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― Creating a Place to Call Home through the Rhythm of Satoyama ―
In an era of urban concentration and rural depopulation, we seek to redefine the relationship between city dwellers and the countryside. For those who grew up in cities without a rural "hometown," we offer more than tourism.
Our goal is to foster "Kikyo-Jinko" (Returnee Population)—people who don't just visit, but belong. Through the cultivation of rice in Wakasa, Tottori, we create a sustainable connection that feels like coming home.
Note: “Uchige” is a Tottori dialect meaning “My Home.”
We move beyond providing services. Participants are not "tourists" consuming a product, but "temporary residents" engaging with the cycles of nature. By getting their hands in the soil, the rice field becomes "their place."
I. Psychological Ownership
It is not just "farming labor." It is the act of checking on "my own field." We build a system where participants feel a sense of responsibility and affection for the growth of the crop.
II. Staying Connected: The "Uchige" Online Community
Distance should not mean disconnection. Through a closed SNS group, we maintain the bond:Live updates on the rice growth.
Daily whispers from local farmers.Community dialogue among participants.
III. Embracing Raw Reality
We utilize local resources—old farmhouses, closed schools, and community halls. We offer no luxury services. The core value lies in the inconvenience and the inherent uncertainty of rural life. We accept things exactly as they are.
June|Rice Planting
Initial community building & understanding motivations.
August|Weeding
Deepening online dialogue & testing commitment.
October|Harvesting
Sharing results & confirming intent to return.
Winter|Review
Analyzing the sustainability of the relationship.
Return Rate: Number of visits per year and intent for next year.
Engagement: Interaction levels within the closed SNS community.
Local Connection: Spontaneous interactions with Wakasa residents.
Economic Impact: Continued purchase of local products.
We aim to build a phased model for dual-habitation (living in both city and country). Eventually, this will connect to the revitalization of vacant houses and solving local challenges, creating a permanent bridge between urban life and rural heritage.
つづく