Broadcasting from a peaceful lakeside forest in New Zealand, my noiseless world podcast now reaches listeners beyond Japan. After 15 years of self-sufficient living—gathering food from the land, growing organic produce, and fishing—I’ve begun to question society’s deep attachment to money.

We’re taught that working to earn money is the “right way” to live, yet true freedom lies in non-monetary exchanges: helping family, supporting friends, and connecting with nature. In our small, barter-based community, sharing prevails over accumulating, creating a life rooted in purpose rather than profit. I’ll share more reflections in the next episode.