[AgriTrainee Salon EP.18] From Ranch to Dog School — A Trainee’s Journey from the U.S. to Nagasaki

“Dogs should be dogs. Humans should be human.”
This simple yet profound statement from Mr. Isamu Fujikawa, owner of a dog training school, The Beach Dog, in Nagasaki, defines both his philosophy and his life’s work. From his cowboy days on a U.S. ranch to rebuilding the Nagasaki International Agricultural Association, his story bridges people, animals, and generations.

Today’s Takeaways (3 Lines Summary)

• Education that respects essence applies to both dogs and people.
• Communication is part of the job — share your story and grow your circle.
• Overseas training nurtures not only personal growth but also regional and national development.

Opening – From Friendly Banter to the Heart of the Story

The stream began casually, with friendly talk about craft beers from Matsuyama and a few local jokes.
“I haven’t eaten all day,” laughed Fujikawa, instantly breaking the ice.
A native of Ehime Prefecture, he went from technical high school to the open plains of America — where the real lessons began.

Life at Bracket Ranch – Learning on the Front Lines

Fujikawa trained at Bracket Ranch in the U.S., working through intense seasonal operations like branding, castration, and dehorning calves.

• Practiced roping for hours on a handmade wooden “calf.”
• Was deeply moved by the tireless work ethic of Mexican ranch hands.
• Learned about human dignity and teamwork through sweat and song.

“They worked from sunrise to sunset, singing as they moved.
Watching them, I realized what it truly means to be human.” — Isamu Fujikawa

“Saddle Johnny” — The First Ride

For six months, he wasn’t allowed on horseback. Then one day, a single phone call:

“Saddle Johnny.”

He caught his horse in the pasture and rode out for his first real assignment — driving cattle across vast, open land with no markers but the “shape of the hills” his boss pointed to. Trial and error earned him a promotion: from herder to side rider, guarding the flanks of the herd.

The Beach Dog – “Dogs Should Be Dogs, Humans Should Be Human”

After returning to Japan, Fujikawa founded The Beach Dog, a school that redefines Japan’s dog culture.
His approach goes beyond “fixing behavior problems.”

• Create environments where dogs can express their true nature.
• Teach coexistence behaviors without denying instincts.
• Just as children need spaces to be themselves, dogs need spaces to be dogs.

“While improving efficiency and communication, we must not lose our humanity. The act of pursuing dreams and hope — that’s something only humans can do.” — Isamu Fujikawa

Reviving the Nagasaki International Agricultural Association

After more than a decade of inactivity, Fujikawa and several alumni relaunched the Nagasaki International Agricultural Association, with him serving as chair.

• Rekindling the cycle of sending young people abroad.
• Letting alumni voices inspire the next generation.
• Making research meetings a starting point, not the end goal.

“If no one else will do it, I will.”

His leadership is grounded in ownership — turning “someone else’s issue” into one’s own mission.

Communication as Cultivation – From “Read” to “Insta (Instagram)”

In an age of population decline, IT and AI can boost productivity,
but communication — sharing stories — is equally vital.

“Farm, read, and post. It’s no longer just ‘Work hard by day, read by night.’
It’s ‘Work by day, read on rainy days, and post at night.’” — Isamu Fujikawa

Hands-On Ideas for the 2026 Nagasaki Agri-Research Forum

• Create a Google account.
• Use Canva to build your brand visuals.
• Post your daily value on Instagram and present it live.

The problem isn’t that “no one is applying.” The problem is — “no one’s hearing about it.” Cultivating both senders and receivers of information is the next frontier.

Overseas Agricultural Training – As Common as a Working Holiday

Fujikawa envisions a future where “overseas agricultural training” is as common as working holidays or JICA programs. Participants need not be agriculture majors — diverse perspectives enrich the field and modernize practices.

A Connection Through Barley – “Hime no Kohaku”

The story ends back in Ehime. Fujikawa reminisces about a childhood friend he lost, and his friend’s father — the man who inspired him to go abroad. That man later helped develop “Hime no Kohaku,” a whisky made from naked barley, a crop he championed for years.

Raising a glass to the memory, Fujikawa smiles.

“When people connect, new challengers are born. This broadcast itself was a continuation of that connection.” — Isamu Fujikawa

Closing Words

“The future of agriculture belongs to everyone. So tell someone near you — ‘Farming is fun. Come see for yourself.’” — Isamu Fujikawa

🌾 Final Reflection

• Education that respects essence applies to both animals and people.
• Communication is not a luxury — it’s part of the work.
• Global experiences plant seeds that grow into communities and nations.