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Hello everyone! The new school year has begun, and we are gradually beginning to feel the warmth of spring.

EmPath is planning a series of events this month that will lead to learning and awareness.

Of particular interest is the "IKIGAI Online Seminar 2025" scheduled to be held in June.

Why don't we look together for hints on how to "live true to yourself" through Japanese values?

Details such as how to apply will be announced as soon as they are decided, so please look forward to it!

So, please take a look at this month's newsletter.

Topic 1: A new year in April - Waking up with nature

While many people consider January the start of the new year, nature has a different rhythm. April marks a moment of rebirth. The air softens, buds burst, and birds chirp in the silence of the morning. In Canada, the call of geese in the sky signals the return of an ancient life. Their migration is not just a change of seasons, but a reminder of the deep heartbeat of the earth.

This is truly a moment that can be called "nature's new year."

Spring is more than just a season, it is a celebration of recovery, renewal and hope. The snow melts and the greenery reappears. The trees wake up, the flowers bloom and animals emerge from their peaceful slumber. There is a quiet but tangible magic in watching the colorless landscape burst with color and movement. It is as if the earth takes a deep breath, stretches out and smiles at the sun again.

In this awakening, we are not just "observers." Humans are also part of this natural process. We are not separate from nature, we are part of it. Earth -- Gaia -- is not just a planet, she is a living system. Like all life forms, she thrives when loved and suffers when neglected.

When Gaia wakes up in April, we too must wake up to our role. Living as Gaia's guardians doesn't require any big actions. It starts with small, conscious steps. Planting flowers to attract insects, reducing waste, choosing local foods, or simply reconnecting with nature - each of these actions sends a message to the Earth that "I feel your presence" and "I care about you."

Gaia needs our help now more than ever. Climate change, habitat destruction, and environmental pollution are threatening the balance of the Earth that has been established over the ages. But just like nature in spring, we have the power to heal. We have the creativity and compassion needed to restore harmony.

April is an opportunity for us, not just as individuals, to "restart and begin anew" - to walk with more kindness, to listen more, and to act with greater love for all life.

With the flocks of geese flying in the sky, the flowers blooming, and the sound of murmuring streams, let us also return to our "roles," "responsibilities," and "respect." This is the start of a year in which we not only wake up with the sun, but also wake up "for the Earth."

For ourselves and for future generations, it is time for us to become the guardians Gaia has been waiting for.

Topic② Correspondent's Report: The 3rd Annual "California Native Homeland Festival"

The arts festival brings together California's indigenous peoples, artists and cultural professionals and will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 10:00am-5:00pm PST in San Francisco.

The event was hosted by The Exploratorium, an award-winning museum at San Francisco's Pier 15. The event was organized in collaboration with Greg Castro, cultural director for the Lamaitush Ohlone Association, and cultural festival curator and basket maker Jennifer Bates.

The event is part of a series called "Converging Science, Art and Culture" and is run in partnership with the Northern California Native American Tribe (Lamaitush Ohlone Tribe) and the American Indian Cultural Area to provide a day of educational and fun opportunities for the public.

From 10am to 2pm, the Plaza will host traditional Indigenous arts and crafts demonstrations and a market.

From 2:15 to 5 p.m., the Camber Forum will host a panel discussion on "The Intersection of Arts, Culture and Ecosystems." Traditional canoe makers will demonstrate their tule grass canoes and talk about dam removal and waterway restoration efforts. Harvesters and artisans who make their living from natural resources in Northern California will talk about the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods.

This event is free and open to everyone.

It's a day where you can experience "finding your own happiness" through San Francisco's rich history and diverse culture. For more information, please see the following link: exploratorium.edu/visit/calendar/california-native-homeland-festival

(EmPath correspondent Sabya, Los Angeles, USA)

Topic③ 🌱June | IKIGAI Online Seminar 2025

Japanese way of thinking and self-existence ~Learn about harmony and pride~ \90 minutes to reexamine yourself through Japanese values/

In our daily lives, we sometimes stop and think, "Who am I?" and "What is truly important?" In this seminar, we will provide you with the opportunity to learn about Japanese values and philosophy from the perspective of "IKIGAI" (purpose in life), deepen your self-understanding, and gain hints for a richer life.

🧭 In the seminar, participants will face themselves through lectures and workshops on themes such as "self-love, identity, gratitude, and life philosophy." 🖼 At the end, take some time to calm your mind with an art program. 🌟 Coach Helen Robinson (Destinations Coaching) will also be speaking as a special guest! Event details 📅 Date and time: Wednesday, June 25, 2025, 17:30 (PST) / 20:30 (EST) / Thursday, June 26, 2025, 9:30 (JST) ⏳ Duration: 90 minutes 💻 How to hold the event: Online (Zoom) 🎟 Participation fee: US$30 📝 Application: In preparation (will be announced on the website or in the newsletter as soon as it is decided)

✨What you will get from this seminar:

✅ Self-love that allows you to believe "I am worthy"

✅ Reaffirm your identity

✅ How to learn pride from Japanese culture

✅ Gratitude brings happiness and behavioral change

✅ Tips for "small steps" you can take starting tomorrow

Topic 4: "Experience Japanese culture while studying Japanese!" Japanese language x cultural experience = more fun learning!

This is information about the Japanese language classes scheduled for this fall.

Learning Japanese is not just about learning the language. Understanding Japanese culture will allow you to enjoy Japan more deeply and make interactions with local people easier.

In this online class, you will have fun learning basic Japanese while also learning about Japanese seasonal events and daily customs in English!

✨ Gain confidence in speaking Japanese while learning about Japanese culture ✨ Learn about Japanese lifestyles and customs, which will be useful for travel and interactions ✨ Output Japanese through participatory activities

📌 For beginners and beginners! (JLPT N5-N4 level)

• Can read Hiragana and Katakana

• Able to make simple greetings and self-introductions

• People who are interested in Japanese culture and want to learn with explanations in English

📅 Date & Time: September to November 2025, 3 times in total *Time to be determined

⏳ Duration: 2 hours

🌐 Platform: Zoom (online)

💰 Participation Fee: Paid (amount undecided)

👥 Expected Participants: 15 people