Satoyama~Authentic Japan

We will expand the field of view from efforts focused on satoyama, the natural areas around farmlands, to include satokawa and satoumi bordering rivers and the sea, and will collect, share and disseminate a wide range of practical information such as matching these efforts with existing industries, sales and distribution networks for new products, and tourism from abroad.

NTT ArtTechnology shows regional art anywhere, anytime

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

Culture can be a powerful tool to invigorate a region because everything else — the economy, society, education, people’s lives...

First Ronnie Prize aims to revive traditional Japanese crafts

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

JapanCraft21, a volunteer group that aims to reinvigorate Japan’s traditional crafts, is launching its first Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contest,...

Tottori game meat spices up dinner table while curbing waste

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Game birds and animals have been attracting attention in recent years in Japan not only as healthy, flavorful delicacies but...

Mutsu turns waste into grapes, dolphins and history into tourism

Maiko Muraoka
contributing writer

The city of Mutsu in Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of Honshu, has inspiring examples of how a rural...

Citizen revitalization projects take root in Tsukuba district

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the Oda district of the city of Tsukuba, citizens are starting to engage in projects aimed at revitalizing the...

Living history: You could spend a night in a castle

Although castles are one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, not many people know you can actually spend a night...

Fukuyama Castle, the only one built with iron plates in Japan

City of Fukuyama

The venerable Fukuyama Castle is getting a grand renewal ahead of its 400th anniversary, restoring the history-scarred landmark to its...

Small but creative Toyooka has outsized presence

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The small coastal city of Toyooka has developed renowned presence by imaginatively developing the vitality of its economy and community....

Green economic recovery requires sustained effort

Japan Times Satoyama Consortium

With major nations starting to show commitment to a green economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing sustainability will be...

With sea and sake, using business to revitalize regions

Japan Times Satoyama Consortium

Various efforts are being made by stakeholders, both public and private, to revitalize rural areas in Japan. Using the power...

Urbanites work to help sustain rural areas

Japan Times Satoyama Consortium

Setouchi Jam’s Garden, a jam producer on the remote Suo Oshima island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, contributes to the local economy...

Local economies leaning into sustainability

Japan Times Satoyama Consortium

The city of Mutsu in Aomori Prefecture manages a circular regional economy using existing resources. Activities and projects to realize...

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