The upcoming Festival of Life (Inochi no Matsuri) in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture takes as its theme "symbiosis," or the coexistence of humans with all other life forms.
From natural childbirth and human rights to environmentally conscious homebuilding and women's international peacemaking, the nine-day event in the Japan Alps (Aug. 1-9) will feature solar-powered music performances, camping, activities for children, meditation, art installations and workshops on women's health.
Perhaps the most important feature, though, will be the chance for people from all over Japan to share ideas on how to make human interaction with the Earth less destructive than it has been before.