Saving Japan’s Countryside

Summary

In this heartfelt reflection, the speaker recounts their journey through Japan, from childhood in Yokohama to discovering the remote Iya Valley, a place that became their sanctuary. They share the challenges faced by rural villages due to depopulation and the revitalizing power of sustainable tourism. Through the restoration of abandoned homes, they’ve brought new life to Iya and other villages. However, the speaker emphasizes the dangers of over-tourism, urging a shift towards mindful travel that benefits locals and preserves cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of responsible tourism in the post-Corona era.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on his early experiences in Japan, including his time as a young boy in Yokohama and later hitchhiking around Japan in college.
• 😀 The speaker discovered a special place in Japan, Iya Valley, which became the foundation of his love for the country’s natural environment and village life.
• 😀 He bought an abandoned house in Iya Valley called 'Chi Ori,' meaning 'House of the Flute,' which he restored and lived in with the local villagers.
• 😀 The speaker's experiences and deep connection with Japan's rural life inspired him to write a book, 'Lost Japan,' focusing on village life and the natural beauty of Japan.
• 😀 Depopulation is a significant issue in Japan's rural villages, with an aging population and the decline of agriculture and forestry, leading to houses falling into disrepair.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the speaker believes there is hope for rural Japan through sustainable tourism, which has brought new life to the area.
• 😀 The speaker’s foundation restored abandoned houses in Iya Valley, making them comfortable and renting them out, which has brought young people back to the village.
• 😀 The success of Iya Valley's tourism restoration has led to similar projects in other villages, with hundreds of houses being restored across Japan.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that tourism, while beneficial, can also be a double-edged sword, leading to overcrowding, cultural damage, and environmental degradation in popular destinations like Kyoto and Mount Everest.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for a new philosophy of tourism, where travelers choose less crowded, more authentic destinations that can benefit local communities without causing harm.
• 😀 As an ambassador for Japan’s tourism, the speaker wrote a book called 'Destroying the Nation with Tourism,' urging travelers to consider their impact and the importance of sustainable tourism in the post-Corona era.

Q & A

What is the significance of Iya Valley in the speaker's personal journey?

Iya Valley holds a special place in the speaker's heart because it represents a 'magic' and peaceful retreat in Japan, where they found both inspiration and a deep connection with the environment, despite its isolation and challenges.

How did the speaker contribute to the revival of Iya Valley?

The speaker, while still in college, bought an abandoned house in Iya Valley and restored it. This effort led to the establishment of a model for sustainable tourism by converting old houses into rental accommodations, which revitalized the local economy.

What does the speaker mean by the 'snake in Eden' in relation to Iya Valley?

The 'snake in Eden' refers to the challenge of depopulation in rural Japan, including Iya Valley. The decline in agriculture, forestry, and the aging population posed a threat to the survival of these villages, overshadowing their natural beauty.

How has tourism impacted Iya Valley's economy?

Tourism has helped revive the Iya Valley by attracting visitors who support the local economy. The restoration of houses and the introduction of modern amenities have made it possible for tourists to stay comfortably, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

What are the broader implications of the speaker’s work in Iya Valley?

The speaker’s work in Iya Valley serves as a model for other rural areas in Japan, showing that sustainable tourism can help combat depopulation and preserve local traditions, environment, and economy.

What is the speaker’s stance on the effects of over-tourism in places like Kyoto?

The speaker criticizes over-tourism, which leads to overcrowded and commercialized sites, diminishing the authenticity of experiences like the bamboo path in Kyoto. The damage includes cultural degradation and environmental harm.

How does the speaker describe international tourism as a global problem?

The speaker highlights over-tourism as a worldwide issue that causes harm to both the environment and cultural heritage. They cite examples like Venice and Mount Everest, where overcrowding and mismanagement have led to serious consequences.

What is the key argument made in the speaker's book, 'Destroying the Nation with Tourism'?

In the book, the speaker argues that while tourism is beneficial for places like Iya Valley, it must be carefully managed to avoid negative impacts. Sustainable tourism that respects both local communities and the environment is essential for the future.

What is the 'new philosophy of tourism' that the speaker advocates for?

The speaker advocates for a new approach to tourism where travelers focus on visiting smaller, less commercialized villages. This philosophy encourages tourism that supports local economies, preserves culture, and allows travelers to experience authentic cultural immersion.

What is the speaker’s personal choice regarding tourism after the pandemic?

The speaker now prefers to visit small villages instead of famous, overcrowded sites like Machu Picchu. They believe that this approach not only benefits locals but also allows for a deeper, more personal connection with the local culture.