True Wealth Project

Creating a Village the World Comes To

未来とつながり世界が訪れる村へー岡山県西粟倉村

 

Vision

We are building a new kind of rural village: one where people from around the world come not just to visit, but to transform.
In Nishiawakura, Japan’s Sustainable Forest Village, we are reimagining success based on a concept we call "True Wealth" — a way of life grounded in health, community, meaningful work, creativity, and harmony with nature.

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### What We’re Creating

We are seeking \$150,000 USD in seed funding to:

* Expand and renovate our lodging facilities
* Launch the **Mindset Academy** for cross-cultural learning and personal growth
* Build international partnerships and a global guest experience
* Develop immersive, life-changing travel experiences rooted in Japanese culture and values

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### Four Core Projects

#### 1. Lodging Renovation + Global Guest Suite

Our concept: "A place to stay that becomes a starting point for transformation."
We will renovate our existing guest suites and construct a new **Global Guest Suite**, where woodworking artists from around the world can learn directly from a third-generation Japanese carpenter about traditional sustainable carpentry. This will serve as a creative learning space for cultural transmission and hands-on innovation.

#### 2. The Mindset Academy

A new space for self-discovery and co-creation. Here, villagers and global guests will interact in meaningful ways—through nature retreats, small dialogue circles, and community workshops.
We will invite international speakers, coaches, and creators to share tools and conversations centered around **True Wealth**.
This is where new leadership begins: by exchanging values, not just information.

#### 3. Expanding Our Global Exchange Network

We are already collaborating with partners in the U.S. and beyond:

* This fall, we welcome 14 artists from Vermont for a creative residency.
* In partnership with former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, we are bringing our village’s sustainability panels from the 2025 Expo in Osaka to the U.S.

#### 4. True Wealth Tourism

We are developing guided, transformational tours rooted in Japan’s spiritual traditions:
Wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection), Bushido (the way of the warrior), and deep nature connection.
These experiences help guests reflect on their values and reconnect with what truly matters.

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### Why This Matters Now

Nishiawakura was once expected to disappear.
Twenty years ago, it was listed by Japan’s central government as a severely depopulated municipality.
Last year, we were officially removed from that list.

But we know this is not the time to rest. Now is the time to deepen our roots, build new foundations for growth, and become a **model of rural revitalization** for Japan and beyond.

This is about more than one village.
Investors in this project are investing in a **new generation of leadership** — people who think globally, who act with purpose, and who define success based on *true wealth*, not just financial returns.

We believe:

* Empowered individuals are less likely to blindly follow destructive leadership.
* When people realize they can change their own lives, they stop waiting for someone else to save them.
* **Peace begins in the mind** — and in safe, connected communities.

This is how we begin to solve the deeper issues of our world.

And innovation? It happens when ideas that seem unrelated collide in unexpected, meaningful ways.
In a space where curiosity is encouraged, where values cross and spark, transformation becomes possible.

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### Use of Funds

Your support will directly fund:

* Renovation and creation of 2 guest suites
* Hiring local support and bilingual coordinators
* Travel costs for global guest speakers and overseas partnership-building
* Digital content and coaching tool development
* Branding and international marketing for the True Wealth Project

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### Support This Vision

If this vision resonates with you, we invite you to support our journey.

We gratefully welcome donations of any size.
**To donate via Wise:**

**Recipient Name:** Hiromi Charles
**Email:** [info@nishiawakuravillage.com](mailto:info@nishiawakuravillage.com)
**Country:** Japan
**(You can use Wise for international bank transfers with low fees.)**

We also welcome partnerships with:

* Wellness and lifestyle brands
* Leadership and coaching networks
* Regenerative tourism organizations

Let’s build the future of True Wealth, together.

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### Contact

**Hiromi Charles**
Life Coach | Tour Guide | Mother | Villager
📍 Nishiawakura Village, Okayama, Japan
📧 [info@nishiawakuravillage.com](mailto:info@nishiawakuravillage.com)
🌐 [www.nishiawakuravillage.com](http://www.nishiawakuravillage.com)

→ Featured on *Life Where I'm From*: [Japan’s Sustainable Forest Village](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPjKoFKFVw)