The reason I joined Nanao Natural Farm was simple—I wanted to experience a more rustic way of life. Maybe everyday city life has become too fast-paced and full of worries, gradually making urban living feel dull. I really wanted a chance to break free from the city’s constraints, head to the countryside, live as a simple farmer, and embrace an uncomplicated lifestyle. So being a “farmer” has always been a job I’ve wanted to try.
I still remember arriving in Nanao on a dusk-filled evening, with plenty of mosquitoes around. But the place I stayed had no air conditioning, no mosquito net, no flush toilet, and the bed was just a hard tatami mat. Though the material conditions were basic, I could feel the richness of the community spirit here, so I looked forward to seeing what this life would be like. The work-exchangers who had arrived earlier were very friendly. Hearing their little stories, it seemed they were also enjoying life here.
In Nanao, life is simplified down to just the “essentials.”
I don’t need a soft, luxurious bed—just a safe place to sleep.
I don’t need hot showers or flush toilets—just clean water.
I don’t need air conditioning—just an eco-friendly fan.
I don’t need lavish entertainment—just the chance to truly experience everything around me and meet friends from all over.
Work from sunrise to sunset, sleep eight hours a day, and eat organic meals at every meal—that’s such a healthy lifestyle. The most unforgettable part was having to start work in the fields at 5:30 AM and finishing back at the farmhouse around 8 or 9 AM. Back in Hong Kong, I wouldn’t even be up by that time when my workday ended. So in Nanao, each day felt so fulfilling because suddenly there was so much more time, and it was real, restful time. We had seven whole hours of breaks in the morning and afternoon. We could take naps, write in our journals to organize our thoughts, chat and play games with everyone, go cycling together, or even visit a waterfall. What seemed like “free” time could actually be filled with so many meaningful activities. I loved the freedom of being in control of my own schedule, no longer driven by homework, GPA, or any of those pressures.
In Nanao, I wrote what my heart felt, and lived what my heart believed.
Life in the countryside doesn’t have to be complicated—just enjoy each day, each meal, and each chance to meet new people. This peaceful and comforting life nourished my soul. How could I not fall in love with it?
And Nanao Natural Farm is truly a wonderful place. I appreciate how supportive and caring it is toward work-exchangers. Often, those who come to work here are young people who’ve never done any manual labor, and I was pretty much the same. But here, you’re expected to help cook, whether you know how to or not. As it turned out, everyone tapped into their boundless creativity and came up with wildly imaginative dishes—full of effort and heart. Some dishes might not have tasted perfect, but the freshness of the ingredients—like wild mountain vegetables, locally grown greens, and even tofu made on-site—impressed us all. No matter how bad your cooking skills were, you’d still end up with a dish that tasted great. That shared cooking experience became a valuable memory. This work-exchange program is truly unique, and it offers an experience you can’t easily find elsewhere. It becomes a precious memory—something deeply meaningful.
I’m so happy to have met so many friends from different places here. There was the Taiwanese guy who cycled around the island, the Hong Kong girl who traveled by train around the country, the Taiwanese guy who dreams of becoming a farmer, the New Zealander who taught part-time in China to fund his travels, the American guy who looks just like Harry Potter, and many fresh-faced youths who had just graduated from high school. Everyone had different stories, and we shared every bit of our experiences with one another. Sometimes you’d hear an incredibly touching story, and sometimes you’d gain a lasting memory from a brief encounter. This work-exchange experience is something truly special, and each person left behind beautiful memories in my heart.
Nanao is definitely a place I want to return to. This kind of life is how I wish to live—loving its simplicity, its tranquility, its freedom, and everything about it.