:
We went to eco banana farm and heard from Frank about his “ecoganic” farming method. I learnt about how a sugar cane field became a banana farm, his life and his ways of thinking.
What was striking was his passion for the environment. He was thinking a lot about how to protect the insects which serve an important role in the eco system, while ensuring that he is able to establish the business of banana farm.
He took us around the farm and gave us an opportunity to put the red wax at the tip of the bananas, which is kind of like a trademark of their brand.
Harvesting bananas can be difficult, and cost of bananas will be slightly higher, but I thought that it would be wonderful if more farmers adopt such method that would produce safe and delicious vegetables and fruit.
After this, we visited Paronella Park. It was wonderful to see with my own eyes Jose Paronella’s “dream-come-true place”. It made me think about my dreams.
At the farm stay, I put up a tent for the first time in my life. Also, it was the first time since arriving in Australia that we sat around the table together and at Japanese curry. It was so fun cooking the curry together.
And then we heard from Taka and Inge about “Peace Walk”. It was a good opportunity for me to think about my future and possibilities.
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