What surfing and farming have taught me about living in harmony with nature

Surfing and farming. There is a man who lives these two seemingly unrelated lifestyles simultaneously, and with a natural ease. His name is Shogo Terada, who studied film in the United States and has travelled the world whilst surfing. Given his background, I was curious to find out what drives him as he practises natural farming and lives in Shibagaki, Ishikawa Prefecture, so I interviewed him.

Interviewee Shogo Terada Farmer / Videographer / Photographer

What inspired you to pursue farming while surfing?

right after returning from the U.S., I helped harvest tomatoes at a Farm in Ishikawa. The owner at the time introduced me to a lifestyle that combines surfing and farming, which inspired me. In Hokuriku, there aren’t many waves from spring to summer, but from autumn to winter the waves are great. I realized that this rhythm fits perfectly with farming. It feels like both can be fulfilled in harmony with nature’s rhythm.

It sounds like both can thrive by following nature's rhythm! Can you tell us about what you experienced during your time in the US?

Farmers markets and permaculture were deeply embedded in daily life. On Sundays, it was completely normal to see producers gathering in the town square, where people would choose their ingredients while looking the growers in the eye. People who raised chickens, used the manure as compost, and grew vegetables in that cycle were completely ordinary — there was a natural awareness of "how do we shape our own way of living" woven right into everyday life.

So locally-sourced food was naturally established as a community practice. Do you find yourself thinking about the natural environment while surfing?

Absolutely, all the time. I notice changes year by year — the water quality, drifting debris, shifts in the waves. Surfing exists because of nature's gifts, so there's always an underlying sense of urgency: "If this environment breaks down, none of this is possible." That's exactly why I want to make choices in my daily life and work that don't put unnecessary strain on nature.

You practice natural farming — how does that connect to the environment?

Not relying too heavily on pesticides and chemical fertilizers is really important. Beyond that, it's about how we use water and how we maintain the soil. When pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used, that water flows from the rice paddies into the sea, causing red tides that disrupt marine ecosystems. Microplastics flow into the ocean and small fish end up consuming them. Rather than trying to control nature, I think the key is asking: "How do we coexist with it?"

It's remarkable how much more closely farming and marine ecosystems are connected than most people realize. What are the benefits of organic vegetables?

Simply put — the flavor is powerful. Because the condition of the soil and the seasons come through directly, it's never quite the same twice, which I find fascinating. And there's a peace of mind for both the people eating and the people growing. I believe that raising food in harmony with nature's flow creates a cycle that doesn't force anything.

That connects strongly to permaculture principles. What crops are you currently working with?

Sweet potatoes, and processed sweet potato products like dried sweet potato chips. Beyond that, I grow a variety of vegetables for my own household to eat.

You take photos and videos of nature — what is it you most want to convey?

The energy of nature!! The fact that no two moments are ever the same. Waves, light, wind — it all disappears in an instant. I want to capture the beauty and transience found within those moments as a record. Not just scenery, but "the time that existed there, in that moment." I want people to feel that energy and find richness in their hearts.

We heard you're opening a shop — what kinds of products will you carry?

In addition to the crops and processed goods we grow ourselves, local specialty products from Shibagaki, dog food, and more! We plan to carry things that connect people to a lifestyle in harmony with nature. I want it to be a place that can propose a whole lifestyle, not just food.

The coastline is perfect for walking dogs too! What kind of community do you imagine growing through the new shop?What kind of community do you hope the shop creates?

I'd love for it to become a place where people gather, not just a place where people buy. People who love the ocean, people curious about farming, dog lovers, travelers passing through — a place where all kinds of people naturally cross paths. I picture a small community forming around shared values.

It sounds like a truly special area — very exciting to see what's ahead. Finally, what do you love most about Shibagaki?

The sunsets are beautiful, and the fields and the sea are so close together. Being able to go fishing right away is great too. My top recommendation: go to the tip of Nagate Island. The sunset you see from there is absolutely incredible!! And beyond the ocean, I'd love for people to explore a little inland and see the rice paddies and the satoyama (village woodlands) too. The whole area feels like one unified landscape. And the view of Myōjōji Temple from the rice paddies is stunning!!

Thank you for the interview!

Mr Terada shares updates on Instagram and his website, so please do check them out.

Instagram: TFS
Instagram: Temple Farm
Website: Sweet Potato, Shogo Film