Masana Izawa: The Japanese ‘Poop Expert’ Advocating for a Sustainable Return too Nature
In the serene forests of Sakuragawa, north of Tokyo, a 74-year-old man has been quietly revolutionizing the way we think about waste. masana Izawa, known as the “dirt expert” or “Fundo-shi” in Japanese, has spent the last 50 years returning human waste to nature, advocating for a more sustainable way of living.
Izawa’s journey began in his 20s when he realized that modern sanitation systems—toilets, toilet paper, and wastewater facilities—consume vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals.“Letting the soil do its job is much better for the environment,” he explains. His philosophy is simple: by returning what nature has given us, we can support the ecosystem and give back life.
A Life Rooted in Nature
Izawa’s daily routine involves heading into the forest near his home with just a few essentials: a hole dug in the ground, a leaf or two for wiping, a bottle of water for washing, and a twig to mark the spot. This practice, which he calls “Noguso,” ensures that he never uses the same location twice, allowing him to track the decomposition process accurately.
“We survive by eating other living creatures. But you can return dirt to nature so that organisms in the soil can break it down,” Izawa told The New Zealand Herald. “It means you are giving back life.What could be a greater act?”
from Poopland to Fundo-an
Izawa’s unconventional lifestyle has garnered attention far beyond his forest. His “Poopland” and “Fundo-an” (poop earth houses), constructed from centuries-old wood, have become pilgrimage sites for those curious about sustainable living. Visitors, sometimes dozens in a month, flock to his forest—roughly the size of a football field—to learn about outdoor practices and the principles of Noguso.
His teachings emphasize the natural cycle of decomposition. “Fungal activity degrades and converts objects such as animal carcasses, dung, and fallen leaves into nutritious soil, on which forests grow,” he explains.
A Growing Movement
Izawa believes that climate change and the increasing interest in sustainable living will draw more people to his philosophy, particularly younger generations. His efforts have not only inspired individuals but also sparked conversations about the environmental impact of modern sanitation systems.
| Key Aspects of Izawa’s Philosophy |
|—————————————|
| Practice: Noguso (digging, wiping with natural materials, marking with twigs) |
| Goal: Return human waste to nature to support ecosystems |
| Impact: Reduces water, energy, and chemical use in sanitation |
| Legacy: Poopland and Fundo-an attract visitors seeking sustainable practices |
A Call to Action
Izawa’s message is clear: more people should follow in his footsteps. His approach is not just about waste management but about reconnecting with nature and understanding our role in the ecosystem. as he puts it, “What could be a greater act than giving back life?”
For those inspired by his story, a visit to Poopland or Fundo-an offers a firsthand look at how one man’s commitment to sustainability can create ripples of change.
This article was originally published on detikEdu.
masana Izawa: Revolutionizing Waste Management thru Sustainable Practices
In the heart of Sakuragawa, Japan, Masana Izawa has spent over five decades advocating for a return to nature through his unique waste management beliefs. Known as the “Poop Expert” or “Fundo-shi,” Izawa’s practices have sparked global conversations about sustainability, environmental impact, and reconnecting with nature. In this exclusive interview, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, Sarah Thompson, sits down with Dr. Haruto Nakamura, an environmental scientist and expert on sustainable waste management, to discuss Izawa’s groundbreaking work and its implications for the future.
The Origins of Izawa’s Philosophy
Sarah Thompson: Dr. Nakamura, thank you for joining us today. Masana Izawa’s journey is truly unique. Can you tell us how his philosophy of returning human waste to nature began?
Dr. Haruto Nakamura: thank you, Sarah. Izawa’s philosophy started in his 20s when he recognized the environmental toll of modern sanitation systems. He observed how toilets, toilet paper, and wastewater facilities consume vast amounts of water, energy, and chemicals. This realization led him to explore a more natural approach, wich he calls “Noguso.” By returning human waste to the soil, he believes we can support ecosystems and reduce our environmental footprint.
Noguso: A Practice Rooted in simplicity
Sarah Thompson: Noguso is central to Izawa’s philosophy.Can you explain how this practice works and its significance?
Dr. Haruto Nakamura: Absolutely. Noguso involves digging a hole in the ground, using natural materials like leaves for wiping, and marking the spot with a twig to avoid reuse. This ensures that waste decomposes naturally, enriching the soil. Izawa emphasizes that this practice not only reduces water and chemical use but also reconnects us with nature. It’s a profound reminder of our role in the ecosystem.
Poopland and Fundo-an: Spaces of Learning
Sarah Thompson: Izawa’s “Poopland” and “Fundo-an” have become iconic spaces for learning about sustainability. What makes these places so impactful?
Dr. Haruto Nakamura: Poopland and Fundo-an are more than just physical spaces—they’re symbols of a sustainable lifestyle.Constructed from centuries-old wood, these sites attract visitors eager to learn about Noguso and the principles of natural decomposition. Izawa’s teachings highlight how fungal activity breaks down waste into nutrient-rich soil, fostering forest growth. These spaces inspire people to rethink their relationship with waste and nature.
Climate Change and the Future of Sustainability
Sarah Thompson: With climate change becoming increasingly urgent, how does izawa’s philosophy resonate with younger generations?
Dr. Haruto Nakamura: Izawa’s message is particularly relevant today.Younger generations are more aware of environmental issues and are seeking sustainable alternatives. his approach aligns with the growing interest in reducing waste and carbon footprints. By advocating for a return to natural practices, Izawa offers a tangible solution that empowers individuals to make a difference.
A Call to action: Reconnecting with Nature
Sarah Thompson: Izawa often says, “What could be a greater act than giving back life?” How can people incorporate his philosophy into their lives?
dr. Haruto Nakamura: Izawa’s call to action is about more than waste management—it’s about reconnecting with nature and understanding our role in the ecosystem. while Noguso might not be feasible for everyone, there are small steps we can take, like composting organic waste or reducing reliance on chemicals. Visiting Poopland or Fundo-an can also provide valuable insights into sustainable living.
This interview was conducted by Sarah Thompson, Senior Editor at world-today-news.com, with Dr. Haruto Nakamura, a leading expert in environmental sustainability and waste management.
