Theme
INAKA and AKIYA (Rural Japan and Abandoned Houses)
Introduction
Welcome to INAKA NO ARUKIKATA: The Art of Immersion in Rural Japan! Following our successful inaugural event, we are excited to announce our next encounter, where we will delve into the theme of “INAKA and AKIYA” – the abandoned houses of rural Japan. This time, we will be joined by Marco, an Italian architect residing in the local area of Nara.
With the depopulation of Japanese society, especially in rural areas, the issue of Akiya has become increasingly prevalent. These abandoned houses not only detract from the beauty of rustic landscapes but also pose challenges for local communities. However, there is a growing trend of urban dwellers moving to rural areas to renovate old houses, sometimes with the intention of promoting tourism.
Join us as we explore the intersection between rural life, Akiya, and tourism, and learn from Marco’s experiences in addressing these issues through architecture and community revitalization efforts.
Guest
Our guest for this session is Marco
Profile
Hi! I’m Marco, an Italian architect working and living in Japan.
I moved to Japan in late 2019, starting from the snowy island of Hokkaidō (northern Japan), just before Corona endemic.
After two years in Sapporo, I moved to the ancient capital Nara in Kansai prefecture, where I now live.
Currently, I’m happy to work in an Architecture firm in Osaka as designer and the person in charge of heritage buildings renovation projects.
Thanks to my work, I’m directly involved in many different revitalization projects of rural villages and old architectures. Every time I’m fascinated to see those places and meet people that seems to be still from centuries ago.
Even if Nara is a famous tourist destination, every month historical buildings are torn down to make space for cheap real estate houses. I decided to take action personally buying one Akiya (abandoned house) and renovating it by myself on a tight budget, in order to clearly demonstrate the many advantages and the beauty that this kind of architecture has.
Date and Time
2024/04/28 (Sun) 17:00 to 18:30 JST
Feel free to join at your convenience. It’s okay to join or leave midway.
Online Event
Zoom (we will send the Zoom link to the people who enroll)
Who Can Participate
Anyone keen on rural Japan and wants to connect with like-hearted people.
Language
Simple Japanese. We are highly concerned about cross-cultural communication, so if you are interested in the Japanese language, this will also be a chance to immerse yourself with people. If you do not understand, do not hesitate to ask us.
Application
https://forms.gle/yrQym6wKds2VtA257
Fill out the form in the link and send it before the 20th of March.
Program
Opening: Introduction of ThoughINAKA: an overview of the event.
Guest Presentation: Presentation by our guest about rural life and experiences. Discussion on their endeavors in rural areas.
Q&A: Question and answer session between participants and guests. Exchange of opinions and experiences.
Networking: Time for participants to interact and exchange information with each other.
We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching event!
What is INAKA NO ARUKIKATA
Welcome to INAKA NO ARUKIKATA: The Art of Immersion in Rural Japan! Despite the increasing number of foreigners living in Japan, only a fraction opt for rural areas, leaving the allure of rural Japan relatively untapped. Through this program, we aim to bridge the gap by engaging with individuals who have embraced the essence of Japanese ‘Inaka’ or rural life. Whether they call it home or passionately support specific regions for diverse reasons, each person has a unique story to share. It’s our privilege to listen and learn from them, and through ThoughINAKA, we endeavor to feature these remarkable individuals and offer a platform to share their stories.
Purpose
We aim to highlight and recognize the exceptional individuals who have embraced rural life in Japan. As rural areas grapple with depopulation and an absence of young residents, the significance of foreigners in revitalizing these communities cannot be overstated. Through this program, we seek to shed light on the valuable contributions made by individuals who have chosen to live in or support rural Japan. We aim to foster mutual understanding and appreciation between rural residents and foreigners by sharing their stories. Furthermore, we aspire to inspire others to engage with and endorse these individuals’ endeavors, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and vibrancy of rural Japan.
