Jesse Efron

Hi, I’m Jesse, a certified shinrinyoku practitioner and published author. I also work as a regional development specialist and sustainability coordinator in Japan. There is a growing need to incorporate nature into our daily lives. The majority of the world’s population, and more than 90% of people in Japan, live in cities. But there are simple ways for nature immersion to be a part of our lives to improve our physical health, mental wellbeing, and even improve the way we work.

SHINRINYOKU (FOREST BATHING)
Certified forest therapy program coordinator and guide. Creating shinrinyoku bases around Japan, including the implementation of something I created called ‘hybrid shinrinyoku’ for corporate office spaces and home offices.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Regional sustainable development consultant and auditor. Creating actionable sustainability plans and advising sustainability certification applications for municipalities based on internationally recognized sustainability criteria (namely GSTC and B-Corp).

WRITING
Kyoto-based writer published in Japan, Germany, and the US. 2024 FC2 Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Prize winner, 2022 Best of Small Fictions anthology, Chautauqua Janus Prize finalist, Pleiades Experimental Fiction Prize finalist, Black Warrior Review, Kyoto Journal, SAND, and elsewhere.

Experience

6 years of experience working in sustainable tourism and town development. GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism, Miyazu City Sustainability Coordinator, Board of Directors for JaSCA (Japan Sustainability Coordinator Association)
Certified shinrinyoku / forest therapy guide, hybrid shinrinyoku development for offices and home, shinrinyoku course development expert, shinrinyoku training advisor, shinrinyoku instructor and speaker.
Award winning fiction author and sustainability writer, professional editor, official regional content supervisor for the Japan Tourism Agency, and book editor.
Guest speaker on topics ranging from shinrinyoku, forest therapy, hybrid shinrinyoku development, protecting and supporting Japanese heritage arts and artisans, Experience Design, Sustainable Development, Responsible Tourism Development.