The Honorable Trees of Japan

From 2012 to 2017 Louise co-wrote and taught a course in Japan titled ‘Environment & Spirituality - Walking the Pilgrimage’ which involved an investigation into the animist environmentalism of Shintoism. The Course focused on the cultural significance of nature, both contemporary and historical, using the 1000 year old Kumano-kodo pilgrimage route in the Kii Mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. An experiential course, students and staff spent 5 days walking the Kumano-Kodo, finally arriving at the Monastery town of Koyasan. Students also worked with communities in Japan to establish large public art works.