Inundated with job stress, city planner Yo Takimoto was given the gift of a kiridashi (woodcarving knife) from a caring friend at Christmas. It made him remember the peaceful days of his childhood, when he was close to nature and spent many hours outdoors, carving wood as a boy. Now he devotes his time to teaching others this tranquil and meditative art. Yo encourages his students to be present for the journey, and not worry about the final design - he emphasizes that everything will be revealed naturally, without intention or thinking.