It was two summers ago now that I went down to Tokyo and met up with @cryptomancer,

one of the first Steemians I would meet in “real life.” It was such a warm experience. Meeting people who are more from your tribe...people who you don’t actually know, outside of cyberspace.

Cryptomancer bought me a sushi dinner, and we talked about our families, Steem, and crypto in general. I left Tokyo after that trip feeling more grounded, less “crazy,” and more alive. I wasn’t alone. These Steemians I talk to online are real people, and so often seem to be salt of the earth type people.

I would later meet @nicksikorski in “real life,”

after being connected with him here on Steem and on Facebook for a while. In fact, that’s where I’m headed right now, riding this nearly empty highway bus into the hills of Nagano to check out the beginnings of his new project.

Headed to the hills on an empty bus.

---

Nick came to see me first in “meatspace” I believe in...February? of this year. It was great. Another salt of the earth being, looking to make this planet a more voluntary and safe place to be. A more logical and sensible place. Again, I felt connected with a member of my tribe. We anarchists aren’t crazy. It’s the coercionists that have “lost it.”

Steem City Niigata.

I’m pretty happy about what’s taking shape here in Niigata, as well. There are now five folks other than myself from the city on Steemit.com. Just last week my friend @maxinpower joined, and has been blogging like a mutha! Be sure to check him out and support his blog.

Just today another good buddy joined. Look for him in an upcoming introduce yourself post as @thediyguy. I can’t wait!!! We had some sign up problems today, but it all worked out in the end.

On top of this, we of course have my wife, @mslight2016st, the Steem veteran @boxcarblue, as well as @rawselectmusic and @musingsltd. We’ve got a veritable Steem City being built here. Guess we’ll have to organize a meetup soon.

What’s the value of this for me?

---

I want the world to be a safer and more fair place. Here on Steem, what you work for is what you get. Nobody can use the Steem you earn but you. There is no middleman siphoning away your financial power. This dignifies us once again as human beings, and makes us want to put forth our best efforts.

Steemit has brought something totally new into my life. The self exploration. The networking. Knowing I’m not alone in rejecting the current status quo. Exchanging value for value in the form of thoughts, ideas, and monetary compensation. Compensation for doing what I’ve always been passionate about, but never been paid for. I’m excited about this.

It’s helping me be more fully me. And more fully free. I’m hoping others can feel the same and experience more freedom, happiness, and a greater presence of something no amount of money can replace:

human relationship.

~KafkA

---

Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)