A Journey of Heart, Heritage, and Humorous Discovery

Dr. Jerry Don Smith Jr.

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I never imagined that my career as a U.S.-educated psychologist and crisis negotiator would lead me to invest in a 170-year-old Japanese temple. Yet here I am, stepping into the world of cultural preservation with Ryogonji Temple through PlanetDAO. This investment isn’t merely a financial decision — it’s a heartfelt commitment to preserving history, deepening community bonds, and weaving my personal narrative with the legacy of a timeless structure.

My Personal Journey: From Global Roots to a Sense of Belonging in Japan

Growing up in an Air Force family exposed me to a dazzling array of cultures from a very young age. I absorbed lessons of resilience, discipline, and openness as we moved from one military base to another, encountering people from all over the world. Those experiences laid the groundwork for my eventual career as a psychologist and crisis negotiator — fields where understanding human behavior and building bridges between diverse perspectives are paramount.

In 2021, I made a life-altering decision and moved to Okinawa, Japan. The island’s vibrant mix of tradition and modernity struck a deep chord in me. Here, amidst serene landscapes and rich cultural rituals, I discovered a concept that resonated with my very soul: “ibasho” — the idea of having a place where one truly belongs. For me, Japan quickly evolved from a fascinating foreign land to a second home where my family and I could create meaningful connections.

Living in Japan has taught me that belonging goes beyond geography — it’s about embracing a community, participating in local customs, and even laughing at life’s quirks. My professional work in psychology constantly reminds me that every individual has a story, and that our personal histories are as vital to our identity as the landmarks that surround us. It is this blend of personal discovery and professional insight that eventually led me to invest in Ryogonji Temple.

Discovering PlanetDAO and the Temple’s Timeless Appeal

My introduction to PlanetDAO came at a moment when I was searching for a way to merge my passion for culture with my professional and personal ideals. PlanetDAO’s innovative approach to investing in historical properties was both intriguing and inspiring — it wasn’t just about preserving a building, but about transforming a relic of the past into a vibrant community hub. When I first learned about the opportunity to invest in Ryogonji Temple, it felt like discovering an ancient treasure chest hidden in the folds of time.

Ryogonji Temple, built 170 years ago, is not simply a relic of bygone eras; it is a living symbol of Japan’s enduring spirit and cultural continuity. As I stepped inside its weathered walls, I felt as though I had been transported back to a time when craftsmanship was revered and every beam and tile held stories of generations past. The temple’s modest elegance and profound sense of history captivated me, compelling me to envision it not only as a monument to tradition but also as a place where modern community life could flourish.

A Deep Emotional Connection: Bridging My World and Japan’s Heritage

For foreigners like me, living in Japan sometimes means feeling like a perpetual visitor, a transient observer of a culture we admire from afar. I longed for more than that — I wanted to be an integral part of this vibrant tapestry. My investment in Ryogonji Temple was my way of turning that longing into action. I envisioned transforming the temple into a cultural center where my family and fellow foreigners could truly belong, participating in the ongoing story of our new home.

Imagine the temple as a canvas for shared experiences — a place where traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and seasonal festivals blend with modern storytelling and community gatherings. It’s a vision where the temple becomes more than a monument; it becomes a living space that nurtures the “ibasho” that I have so passionately sought. With this project, I hope to shift our role from mere visitors to active participants, embracing Japan not just as an observer but as a committed member of its cultural community.

Merging My Professional Expertise with Cultural Preservation

Throughout my career in clinical psychology and crisis negotiation, I have learned that every challenge carries within it the seeds of growth and renewal. I’ve seen how resilience can transform despair into hope, and how thoughtful dialogue can bridge even the widest divides. In many ways, investing in Ryogonji Temple is an extension of this philosophy. It is about safeguarding a narrative that spans centuries — much like the narratives of the people I work with every day.

There is a humorous irony in my new role as a temple investor. I often joke with colleagues that while I once mediated tense human conflicts, I now face the delightful challenge of negotiating with ancient wooden beams and weathered stones. Imagine persuading a centuries-old structure to “hold its ground” and share its stories with a modern audience! This blend of professional insight and playful humor reflects my belief that the gravitas of cultural preservation can — and should — be approached with warmth and wit.

My work has always been about understanding human resilience and celebrating the enduring spirit of those who overcome adversity. In Ryogonji Temple, I see a parallel to that mission: the temple, despite centuries of weathering and change, continues to stand as a testament to Japan’s cultural resilience. By investing in it, I am not merely preserving a physical structure — I am safeguarding a legacy that resonates with the same enduring strength I strive to nurture in my professional endeavors.

