I am Hiroshi Mizukoshi, the director of Fleemy.
I studied oil painting at Musashino Art University and graduated in 1985. After graduation, I taught drawing and oil painting at an art school in Sapporo for about two years. However, I had always been fascinated by New York, so I decided to quit my teaching job and move there. Before this, I had visited New York twice, using it as a base to explore Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., visiting various art museums and galleries.
In New York, I frequented many incredible art museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the Whitney Museum. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in particular, became a daily destination for me because, despite my limited funds, they allowed me entry with a small donation. The vast collection of artworks there was overwhelming, and I was deeply moved by the grandeur and complexity of human creativity.
A significant reason for my move to New York was my desire to see the works of Renaissance and Impressionist artists in person, rather than through slides or art books. I believe that truly appreciating art requires standing face-to-face with the original pieces.
During my stay in New York, I also enjoyed musicals and concerts (including a memorable Elton John concert where Eric Clapton made a surprise appearance). I went fishing on party boats from Montauk and Coney Island, experiencing the diverse cultural and natural offerings of the area.
After two years, on my way back to Japan, I traveled to London, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, and finally Paris, before returning home. This 40-day journey exhausted my savings, which were modest to begin with.
My experiences in New York and Europe taught me a great deal about the rich cultural and artistic heritage of these places and the efforts made to preserve them. I also came to appreciate the importance of natural beauty as a backdrop to these cultures. Conversely, these experiences made me reflect more deeply on my homeland, Japan, seeing its strengths and weaknesses from new perspectives. Living abroad highlighted that Japan’s common sense is not universal and that many seemingly unimaginable things in Japan are normal elsewhere. This is a lesson best learned through direct experience rather than secondhand information.
Inspired by these experiences, I started the Fleemy website in 2014 to share the beauty of Hokkaido, where I have lived for many years. Initially, I did not advertise the site and quietly began documenting places I found interesting. I didn’t know how long I would continue, but I aimed to share what fascinated me.
I realize some articles may not interest everyone, and my descriptions might not always capture the essence of these places. Therefore, I am committed to continually exploring and sharing the hidden natural beauty, landscapes, and culture of Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is often seen as a unique place within Japan, known for its rich and beautiful nature. However, growing up here can make this beauty seem commonplace, leading to the misconception that there’s “nothing special in this rural area.” This might be true for your hometown as well. We often overlook the charm of our hometowns.
Traveling to unfamiliar places can help you rediscover the beauty of your own home. I hope this site can assist you in your travels and help you appreciate the wonders around you.
