Isumi-Ichinomiya: Fresh Air and Laid-back Living

The Isumi-Ichinomiya area lies on the east coast of Chiba Prefecture, facing out toward the Pacific Ocean. It's just an hour from Tokyo by train, but it feels much further away. Thanks to the mild climate, it is much cooler in the summer. With its long, sandy beaches and quiet farming villages, it feels as relaxed as an overseas resort. In recent years, a growing number of people have moved to Isumi-Ichinomiya, including many foreigners resident in Japan. Leaving behind the busy pace of life in Tokyo or other cities, they have been able to put down strong roots in this tranquil environment. Robert Beaupre came to Tokyo 17 years ago from the United States. During the day he works as an English teacher at a high school. But he's also the vocalist for a hard rock band, performing at live-music houses around Tokyo. He is 66 now and he's been looking for a place to live near Tokyo that is peaceful but still has a good scene. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Robert explores the Isumi-Ichinomiya area. He meets with many people who have free, creative lifestyles. And he finds it's a perfect place for slow living in harmony with the natural rhythms of nature.