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Tanken

The Japanese word, tanken, which means to explore, perfectly captures the spirit of my new journey. Like its English counterpart, tanken can have a serious and weighty ring to it, as in space exploration or exploration of the deep seas. Similarly, it can also have a lighter and more playful nuance, as in siblings setting off together with their faithful dog to explore the nearby woods and streams.

I’ve adopted tanken as a theme for my journey as it conveys the essence of what the undertaking is all about, both the serious and the playful sides. As a word taken from Japanese, tanken also represents my long connection with Japan, which was my home for many years. Most important is the bond with my wife, Kyoko, whom I lost to cancer, and her family — the Tagami Family — and their home in Tochigi.