Backing Revitalization in Rural Areas: Unearthing the Subtle Heart of the Community Professor, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University Yukihiko SAITO

Professor Yukihiko Saito of the Graduate School of Horticulture stands as a recognized expert in regional planning and a dedicated advocate for the revitalization of depopulated areas. Beyond academic work, he embodies the role of a practitioner, serving as a city manager committed to fostering vibrant, sustainable communities. His success in gaining the trust of local residents—despite being an outsider—lies in his genuine willingness to listen to their concerns and patiently wait for the right moment to act.

Investigating devastated farmlands and building sustainable communities

How did you become interested in regional planning?

My interest in regional planning began during my time in a cycling club as an undergraduate. While cycling through rural villages, I was fascinated by the serene beauty of the landscape. I also have lasting memories of the kindness of locals who share food with me during camping trips in the fields.

After completing my master’s degree, I joined Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), with the intention of working on local train line development. However, I was assigned to the JR Central Towers project in front of Nagoya Station. It was through this experience that I realized my true passion lay not in large-scale urban projects, but in creating local spaces that foster a deep, enduring connection with the community. This realization has shaped my career path and led me to where I am today.

I’ve heard that farmland degradation has become a significant issue recently. Could you share some of the specific problems you are addressing?

As the population declines and ages, the number of vacant houses is increasing, and more farmland is being left unmanaged. This is particularly evident in mountainous areas where the land conditions are harsh. When farmland is no longer maintained, it becomes overrun with weeds, which can negatively affect neighboring crops through the spread of diseases and pests. It also becomes a refuge for wild boars and other animals, leading to increased damage to crops and a further deterioration of the landscape.

I was surprised to learn that the negative effects were greater than I had imagined. What kind of research have you conducted on the degradation of farmland?

I am focusing on the ‘space’ of rural and urban areas. My research examines the location and extent of abandoned farmland, as well as the factors behind farmers being forced to leave their land. At the same time, I am using my findings to contribute to community development. In other words, my work revolves around two main pillars: research and community development.

Please tell us about how you specifically support community development.

Ouchi-juku,* renowned for its beautiful historical scenery, is a celebrated tourist destination where thatched-roofed streets seamlessly blend with the surrounding farmland. However, in recent years, the gradual increase in fallow land has begun to mar this picturesque landscape, sparking concern among residents.

In response, our laboratory conducted a thorough investigation of the abandoned farmland and launched the “Protect the Scenery of Ouchi-juku Project” in collaboration with the local youth association. This collaboration effort aimed to rejuvenate the farmland and preserve the iconic landscape.

A series of in-depth workshops were held with residents, fostering through discussions and deliberations to refine the project’s objectives. Through this collaborative process, two key aspirations emerged: ‘Revitalize the abandoned farmland’ and ‘Cultivate local thatch with their own hands to achieve self-sufficiency for use in the traditional thatched roofs of the community.’ To bring these goals to life, our laboratory members collaborated with the local youth association to clear overgrown weeds from the existing thatched fields and repurposed neglected plots of land to plant thatch seedlings.

The restoration of the thatched field secured roofing materials and preserved the agricultural landscape. However, the most significant outcome was the revitalization of the local spirits: the local youth association could envision a future filled with hope for the community through farm work, interaction, and discussions with our students centered on farmland revitalization. Our current vision is to expand this project into a dynamic enterprise that fosters connections both within the community and visitors. This includes initiatives such as private lodging, immersive thatch-cutting experiences, and a thatched field maze.

Although my background is rooted in architecture, my approach to community development through agriculture took shape after joining Chiba University. My expertise has naturally evolved, finding new expression within the Faculty of Horticulture.

The first step in supporting recovery is to listen to the voices of locals

You have also been involved in recovery efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture. Is the approach to post-earthquake recovery different from general regional revitalization?

