Would you like to save a part of Japan's unique culture and heritage?
Historical landmarks are more than just structures; they are storytellers, encapsulating the rich history and culture of a place and its people. Preserving them ensures that future generations can connect with these stories and the heritage they represent.
In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Monika Sadkiewicz to discuss the rewards of contributing to the preservation efforts for Japan's historical landmarks.
And you can a be a part of persevering Japan cultural heritage by investing in PlanetDAO's latest project - The Bamboo Forest House.
The Bamboo Forest House Project
Podcast Highlights
Monika’s background. Monika shares insights into her life and experiences.
Becoming involved with PlanetLabs. Monika shares how she began working with PlanetLabs.
Role with PlanetLabs. Monika discusses the work she does at PlanetLabs.
Preserving Ryogonji Temple. Monika shares her experience with the first property they successfully preserved.
Saving the Bamboo Forest House. Monika discusses their current project to preserve the Bamboo Forest House.
Appreciation for Japanese culture. Monika shares her love for Japan and its culture.
Being introduced to ikigai. Monika talks about how she came to know the concept of ikigai.
Monika Sadkiewicz
Monika Sadkiewicz is the Community Manager at PlanetLabs. She works alongside Tamaki Nishimura, the Founder and CEO of PlanetLabs, an organization specializing in transforming iconic properties across Japan into unique vacation rentals, with a focus on cultural preservation and fostering partnerships with local communities.
Monika’s background
Monika, born and raised in Poland, connected with Japan through her mother, who remarried a Japanese man when Monika was seven. She spent vacations in Japan and moved there at 16 with little knowledge of the language or culture. Adjusting to a ‘third culture’ identity was challenging, as her home life blended Polish and Japanese influences.
Initially, Monika struggled to adapt and missed her homeland. Over time, she grew to appreciate and embrace Japanese culture, especially in her 20s when she began working. Her experiences teaching English and observing cultural differences inspired her career in education. After a decade as a teacher, the COVID-19 pandemic motivated her to pursue new opportunities, leading to her current role with PlanetDAO.
Becoming involved with PlanetLabs
In 2017, Monika worked as a customer service representative for an inbound tourism agency, where she met Tamaki, the current CEO and founder of PlanetLabs. At the time, she faced challenges with her Japanese language skills while still refining her English. Despite these difficulties, Monika enjoyed connecting with people and immersing herself in authentic cultural experiences. However, due to language barriers, she transitioned back to full-time teaching.
Seven years later, after deciding to shift her career due to burnout from long hours at an international school, Tamaki unexpectedly reached out with a job offer at PlanetLabs. The opportunity aligned perfectly with Monika’s goals, and the timing was ideal.
Role with PlanetLabs
Monika was appointed as the community manager at PlanetLabs, where she focuses on building and maintaining an inclusive and engaged community. Her role involves fostering trust among members, whom she views as co-owners rather than investors, and facilitating transparent communication between the team and the community.
In addition, Monika manages creative responsibilities such as content creation and the promotion of sustainable living, local engagement, and tourism. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for discussions, leveraging individual potential, and encouraging support among members. Her personal goal is to see genuine connections, including friendships, develop within the community, reflecting its collaborative spirit and inclusivity—an environment that can be considered an ibasho.
Preserving Ryogonji Temple
Monika shares a deep, personal connection to the Ryogonji Temple, their first preservation project. She was particularly moved by the temple’s impeccable preservation, its 170-year-old structure, and the sweeping hilltop views that evoke a sense of serenity and power.
Monika focused on engaging the local community, understanding their desire to preserve the temple, and fostering trust. She celebrates the successful achievement of their preservation goal, expressing hope for revitalizing the property while honoring its cultural and emotional significance.
She shares that they plan to transform the property into temple-stay accommodations with potential for hosting retreats, aiming for completion by spring 2026. They are currently selecting construction companies and architects, prioritizing community input to maintain authenticity and honor Japanese culture. Renovations will focus on preserving the property’s essence while addressing practical needs, aligning with the local community’s vision to safeguard its significance for future generations.
Saving the Bamboo Forest House
Monika invites people to join their community and participate in the fundraising for the second property, the Bamboo Forest House, with applications open until January 31. The property is vast, covering over 7,000 square meters, and includes a World War II air raid shelter, a neglected house in need of renovation, a shed, and agricultural land with bamboo forests requiring constant maintenance.
Located near Kamakura in Hayama, an area known for its beaches and commitment to sustainability, the Bamboo Forest House offers a peaceful, secluded environment ideal for creativity, meditation, and self-reflection. The project plans to include a path through the forest, an open-air bath, and a sauna, creating a serene space for relaxation and contemplation.
Appreciation for Japanese culture
Monika shares her personal perspective on Japan and its culture, highlighting three main aspects she appreciates:
Collective unison and harmony – She values Japan’s emphasis on collective harmony, where individuals contribute to societal balance, avoiding direct confrontation. This sense of unity, particularly evident in Japan's disaster response systems, resonates with her despite its differences from Western cultures.
The contrast between Japanese and European/Slavic Culture – Monika compares Japanese culture with European/Slavic cultures, noting that while both value family, European/Slavic cultures place a stronger emphasis on individualism. This individualism can sometimes lead to conflicts, in contrast to Japan's collective focus. She appreciates Japan's balance between personal space, respect, and harmony, which differs from the more direct communication in Slavic cultures. She highlights how living in Japan has taught her that there is no single ‘correct’ way to do things, and that sometimes prioritizing harmony over individualism is more beneficial for creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
The concept of omotenashi (hospitality) – Monika emphasizes Japan's renowned hospitality, omotenashi, which is rooted in mindfulness, deep respect, and a keen awareness of individual values. She points out that the customer service in Japan is unparalleled, marked by an extraordinary level of warmth and attentiveness.
Overall, she believes that Japan’s blend of individualism, respect for others, and hospitality has enriched her understanding of cultural balance.
Being introduced to ikigai
Monika shares how she discovered the concept of ikigai, which wasn’t through her direct interaction with Japanese culture, but rather through her exploration of yoga and meditation in her early 20s. Her interest in mindfulness meditation led her to encounter ikigai, a concept she feels is often misunderstood or oversimplified. While still refining her personal definition, Monika identifies three key aspects that resonate with her ikigai:
“I get a lot of joy from meeting and talking to new people and sharing experiences—not only my own, but also balancing listening and talking. As a constant learner, I believe there is always something to learn. I feel that if you have the ability to meet new people, listen to them, learn from them, and also share what you have learned and the things you value, these conversations are one of the most joyful and strongest points of my existence.” - Monika Sadkiewicz
Engaging with others - she enjoys meeting new people, learning from them, and sharing her own experiences. This balance of listening and speaking brings her joy and a sense of purpose.
Slow living with intention - Monika values taking time to reflect and live thoughtfully, which connects to her desire to embrace a slower, more mindful pace in life.
Living in balance with nature - she believes in giving back to nature and being conscious of one’s environmental impact. This includes simple actions like feeding stray cats, growing herbs, and appreciating the small moments, such as savoring a cup of coffee with full awareness.
Through these elements, Monika finds fulfillment and a deeper connection to her sense of purpose.
Conclusion
Japan's historic landmarks are treasures worth preserving, as they embody the country's rich cultural heritage. Thankfully, individuals like Monika, who deeply appreciate Japanese culture, are dedicated to safeguarding its beauty for future generations. Through the collective efforts of PlanetDAO and the generous contributions they receive, these iconic landmarks are not only protected but also celebrated. This ensures that people can continue to experience and admire Japan's historic sites in their original splendor.