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“Dear Future Me” is a series in which Shohei Koyama—poet and owner of JIYUCHO — delivers poetic words in Japanese and English, like letters to his future self that trace the subtleties of everyday life. I hope this becomes a place like your mailbox where postcard poems arrive.

You can read the previous series
“This Morning’s Drawing” here→

The Guiding Light

The Guiding Light
I have lived




Along the way I met a light

seen by no one but me




One day I found a view

too rare to name

a sight that still makes me smile




I have lived

I shaped a path of my own

I gazed upon the path that is only yours

With words we could give and receive

I have come this far

and I will keep walking

I as myself

you as yourself

each the one and only

held as something precious

In finding and in cherishing

I wish to shine on people

as a path shines on the traveler

to hold close what can protect

what can save

a treasure beyond compare

I will live on

About this piece

What did you think or feel after writing and reading this poem?

My secret move. My treasured story. My special gift. I realized they were all light for someone.

When did you write it, and under what circumstances?

At night, just before sleep.

If this poem were turned into a song, what would it sound like?

Like an arpeggio, as if speaking, gentle yet deep, in a husky voice, whispering, and yet strong, sing.

About JIYUCHO owner Koyama

Began writing poetry as a student. Deeply moved by Shuntaro Tanikawa’s Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude, where physical laws were expressed in beautiful words. While wandering the world, continued writing poetry and founded a company at the age of 27. In May 2018, released TOMOSHIBI POST, a web service that allows people to send letters to their future selves. In August 2019, opened JIYUCHO in Kuramae, Tokyo. In December 2023, opened FUTO, a poetic café and second location. In August 2024, published the poetry collection The World at Last, with You and Me. Graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science. Studied abroad in Seattle, Washington, USA, for one year during university.

Links of the owner Koyama