I believe that earthquake recovery fundamentally aligns with the principles of community development during peacetime. The process involves consistent dialogue with residents and the following process: (1) analyze the current state of the community, (2) identify key challenges, (3) explore potential solutions, and (4) take action to implement them.

After extensive discussions with residents, we consolidated their opinions and identified three primary issues: ‘relocation to higher ground,’ ‘construction of seawalls,’ and ‘utilization of tsunami-affected land.’ These concerns were them complied into a formal request, which were submitted to the local government. For the tsunami-affected land, we focused on leveraging the unique characteristics of the local shopping district and surrounding area. Drawing inspiration from successful commercial revitalization efforts nationwide and utilizing national support systems, we eventually solidified a plan. As a first step in revitalizing the shopping district, we launched the idea of hosting a morning market.

A year of discussion took place before the morning market was held. Why did you take so much time to revitalize the community?

Our priority is always the benefit of the community. Our role is not to take the lead but to empower residents to move towards the future they envision for themselves. Rather than stepping in as leaders, we stay in the background, waiting for the right moment to act. This approach ensures that the community’s motivation remains strong because when experts take over, residents often lose their drive. In conversations with residents, the real insights often lie hidden in casual remarks. We make it a point to listen deeply and without preconceived notions, creating space for those ideas to emerge originally.

It was important that the residents themselves expressed the desire to develop plans for the tsunami-affected areas. While it’s commendable when experts take the initiative to organize events, such activities often lose momentum once the experts leave.
The real turning point comes when residents take ownership of their community’s future, proactively planning and executing projects on their own. It’s a process that takes time, but it’s deeply rewarding to witness a community find its footing and take charge of its destiny.

Have you noticed any challenges while supporting recovery efforts?

Japan’s urban planning often focuses heavily on infrastructure development, and the same approach has been applied to reconstruction in disaster-affected areas, prioritizing roads, seawalls, and land elevation. However, the real struggles faced by disaster victims revolve around rebuilding their lives—finding a home to live in and securing employment. Reconstruction projects that channel massive investments into roads and seawalls often appear deeply contradictory. In many cases, while infrastructure has been improved, the issue of population decline following the disaster remains unresolved.

You are also participating in recovery efforts on the Noto Peninsula after working in Ofunato City.

Residents of Suzu City, who had visited Ofunato to observe the recovery initiatives there, introduced me to the region. Recognizing that my experience in Ofunato could be valuable, I decided to get involved. I will also lead the recovery initiative for disaster-affected areas nationwide as the Director of the Rural Planning Committee for the Architectural Institute of Japan, which I was appointed in April 2024.

My goal is to carefully respect and incorporate the region’s unique characteristics and culture into a resident-centered recovery plan, collaboratively developed with the community. This plan will then be integrated into the local government’s official strategy. To truly understand the needs and perspectives of the disaster-affected residents, I stayed in the evacuation centers and engaged in lengthy, in-depth discussions with them. While it was quite a physically demanding experience, it was essential to create a meaningful and effective recovery plan.

Perpetuating the beauty of rural scenery

Please share your thoughts on the key mindset needed for regional planning.

A vital mindset in regional planning is to uncover the ‘extraordinary’ feature within the seemingly ordinary, think with precision, and communicate with clarity. Everyday life often appears routine, yet hidden within it are profound truths waiting to be discovered. I encourage students to closely examine specific occurrences within the community, view them from the perspective of residents, and express this in their insights in their own words.

By compiling case studies on regional revitalization, shared patterns gradually emerge. However, it is essential to avoid rushing into broad generalizations, while also recognizing that research confined to individual cases without seeking universal insights will have limited applicability.

What kind of future do you envision through your research?

While my work may appear broad and varied as I tackle various challenges in depopulated areas—such as abandoned farmland, declining population, and vacant houses—my core focus remains steadfast: ensuring the sustainability of rural spaces. My research is driven by the hope of creating a future where the land remains fertile, producing abundant and flavorful crops and where vibrant communities can thrive for generations to come.

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