Maki J Obara
Maki J Obara @madame_murasaki is a Japanese-American Regenerative Design researcher and practitioner with a strong background in luxury fashion. With a focus on the potential of the hemp/cannabis plant, she seeks ways to regenerate the earth and humans alike. Maki is also an advocate for BIPOC community-led organizations and educational entities centered on environmental and social justice, and is currently based in NYC while academically based in London at Central Saint Martins MA Regenerative Design.
IRK: Tell us your “Why”
One of my values of doing the work has been “I don’t want other people to go through what I go through.” After experiencing the toxicity of the fashion industry and learning about the impacts of it on this very planet that we live on, I had an existential crisis. That made me open up my eyes to a whole new view of the world and where I stand as a human.
Truthfully, I work hard because I sincerely want this world to be a little better when I leave it. And I mean it.
IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
I am most passionate about making the relationship between humans and earth closer. Us humans damaged the environment on this planet. There needs to be a mindset change towards an understanding that we are part of the biodiversity on earth. Let’s care for the humans as well as earth, at the same time. We need to heal all together in order to regenerate on this planet at the speed that we need it to.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
Besides dedicating my life to it?! Haha Yes, there are some small actions that I take. Which is a proven way to reduce eco-anxiety. I mainly wear vintage or thrifted, mindful of what I purchase, I love re-using any packaging material, staying mentally healthy, and most of all educate myself daily. There are a lot of negative news when it comes to the environment, but there are a lot of positive ones as well. The “knowing” part is important to be balanced so you can take correct actions, however small that maybe.
IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet?
At one point soon, I hope everyone can come to a collective realization that this earth needs rapid regeneration a.k.a recovery. So our future generations can carry on a more humane civilization that has learnt to live in symbiosis with this planet.
What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? https://sdgs.un.org/goals
SDG 15: Life on Land. My current work is in regenerating the land through hemp-cannabis plants in NY, which I hope will have a positive effect on our biggest problem in NYS: coastline erosion and sea level rise.
