masana Izawa: The Japanese Environmentalist Championing Lasting Waste Practices
For over five decades, Masana Izawa, a Japanese environmentalist, has been advocating for a unique yet profound way of giving back to nature. His approach? Returning human waste to the earth in the most natural way possible. This practice, which he has followed since his 20s, is rooted in his belief that sustainability begins with how we treat the resources nature provides.
A Life Dedicated to Nature
Izawa’s daily routine involves heading into the forest near his home to defecate. His toolkit is simple: a hole dug into the ground, a leaf or two for wiping, a bottle of water for cleaning, and a twig to mark the spot. This ritual isn’t just about convenience; it’s a intentional act of gratitude to the surroundings. “We survive by eating other living creatures. But you can return dirt to nature so that organisms in the soil can break it down,” he explained to The New Zealand Herald. “It means you are giving back life. What greater act?”
The Ideology Behind the Practice
Izawa, now 74, has spent his life studying and promoting the benefits of sustainable waste management. He argues that modern sanitation systems, which rely heavily on water, energy, and chemicals, are detrimental to the environment. “Letting the soil do its job is much better for the environment,” he said. “Fungal activity degrades and converts objects such as animal carcasses, dung, and fallen leaves into nutritious soil, on which forests grow.”
His insights have earned him the nickname “Fundo-shi” (dirt expert) in Japan.Beyond his personal practices, Izawa is a published author, lecturer, and documentary subject who passionately shares his knowledge with others.
The Birth of Poopland
Izawa’s dedication to his cause has inspired many. Visitors from far and wide flock to his “Poopland” and “Fundo-an” (poop earth houses), located in Sakuragawa, north of Tokyo. These eco-amiable structures, made from centuries-old wood, serve as hubs for learning about sustainable living. In a forest area the size of a football field, visitors are introduced to “Noguso,” a practice that involves digging a hole, using natural materials for wiping, and marking the spot with a twig to avoid reuse.
The twig serves a dual purpose: it prevents revisiting the same spot and helps track the decomposition process, ensuring a continuous cycle of returning nutrients to the soil.
A Growing Movement
Izawa believes that the global conversation around climate change and sustainability will draw more people to his methods. “Climate change and the growing interest in sustainable living will likely attract more attention, especially from young people,” he said.His work not only highlights the importance of eco-friendly practices but also challenges societal norms around waste management.
Why it Matters
At its core, Izawa’s mission is about rethinking our relationship with nature. By returning what we take,we can create a healthier,more balanced ecosystem. His approach is a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a notable impact. As he puts it, “Giving back to nature is not just an act of sustainability—it’s an act of life.”