Bamboo clearing to revive Ryuo historic castle town and spark revitalization

A community-led project in the historic Ryuo district of Ajimu is working to revitalise the former castle town, tackling rural decline by clearing invasive bamboo to restore the area’s cultural and natural landscape. It is being spearheaded by Oita-based Dream Farmers JAPAN Inc., in hopes to address the challenges of an ageing population and increasing vacant homes that threaten the region’s heritage.

The manager of a local guesthouse was inspired to act after witnessing the town’s gradual decline. She compared the situation to a person’s health, stating that preventative action is needed before a full recovery becomes difficult. The Ryuo district is rich with historical assets, including the former site of a castle town for the Ryuo domain, a high concentration of traditional kote-e plaster reliefs, and the scenic Kojoike Pond, a registered World Agricultural Heritage site. The project aims to prevent these assets from fading into obscurity.

A primary challenge is the environmental issue known as takegai, or bamboo blight. The fast-growing plant is encroaching on farmland, blocking sunlight from crops, and creating hazards on local roads. To combat this, the project organises monthly bamboo-clearing events, which also serve to build community spirit and attract visitors. Local students from Ajimu High School have become involved, operating a cafe during the events.

The revitalisation plan is structured in three stages. The first stage, “Nigiwai” (Bustle), focuses on restoring the landscape and creating activity through the bamboo-clearing events. The second stage, “Itonami” (Livelihood), aims to restart local commerce by holding markets and workshops, reviving the economic activity of the town’s past. A renovated storehouse, the “Ryuo Yoriai-gura,” will serve as a community hub, library, and information centre. The final stage, “Kurashi” (Living), seeks to create a sustainable community by attracting new residents to the area.

To further its goals, the project is currently raising funds to install a new signboard detailing the area’s attractions, purchase tools for bamboo maintenance, and acquire tables and chairs for the community space. The company believes that its own growth is tied to the prosperity of the region. To support the project, they are currently crowdfunding on the platform READYFOR.