2021 ATWS Summit Theme

Kyōsei “symbiosis” or “in harmony with nature” 共生

Kyōsei (pronounced “Ki-YO-say”) is the Japanese term meaning ‘symbiosis’ or two elements living in harmony and mutually benefitting one another. For thousands of years the Ainu people, indigenous caretakers of Hokkaido, have embodied Kyōsei, preserving their homeland as a place where nature is valued and species, both large and small, are revered and respected. As we gather virtually in 2021, we focus on Japan’s wild island of Hokkaido, homeland of the Ainu, we explore Adventure Travel’s role in maintaining the balance of Kyōsei for many more years to come.