Nishiawakura, Okayama 

Nishiawakura Village, the winner of the Excellence Award for its sustainable forestry and revitalization efforts given by the Japan Times in 2021, is tucked away deep in the mountains of northern Okayama Prefecture. Japan like many other countries face common challenges, whether addressing climate change, responding to social and economic justice, or preserving cultural, spiritual, and aesthetic traditions while honoring contemporary vision and technology. The 1,300 residents of Nishiawakura responds to these challenges by bridging its abundant natural and local resources together with active community members that are open, creative, and collaborative.

 

If you are interested in witnessing an authentic vision of how local community members live in harmony with the natural environment and integrate aesthetic ideals that permeate Japanese culture (such as “yo-no-bi,” beauty found in modest and humble hand-made items for everyday use and wabi-sabi, beauty in the imperfect, impermanent and incomplete) then you should come and stay awhile in Nishiawakura. The village provides a welcoming ethos offering visitors interaction with community members such as rice farmers and local artists and workshops in crafting pottery, dyeing cloth using tree bark and wild plants, and Japanese confectionery.