Colin - Radio Operator | Home | Hughie - Chopper Pilot

Tokyo, Japan

I grew up in Kita-kyushu in Southern Japan surrounded by nice small mountains, and my family moved to Tokyo when I was ten. I went back five years later, only to see there was just flat asphalt where my childhood secret places had been, which taught me sorrow.

I visited Tasmania after graduating from high school. I saw plenty of gaps in the forest where trees had been felled for woodchips, which taught me anger.

One day, I got a strange call from an activist who I'd met in Tasmania. He asked me... "Are you in good physical shape?" then... "Are you tough?" ...and said that if I felt like going somewhere amazing, he wanted me to visit the office.

The next day,in the office, he asked me if I wanted to go to Antarctica.. "THE antarctica??" "Yes yes ye------s!"

That's how I'm here.

Ironically, I wouldn't have been able to come and see this beautiful ocean, albatrosses, and icebergs here in Southern Ocean without this third ecological disaster to touch my life; the 'scientific' hunting of whales.

Hi Hana...,
...and I guess you're tough enough. At least the weather has settled down for the moment. As you may know, I'm very much in tune with this voyage and I've written a page on my website for it. I'm writing you and Yuko first, because you are Japanese, and because this page and music is dedicated to you. I am afraid these whaling ships may be viewed by some as a reflection of your people, ...so I feel I need to say something about that. You can find it by clicking on 'Audio Moment' from my homepage, or copy and paste - http://www.gratefulchild.org/projects/gcweb/gc/html/audio/
Thank you for your courage, ...your passion, ..and your Love of life. Wishing you a safe and successful voyage and friends to last a lifetime. ...Wes/Grateful Child

Hi Hana,

well, i've just seen your page, really great what you're doing here. You went trough a long way since we saw the tassie trees around Hobart. Just wanted to say hello to you and good luck.

Gam ba te

kevin from france

Hello Hana,

Since I heard that you were going to Antarctica, I felt surprised but admire your courage. Hope you are going smoothly overthere and wish you luck.

Safe return!!!!

Na Chin from Taiwan