Amid the whirlwind of postwar modernization, Nanao Sakaki found inspiration in the
wild and became one of Japan’s great voices for the environment, working tirelessly to
enlighten the Japanese public about the government’s anti-environmental policies and
attempting to change those policies through poetry and grass roots activism. Flavored
with a unique brand of crazy wisdom and wit, his poetry addresses the beauty of the
natural world and disappointment about humanity’s lack of concern for the environment.
This paper examines Sakaki’s environmental themes, especially his objection to river
dams, coral reef habitat destruction, and nuclear energy. Although he expresses
disappointment, he does not completely despair. By calling attention to our threatened
environment he becomes a voice for the earth, hoping to inspire others to renew their
bond with the landscape and save the planet
