“When I first read the poem my grandfather wrote about me, I felt a warmth that transcended generations, a connection that sparked a dream—a dream to carry the essence of our family’s history and the spirit of Japan into the future.”

This poignant reflection by Kazuyoshi Nakata encapsulates the heart of his journey from an inspired grandson to a celebrated author whose work, Green Wind (Midori no Kaze), now serves as a bridge between the past and the future. Nakata’s story is one of resilience, legacy, and an unyielding commitment to preserving the Japanese spirit through the written word.

Kazuyoshi Nakata was born in Ozu City, Ehime Prefecture, the Little Kyoto of Iyo. There,his journey began with a poem—a simple yet profound expression of love and pride from his grandfather, Takeo Nakata, a man of many talents. Takeo was not just a Japanese language teacher and a farmer but also a local welfare worker and a poet. He embodied the concept of ikigai, a Japanese term that means “a reason for being,” by seamlessly integrating various aspects of his life into a cohesive and fulfilling whole.

Beyond his work as an author, Kazuyoshi is now also a social issues consultant with a particular expertise in using ICT to address societal challenges. He is deeply aware of the digital divide that has emerged in Japan, particularly among senior citizens who struggle to adapt to new technologies. In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kazuyoshi is committed to harmonizing the strengths of both digital and analog media to create a more inclusive society.

For Kazuyoshi, writing is not just a profession—it is a calling. His goal is not merely to produce books but to offer readers a sense of happiness, humor, and connection, no matter how small. If his work can bring even a little joy or insight into someone’s life, he considers it a success.

In 1976, the year of Kazuyoshi’s birth, Takeo wrote a poem titled First Grandchild, which was published in a local newspaper in Ehime Prefecture. For Kazuyoshi, seeing this poem was a transformative experience. It was a moment that planted the seeds of his dream to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy. The desire to connect the past with the future through writing became his guiding star, eventually leading him to publish Green Wind, a book that encapsulates over 30 years of personal and family history.

Realizing this dream, however, was no simple feat. When Kazuyoshi first conceived the idea of writing a book, he encountered significant obstacles. His initial attempts to secure a traditional publishing deal met with the harsh reality that self-publishing would require a substantial financial investment—one that was beyond his means at the time. The dream, it seemed, would have to be deferred.

But fate had other plans. In 2019, as the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazuyoshi’s circumstances began to change. The global crisis, which brought widespread anxiety and uncertainty, also catalyzed new opportunities for creativity and connection. He was able to pursue the e-publishing, which would allow him to bypass the financial barriers of traditional publishing and bring Green Wind to life.

In a world yearning for hope and meaning, Kazuyoshi’s work resonated deeply, quickly climbing to the number one spot in five different Kindle categories. The success of Green Wind not only marked the realization of Kazuyoshi’s dream but also underscored the enduring relevance of his grandfather’s wisdom in a rapidly changing world.

At its core, Green Wind is more than just a book—it is a vessel for the Japanese spirit of wa (harmony), furusato (nostalgia and hometown), and ikiru (living and making life shine). Each page is crafted with the intention of conveying these values to readers, both in Japan and around the world. Kazuyoshi’s meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt writing are evident in every sentence, reflecting his deep commitment to sharing his heritage and values with future generations.

As Japan faces the challenges of a declining birthrate and the rise of nuclear families, the themes explored in Green Wind take on even greater significance. The traditional extended family structure, where children grow up with the wisdom and guidance of their grandparents, is becoming increasingly rare. Kazuyoshi believes that this shift could have far-reaching implications, not just in Japan but also in other parts of the world, particularly in developing countries in Asia.

Drawing on the ancient wisdom of onkochishin—a concept from Confucius that encourages learning from the past to gain new insights—Kazuyoshi’s work serves as a reminder of the importance of intergenerational connections. By embracing the teachings of the past, we can cultivate kindness, warmth, and a deeper understanding of those around us. In doing so, Kazuyoshi believes, we can create a brighter and more compassionate world.

Looking ahead, Kazuyoshi has ambitious plans to continue his literary journey. In addition to Green Wind, he has already released several business books and novels, both in Japanese and English. His future projects include inclusive picture books, self-development guides, crisis-themed fiction, and SNS strategy books—each of which will carry his signature blend of traditional wisdom and modern insight.

For those interested in following Kazuyoshi’s work, there are several ways to stay connected. He is active on LinkedIn, where he has over 1,200 followers and is currently engaging with a global audience as he attends an English conversation school. His Amazon author pages, available both in Japan and internationally, provide a comprehensive overview of his published works, including his most recent short novel From a Place Where You Can See the Sea, which has already garnered significant acclaim.

Kazuyoshi Nakata’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of intergenerational wisdom, and the enduring value of the written word. Through Green Wind, he has not only fulfilled his grandfather’s legacy but has also created a timeless work that will continue to inspire and guide future generations. As he looks to the future, Kazuyoshi remains committed to his mission of carrying the Japanese spirit forward, one page at a time.