AGING & DECLINING POPULATION IN JAPAN's RURAL AREAS
Japan is rich in craft culture, but many traditional artisans based outside urban centers are struggling to attract young apprentices interested in preserving these crafts.
The aging population has led to the decline of many rural towns, with deteriorating infrastructure and a lack of investment and community engagement.
Despite local government’s incentive to attract young urbanites to relocate to rural areas, major concern remains:
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suitable lifestyle and job opportunities
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lack of social activities & social companions
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“rundown”infrastructure (many school, nursery, hospitals have to close down due to low population)
The "uncommon norms" of rural towns in Japan
ABANDONED PROPERTIES
Population in rural areas continue to age and decline, resulting in unclaimed and abandoned properties. Young family members who live and work in metropolitan areas do not want to inherit rural properties, where property tax is a financial burden. Many buildings are in poor and unsafe condition, creating a burden for local governments to monitor and/or demolish.
As a town declines, properties with historic value lacks the resource to preserve, restore or re-purpose. We see many rural towns fighting their way to be endorsed as National Treasure or World’s Heritage hoping to receive sustaining funds in maintenance while drawing travelers’ attention to energise the town.
However, tourism may not be the sustainable solution for all. Some the towns do not have enough tourist attractions to sustain mass tourist industry, and unmanaged tourism could disrupt local livelihood, causing more harm and tension than good.
NICHE MARKET, OUTDATED SYSTEM AND PRODUCTS
Craft tradition in Japan remains a practice of mastering tools and material, perfecting skills and techniques; though some of the products and objects no longer meet the needs and taste of modern lifestyle. Hand-made process also makes it difficult to meet the demands of large quantity commercial orders. The market is becoming niche.
The traditional apprenticeship system is failing. When Masters is unable to support live-in apprentice. (Tradtionally apprentice moves in to the Master’s studio with a stipend to commit in learning the craft while assisting work at least 4 years.
OVER-TOURISM in TOKYO, OSAKA, KYOTO
Uneven distribution of resources.
While we rejoice over how fast tourism rebounce after the pandemic, we are also facing immediate negative impact from overtourism in Tokyo and Kyoto.
It is disheartening to hear a Kyoto resident repeatedly missed getting off his destination bus-stop because the bus was too crowded with tourists. It is enraging to see a scene of real-estate flipping in Kyoto for the "hotel & guesthouse rush". This led to jacking-up of land and property prices while drawing large crowds to quiet residential neighborhoods disrupting local residents' lives.
Overcrowded transportation and sidewalks, environmental impact, social-economical impact... something to think about as responsible travelers.
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