Japanese municipalities invited to join youth cultural heritage project

The Kikigaki Koshien Executive Committee, which includes the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has opened applications for municipalities to participate in the 26th Kikigaki Koshien programme scheduled for fiscal year 2027. This initiative invites high school students to visit “masters” of the forest, river, and sea to record their wisdom, techniques, and life philosophies. The committee seeks local governments and regional organisations to recommend these masters and host the participating students.

Kikigaki Koshien serves as a bridge between rural communities and the younger generation. The core of the activity is “Kikigaki,” a method where students conduct one-on-one interviews, record the entire conversation, and transcribe every word to create a written record that captures the master’s unique voice and perspective. This process allows students to absorb the values and experiences of those who have spent decades working in harmony with nature.

The programme targets masters aged approximately 50 and older who possess long-standing expertise in nature-related fields. These include forestry roles such as charcoal makers and hunters, maritime occupations like traditional fishermen and oyster farmers, and cultural artisans such as temple carpenters, thatch-roofers, and practitioners of traditional fermentation. By documenting these skills, the project ensures the inheritance of regional culture and wisdom that might otherwise be lost.

Participating municipalities benefit from the creation of a relationship population, as students often develop a deep bond with the regions they visit. These connections frequently lead to ongoing exchanges, with some participants eventually moving to these rural areas as residents. The initiative also provides masters with a renewed sense of pride and vitality by allowing them to share their life stories with an attentive younger audience.

The application period for municipalities runs till 4 September, while selection will be completed by January 2027.