Gaia Series 53 : Bringing the future to your hometown

Nasushiobara, a city rich in history and culture, is making a spirited effort to revitalise its community through innovative uses of traditional crafts.

Nestled in the picturesque Tochigi Prefecture, Nasushiobara is a place where tradition meets innovation. This week’s episode takes viewers on a journey through the city’s rich history, its attempts to revitalise the community, and its unwavering resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Nasushiobara is home to Shiobara Onsen, a hot spring resort boasting a 1,200-year history. This site has been a sanctuary for many, offering tranquillity and rejuvenation. The resort’s charm lies not only in its hot springs but also in its dairy products, ranking second nationally in 2022. The delicious ice cream produced here is a testament to the region’s thriving agricultural tradition. With 7.51 million visitors annually, it stands as one of Kanto's most popular tourist destinations.

Nasushiobara once had the potential to become Japan's new capital. The city is conveniently accessible, being only a 70-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo. In 1990, a plan was proposed to move the National Parliament and other buildings to the city, aiming to decentralise power from Tokyo. Deputy Prime Minister Michio Watanabe, a native of the area, championed this initiative. His grandson, Mayor Michitaro Watanabe, reflects on this era: "It wasn’t just a pipe dream. There was a real chance the capital would move here." 

The plan was eventually abandoned and the city experienced a period of stagnation – a problem many rural areas in Japan face – which was exacerbated by an ageing and dwindling population. 

However, Nasushiobara has continued to seek ways to invigorate its community. The episode highlights the city's current mayor, Michitaro Watanabe, and his efforts to breathe new life into the region. "If we don't do anything, things will continue to stagnate. We are in a very delicate place," he notes.

One innovative effort is showcased through the work of Mr Yuta Ito from Nasushiobara City Hall. He was seconded to Tokyo’s Happo-en, a luxurious wedding venue, to gather ideas on community revitalisation. Ito, who had never lived in a massive city, adjusted to a new lifestyle, commuting on packed trains and assisting customers at the MuSuBu store. This store, which promotes various regional areas, has become a source of inspiration for Ito.

A significant part of Nasushiobara’s cultural heritage is its kyogi, paper-thin strips of wood traditionally used for wrapping food. Shimakura Sangyo, a local company, has been producing kyogi for 70 years. However, competition from plastic companies has drastically reduced the number of kyogi factories from 20 to just one. The episode follows Ito as he brings Yoshinori Inoue, CEO of Happo-en, to Shimakura Sangyo to explore new ways of utilising kyogi.

Inoue proposes using kyogi in interior design, suggesting it be displayed as art. This idea sparks a collaborative effort to revive the craft of producing ultra-thin kyogi. “It is really hard for us to get our hands on high-quality materials,” says Akihide Shimakura, a craftsman at Shimakura Sangyo. Despite the challenges, they aim to produce kyogi of 0.04 millimetres thickness, opening up new possibilities for this traditional material.

Nasushiobara’s resilience is further demonstrated through its disaster preparedness initiatives. The episode highlights the community’s proactive approach in dealing with potential natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. The town holds regular evacuation drills and has constructed multiple tsunami evacuation towers. These towers, which can accommodate up to 230 people, are essential in ensuring the safety of residents.

In the face of these challenges, the community has found innovative ways to support itself. One such example is the local canned food industry. Led by Kimio Tomonaga, a former disaster prevention officer, the industry has trademarked the "34 metres" brand, symbolising the town's preparedness for a potential 34-metre tsunami. The factory produces handmade canned foods using local ingredients, achieving annual sales of approximately 100 million yen ($872,000 SGD). “It is really important to have food that is very much of Kochi,” says Tomonaga, emphasising the significance of familiar and comforting food in times of crisis.

The episode concludes with a heartwarming look at the community’s efforts to support one another. From local workshops teaching new uses for kyogi to the production of innovative canned foods, Nasushiobara demonstrates a remarkable spirit of resilience and innovation. As Mayor Watanabe puts it, "We can't rest on our laurels. There is no time to lose."

Nasushiobara’s story is one of tradition, innovation, and unyielding community spirit. This episode beautifully captures the essence of a city determined to honour its heritage while forging a path towards a vibrant future.