Helping others without expectation and without waiting to be asked is considered one of the purest forms of generosity. This concept is what the world currently needs, yet it is something that seems to be in short supply.
Fiji, known for its people’s generosity and a joyful culture of mutual care, serves as a surprising example. Yuma Nagasaki, who made Fiji his home 17 years ago, embodies this spirit. He highlights that offering help without being prompted is deeply woven into Fijian culture.
Originally from Osaka, Japan, Mr. Nagasaki is the general manager of Color Your Life Pte Limited, an English language school situated in Votualevu, Nadi, catering to Japanese students. “I visited 100 countries in my 20s and found Fiji was the best country for me to live in,” he stated.
Beyond settling in Fiji, he also established an educational initiative called the School of Santa, inspired by the cherished values he witnessed. He pointed out that Fiji is globally recognized for its high happiness index, and the local spirit of giving is a natural inclination.
“This is clearly reflected in the Fijian concept of vuvale, which means that one’s home is everyone’s home,” he explained, highlighting a philosophy that nurtures a supportive community. On the other hand, he contrasted this with Japan, where, despite its advancements, societal issues such as low self-esteem and a stigma surrounding asking for help present challenges.
Motivated by these cultural differences and Fiji’s community spirit, Mr. Nagasaki founded the School of Santa to instruct the spirit of giving, inspired by the character of Santa Claus, who represents unconditional generosity. The online school aims to promote aiding those in need, which Mr. Nagasaki believes can boost self-esteem and foster community bonds.
He noted that while Fiji is celebrated for its communal support, Japan scores lower in measures of self-esteem and social capital. Through the School of Santa, they organize trips for students to Fiji to experience the local way of offering assistance.
Additionally, Mr. Nagasaki has penned a book titled “Fijian Happiness Theory,” which has sold around 10,000 copies in Japan. The book discusses the significant influence of Fijian community values on individual and societal well-being. “By sharing our story, I hope to motivate more individuals to adopt a spirit of giving, enhancing their personal and community lives across cultures,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, the 46-year-old enjoys playing Japanese chess, known as shogi. However, he described his only major challenge in Fiji as coping with the quietness of Sundays, citing that weekends in Japan are typically more lively.
“In Fiji, Sundays are regarded as a day of relaxation, and it can be dull for me as children are often not seen playing outside,” he noted.
Mr. Nagasaki described his childhood as filled with joy, primarily spent with his older sister. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kobe University.
Looking ahead, he aspires to act as a bridge between Fiji and Japan, believing that their contrasting customs and cultures can mutually benefit one another. “That is why I want to be a bridge and ambassador between Fiji and Japan,” he expressed.
He considers Santa Claus his role model and aims to live by the principle of giving without expecting anything in return. Lastly, he urges the younger generation of Fijians to continually strive for more in life, not to settle easily with their achievements.