The book was planned and edited by Lucas B.B. (editor-in-chief of PAPERSKY) and Kodai Taguchi (3710Lab), known for exploring educational activities centered around our oceans.
Lucas, based in Yaizu, Shizuoka, has been exploring the idea and potential of creating one’s own path, which eventually led to the birth of the KATSUO TRAIL―a hiking route that connects the mountains and the sea.
Taguchi, on the other hand, has been seeking new approaches to ocean education, with a focus on the body’s physical connection to the sea.
Their conversations brought walking and learning into focus as intertwined ideas, giving rise to the central theme of Trail Learning. It began with a shared desire to explore and showcase the quiet potential of discovery that comes from weaving personal stories into the journey.
This book features thirteen “trail learners”―designers, poets, photographers, and others who have each carved their own paths in life. With unique perspectives, they reflect on what walking means to them and the worlds that quietly come into view beyond the act itself. What do they encounter along the way? What seeds of new creativity do they dig up? One by one, their stories unfold―step by step, like following a trail.
The worlds they uncover are grounded in tangible, embodied experiences. Open to new connections, enticements, and uncertainties along the way, they pause when they need to, but never stop moving forward.
One of the book’s most distinctive features is its dual-front design―you can begin reading from either side. Each half takes a different stylistic approach, embodying the idea that there’s no one right way to begin a trail. Just as every path unfolds in its own way, so too does this book.
Featured within its pages is a map of the KATSUO TRAIL, a real-world route that brings the concept of trail learning to life. Scheduled to officially launch in 2025, the trail spans 204.5 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 6,150 meters.
Along its course, you’ll experience the region’s unique climate and terrain, explore its history and traditions, and connect with the people who call it home.
We hope you’ll lace up your shoes and hit the KATSUO TRAIL someday.
This isn’t a book about walking long distances or chasing far-off destinations. Rather, it’s about the journey of learning that begins right beneath your feet. It’s an invitation to take that first step―one that might lead to unexpected insights and quiet moments of inspiration.
By walking, we open up space to reflect, to observe, and to connect more deeply with ourselves. This book may help you uncover what walking truly means to you. And along that path, you just might discover a new way of seeing the world―and perhaps, the start of your own journey of “trail learning.”
TRAIL LEARNING ― Walking into the Unknown
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Price: ¥3,300 (tax included)
Format: B5 (custom vertical)
Pages: 128
ISBN: 978-4-9913001-3-4
Publisher: Minato Lab Publishing
Supported by: The Nippon Foundation
Website: www.3710lab.com
Editor in Chief & Creative Director：Kodai Taguchi (3710Lab), Lucas B.B.
Art Direction & Design：Masahiro Ito (Salmon Design)
Writers：Shunya Muraoka, Ayako Kuraishi, Yuria Koizumi
Designers：Yuki Tokuhisa, Akiko Fukazawa (Salmon Design)
Photographer：Eriko Nemoto
Assistant Editors：Kumiko Sato (3710Lab), Teruaki Ishinoda (FLOOAT.inc)
Printing：Fujiwara Printing