He would leave home at 6:30 a.m. and return at 10 or 11 p.m. When Japan’s economy faltered, he wanted a change. He came to Canada, trained as a mountain guide, and moved to the Yukon to set up its Yamnuska branch in 2007.
Today, he still works in an office, marketing and organizing. “But I can commute by bike sometimes; I can finish my work by 5, have time to play music,” adding he now plays guitar in a band, something he never had time for in Japan.
He feels his time in Canada has given him a new perspective on the outdoor charms of his home county and he wants to share them with Yukoners.
“I feel lucky now, because I don’t have to sell things I don’t like to sell.”
Motoyama is holding a public slide show on the Shinetsu Trail hike on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Whitehorse United Church.
You can also learn more at www.GreatHikesJapan.com or by emailing Motoyama at [email protected].
