rural revitalization

Who would’ve thought that a Colombian tradition would make it all the way to Japan? Especially with unpredictable weather and rain? But the response was amazing!

Experience how jazz brought new life to the historic Ichinohe Mandaikan theater, blending music, culture, and intimacy in the heart of Tohoku.

In northern Japan, the autumn season brings a series of festivals, known locally as aki matsuri (秋まつり), celebrating the harvest, nature, and local heritage. These festivals remain particularly distinctive, often overlooked by travelers. In this article, I will guide you on how to understand, experience, and enjoy them correctly, so read until the very end!

Discover a one-of-a-kind event in Kuji where sumo wrestlers serve you lunch after a close-up training session. A heartwarming and unforgettable cultural experience in Iwate!

Three towns. Three stories. One question: What’s next for the Japanese countryside? Around the world, big cities attract younger generations with promises of opportunity, culture, and connection, but facing overcrowding, overtourism, and skyrocketing living costs. Meanwhile, rural towns are shrinking, often overlooked and underimagined. This piece explores how small Japanese towns are rewriting that narrative with creativity, community, and bold ideas.