International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women to society. It is a day to honour and appreciate women’s accomplishments and the ongoing fight for equality.

This year, we have an inspiring story to share, showcasing the remarkable work of Eri Mayuzumi, a third-generation reishi mushroom grower from Japan. Alongside her family’s legacy as cultivators of high-quality reishi, Eri dedicates her time to giving back to nature and supporting sustainable initiatives. Her work exemplifies the power of women in making positive change in the world.

Reishi Mushroom Legacy

Eri Mayuzumi’s family has a long and rich history as reishi mushroom growers, dating back to the 1930s. Reishi mushrooms—also known as Ganoderma lucidum (Latin), mannentake (Japanese), and ling zhi (Chinese)—have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their many health benefits.

Since childhood, Eri’s life revolved around reishi, and she passionately continues her family’s legacy, relying on natural wood-log cultivation to produce high-quality, safe, and reliable reishi products. With her expertise and dedication, Eri ensures that her family’s knowledge and the healing properties of reishi are shared with the world.

Giving Back to Nature

Aside from her family’s work with reishi, Eri Mayuzumi has a deep appreciation for the natural world and understands the importance of nurturing and protecting the environment. She believes in giving back to nature for providing the means for reishi to grow. Eri has actively involved herself in initiatives that support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations Member States. These goals include protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of ecosystems.

Volunteering for a Sustainable Future

As part of her commitment to the SDGs, Eri Mayuzumi volunteers her time in various initiatives that focus on environmental preservation. Alongside her daughter, Miki, Eri actively contributes to local groups in Gunma Prefecture in Japan. One of their key efforts involves cleaning the forest river, which not only helps maintain the ecosystem’s balance but also ensures the safety and well-being of wildlife.

Their work in protecting wildlife is an essential part of Eri’s vision for a sustainable future. By involving her daughter in these initiatives, she passes on her values and knowledge to the next generation, instilling a sense of responsibility and love for the environment.

Eri Mayuzumi’s story is a testament to the impact women continue to make in their communities and the world. Through her family’s reishi mushroom legacy and her dedication to giving back to nature, she exemplifies the values and spirit of International Women’s Day. Eri’s work as a grower and as an advocate for sustainability showcases the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and protecting our natural resources.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s honour the achievements of women like Eri and continue to work towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Happy International Women’s Day!