Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Jul 26, 2015
Even the departed are abandoning Japan's countryside
by Amy Chavez
At a time when Japan is trying to revitalize the countryside, the dead are being relocated to the big cities.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Aug 27, 2014
On this island, depopulation isn't the problem — inertia is
by Amy Chavez
There is one thing most people don't realize about this island paradise amid the Seto Inland Sea: that despite many people wanting to move here, none of them can.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Apr 20, 2014
by Amy Chavez
In 2004, the job of looking after the local foreigner went to Rikimatsu-san, a 75-year-old fisherman intent on teaching me the ways of the Seto Inland Sea.
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Nov 29, 2013
Islanders must think bigger to thrive, not just survive
by Amy Chavez
As a resident, may I be so bold as to suggest that we don't need an NPO to save our island from aging and depopulation. What we need is for an NPO, or anyone, to save our island from itself!
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Nov 15, 2013
A war of words over butchered English
by Amy Chavez
The student wanted to make a brochure in English, aimed at attracting foreign tourists to Shiraishi. The English title of her presentation was “Come on my Island!”