2020 Volume 102 Issue 1 Pages 69-76
Various studies have examined the effectiveness of Nature Experience Activities. In this one, we examined the influence of Ikiru Chikara and Symbiotic Values with Nature on children participating in Nature Experience Activities in a forest environment. This research focused on the characteristics of participants and examined the effect of the program in terms of the impact of the original nature experiences and the mental and physical trauma of adverse experiences of natural disasters. The subjects analyzed were 213 participants in Fukushima Kids Program and their parents, all of whom were asked to provide feedback via questionnaires on aspects of Ikiru Chikara, Symbiotic Values with Nature, nature experiences and the experiences of parents during the disaster. After analyzing Symbiotic Values with Nature, the three factors emerging included an affinity with nature, relationship between nature and life and interest in and consideration of nature. The analysis of all participants showed that the program improved both Ikiru Chikara and Symbiotic Values with Nature. This improvement was clear following a comparison made with children with less experience of nature. What also emerged was how the occurrence or absence of a fearful experience caused by on earthquake affected on the level of physical ability.
