A Rural Area Called Nursing Home

I've been participating in events a lot lately. Perhaps because of that, holding events in the countryside gives a different impression compared to those in urban areas. The Wood Festival held in Yoshino Town in October and the Mind Trail from September to November have something in common – the organizers and their collaborators are external individuals.

What Crucial For The Event Is Energy

Those involved have their own jobs, except for event companies where the situation is different. They prepare for events in their free time, which requires a considerable amount of physical strength after regular working hours or overtime. It's even more challenging for those with long commutes. However, if the event falls short, there may not be another opportunity. Local events without support from the local community might not succeed. This raises another question: why not let the local people do it? If they do, there will be a certain level of support through the connections of residents living there. However, they lack the energy, and most likely, no one will even start drawing the plan.

A Countryside Can Be Considered As A Retirement Home

The lack of energy is one reason why the Wood Festival and Mind Trail were organized by external individuals. Creating something from scratch is difficult and exhausting. The average age in Japan is 48, and it's even higher in rural areas. Imagining something new emerging from a retirement home is not easy. Similarly, high-calorie activities are less likely to originate in rural areas.

The Choice Is Between Letting The Town You Were Born And Raised In Disappear Or Accepting External Influences To Survive

So, my heartfelt message is this: embrace the external, be tolerant. I don't think many people would be happy to see the town they grew up in disappear. If the choice is between disappearing and accepting outsiders to preserve the town's name, most would choose the latter. I deeply hope that the people of Yoshino Town become more tolerant.

Bye!