Citizen revitalization projects take root in Tsukuba district
In the Oda district of the city of Tsukuba, citizens are starting to engage in projects aimed at revitalizing the community with support from older generations. “There were many small groups ...
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 in a 400-year-old castle. Jun Tarikino, CEO of Value Management ...
Fukuyama Castle, the only one built with iron plates in Japan
The venerable Fukuyama Castle is getting a grand renewal ahead of its 400th anniversary, restoring the history-scarred landmark to its Edo Period appearance. One of Japan’s top 100 castles, it was ...
Small but creative Toyooka has outsized presence
The small coastal city of Toyooka has developed renowned presence by imaginatively developing the vitality of its economy and community. “We have been making efforts to create new things to reinforce the local identity,” said Mayor Muneharu Nakagai in an online chat organized by the ...
Green economic recovery requires sustained effort
With major nations starting to show commitment to a green economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing sustainability will be key to both regional revitalization and fostering businesses run according to environmental, social and corporate governance factors (ESG.) “Achieving sustainability would ensure full lives for ...
Various efforts are being made by stakeholders, both public and private, to revitalize rural areas in Japan. Using the power of business is an effective way to reinvigorate regions, and rejuvenated communities can in return support the sustainability of businesses. Businesses that grow with ...
The Hokkaido town of Niseko is known not only for the high-quality powder snow that draws skiers from around the world, but also for its residents who are proactive in the town’s management. The town’s total commitment to information disclosure is the basis for ...
Setouchi Jam’s Garden, a jam producer on the remote Suo Oshima island in Yamaguchi Prefecture, contributes to the local economy by selling jams made of local produce to tourists and online with the help of a web marketer living and working in Tokyo. The ...
The city of Mutsu in Aomori Prefecture manages a circular regional economy using existing resources. Activities and projects to realize such an economy have accelerated since Soichiro Miyashita became mayor six years ago. “It is important to think how to include the whole region in ...
Japan alliance hopes to recycle 100% of plastic products by 2050
With 2015 research led by University of Georgia professor Jenna Jambeck revealing that approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste flows into the ocean every year, combating marine plastic litter has emerged as a major global challenge. Since the challenge is too immense for a ...
Engagement of nonresidents can be effective in revitalizing rural communities and their industries. At the same time, there are certain things that are only possible through utilizing existing regional resources of rural, mountain and seaside areas that people, especially nonresidents, find valuable. “We intend to ...
Satoyama capitalism is a new concept of capitalism that centers around effective use of natural resources in creating new values to foster a sustainable future for local communities. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the idea of satoyama capitalism is being increasingly embraced and ...
