AGATSU - Victory over yourself

From distant lands to the depths of the ocean, mountain peaks, and all the trails and adventures in between, my journey has revolved around a constant pursuit of self-discovery and personal growth. From exploring nature to immersing myself in unfamiliar cultures, adventure travel has allowed me to challenge my fears, confront old preconceptions, and continue to grow into the best version of myself I can be.

Adventure, as I see it, involves more than just seeking thrills—it’s about embracing discomfort, confronting the unknown, and continuously learning along the way. I’ve been on this journey since childhood, when I would disappear into the forests near my home, eager to explore new places. National Geographic was my gateway to a world of exploration, where I first encountered the striking images of explorers like Jacques Cousteau, capturing moments that told not just stories of distant lands and magical ecosystems but also of personal challenges.

I took my first big steps toward personal growth and adventure when I was 17, when I learned to scuba dive. The moment I slipped beneath the surface of the ocean, I was hooked—completely fascinated by the underwater world and the incredible beauty of nature. This fascination led me to join the outdoor program at my high school, which opened the door to a variety of new experiences, like climbing and kayaking. I also signed up for the photography club so I could learn to capture those moments and memories on film.

These passions eventually led me to study Fish, Wildlife, and Recreation at BCIT. Not long after, I decided to take another leap of discovery and move to Japan. While in school, I began a new layer of personal growth through the study of traditional Japanese martial arts, namely Aikido, and I wanted to pursue that further, hence the move to Japan. Even while exploring Japan’s diverse culture through Budo, my love for the outside world continued to grow, as I worked as a Diving Instructor and ran my own outdoor guiding business.

Now, years later and back in Canada, I still believe that adventure is an amazing tool for personal growth. Through my images and stories shared here and on my social media pages, I hope to show that adventure is not just about reaching new places—it’s about showing how the spirit of adventure can continually help you become a new and better version of yourself and that you can use my adventures as a catalyst to challenge yourself to break through your own fears to become your own best version of you.