Expanding the Vision: A Cultural Hub for Future Generations

Looking forward, I am filled with excitement about the potential of Ryogonji Temple to evolve into a dynamic center for cultural exchange. My vision for the temple extends beyond restoration; it’s about creating a space where the past meets the present and where tradition is celebrated in innovative ways.

Here are some of the initiatives I hope to see come to life:

• Cultural Workshops and Festivals: By hosting events such as traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, and seasonal festivals, we can create an environment where locals and foreigners come together to celebrate Japanese heritage.
• Interactive Exhibits and Digital Storytelling: Leveraging modern technology to document and share the temple’s rich history will enable us to reach a global audience, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations.
• Family-Centered Programs: My family and I envision the temple as a place where cultural experiences are shared across generations. From interactive storytelling sessions to hands-on art workshops, these programs will foster a deep sense of belonging.
• Local Collaborations: By partnering with local artisans, cultural institutions, and community leaders, we can ensure that Ryogonji Temple remains a vibrant part of its neighborhood, reflecting the diverse voices and traditions of its community.

Each of these initiatives is not just about preserving history — it’s about cultivating a living, breathing community where the spirit of “ibasho” is experienced every day.

Personal Reflections: Humor, Resilience, and the Art of Belonging

Incorporating humor into my narrative is not just a way to lighten the mood — it’s a reflection of how I approach life. I’ve learned through my work and personal experiences that humor can be a powerful tool for bridging differences and easing the weight of life’s challenges. I often share a light-hearted anecdote with my colleagues about “negotiating” with an ancient temple, joking that I’m trying to convince centuries-old wood to update its status from “historic” to “hip.” It’s moments like these that remind me how essential laughter is to resilience.

Yet beneath the humor lies a deep commitment to nurturing community and a profound desire to belong. My investment in Ryogonji Temple is an act of courage — a way of saying that I refuse to be a mere spectator in the rich cultural narrative of my adopted home. Instead, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and help shape a future where every community member, whether local or foreigner, can experience the true meaning of belonging.

There are quiet moments when I reflect on my journey — from the challenges of crisis negotiation to the everyday joys of interacting with my neighbors in Okinawa. These moments reaffirm that life is not only about overcoming obstacles but also about embracing the beauty of unexpected connections. Ryogonji Temple stands as a metaphor for that journey: a structure that has weathered countless storms yet continues to offer shelter and hope to those who seek its embrace.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Connection and Cultural Renewal

In the end, my investment in Ryogonji Temple is a testament to the intertwined nature of personal history, professional experience, and cultural passion. It is a pledge to honor the past while creating a vibrant future — a future where my family, fellow foreigners, and local community members can all feel that deep, resonant sense of “ibasho.”

Every time I walk through the temple’s storied walls, I am reminded that preserving history is not merely about holding on to ancient bricks and timber; it is about breathing new life into them. It is about creating spaces where memories are shared, where traditions are celebrated, and where the enduring human spirit is given room to flourish.

I invite everyone — whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a foreigner seeking a deeper connection, or someone simply curious about the intersection of history and modern community building — to join me on this adventure. Together, we can transform Ryogonji Temple into a beacon of cultural renewal and a symbol of the bonds that unite us across borders and generations.

As I continue to blend my professional insights with my personal love for Japanese heritage, I remain inspired by the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Investing in Ryogonji Temple is more than an act of preservation — it is an act of hope, a commitment to community, and a promise that our shared history will continue to inspire future generations.

Let this temple stand as a testament to the beauty of connection, where humor, resilience, and the quest for belonging come together in a celebration of life’s most cherished moments. And may every visitor, every family, and every community member find in its ancient walls a reminder that home is not just a place — it is a feeling, a legacy, and a shared journey.

Author’s Bio:
Dr. Jerry D. Smith Jr. is a U.S.-educated licensed psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience in clinical psychology, forensic services, and crisis negotiation. Now based in Okinawa, Japan since 2021, his diverse upbringing in an Air Force family and time spent living in Europe fuel his passion for cultural heritage and community engagement. An avid scuba diver and traveler with a non-dogmatic Buddhist worldview, he blends professional insight with personal adventure to champion the preservation of history and the creation of spaces where everyone truly belongs.