Japan’s push for Local First to uplift society and environment

Many countries, cities, and communities worldwide have begun concentrating their efforts toward the purchasing and selling of local goods. Japan is no exception, and with good reason too. The purchase and sale of locally produced goods support small businesses and workers who are not affiliated with large corporations or businesses. A thorough explanation of local first and its importance is required to understand why the Local First trend is on the rise and how it is affecting the community.

What is Local First?

Local First primarily focuses on putting people and small businesses first instead of large conglomerates. This is achieved by building and creating small business chains and local co-ops that make it plausible to stimulate the local economy. Local First concepts also promote activities that lean toward local ownership, which, in turn, aims to meet people’s basic needs, build local wealth, function in harmony with the local ecosystem, and create social capital. It is also imperative to understand why there has been a rise in local first activities.

When larger corporations and businesses move into a new city or neighborhood, it is not uncommon to see closures of local stores and businesses. Furthermore, the growth of big companies can cripple smaller ones. Small stores and entrepreneurs are usually at a disadvantage to corporations since large corporations have resources against which small companies can not match. Moreover, big businesses have the financial resources to hire consultants and, depending on the country, lobbyists who will act on behalf of such companies. This leaves local businesses at a severe disadvantage.

Local First is also sustainable for the environment

The Local First trend may also help stem adverse effects on the environment. Let’s take a large-scale business as an example. Usually, businesses, such as nationwide supermarket chains, have products and items shipped from all over the world. Products made in distant locations are transported to supermarkets; this accounts for a much higher carbon footprint than locally made items. Moreover, packaging products for large stores leads to more waste and plastic, which tend to end up in landfills. Cities and neighborhoods with a local first mindset can help cut down on waste and a heavy carbon footprint.

Another grave issue is food waste. Food waste is a dire problem globally, including Japan. For example, convenience stores within the country are thriving in both large cities and rural towns. However, one store can rack up a daily amount of waste equivalent to approximately 20,000 to 50,000 yen (192 to 480 USD). Turning to locally made food can help reduce waste while simultaneously promoting a Local First attitude.

Here are few examples where the Local First concept has developed around Japan.

Fresh Veggies and Fresh Fruit

One concept that may take the Local First concept in stride is the system of buying local produce in many Japanese countryside towns.

When visiting Japan’s countryside, it is not uncommon to view a vast amount of farmland that produces delicious vegetables and fruits. Many of these farmers have an honor system. Produce is left in a warehouse or stall where passersby can purchase fruits and veggies without the farmers’ supervision. Usually, there is a display of prices for each item. One simply has to leave the money in the prescribed dropbox to take their purchased goods. This sort of economy brings income directly to farmers without reducing profits, which are usually taken by large corporations or a middle man.

Local First Research Group

The Local First Study Group promotes regional revitalization, especially in the town of Chigasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture. The Local First store opened in December 2016 and has established itself as a location for people of all ages to sell and purchase goods, as well as exchange ideas. The Local First store was also able to garner recycled and discarded products to be resold. It came off as a hit and helped steer Chigasaki toward having a more independent market away from larger corporations.

Furthermore, it is also important to note that many small towns and cities in Japan are researching methods to revitalize small shops and local brands within their regions. It is safe to say the Local First Study Group has done just that in Chigasaki.

Eat Local

Japan is home to arguably some of the most consistently delicious food on the planet. Many towns have their own special dishes that use unique ingredients native to their area. This is true for local Japanese diners or restaurants. Usually, these shops are mom and pop operations, and depending on the area, they cost much less than heading to a restaurant chain. Visiting such dine-in locations is promising and helps directly contribute to the local economy.

Sports Park in Chigasaki

The Local First Research Group has also influenced the Yanagishima Sports Park. This project is a full-scale comprehensive sports park. The park is working hard to foster a real community for its residents of Kanagawa by incorporating local companies and businesses into the mix. These businesses should, of course, hold a strong connection to the surrounding community. Yanagishima Sports Park’s Local First concept isn’t just about keeping its community active. The park’s diner also has an array of Japanese-style food made from fresh ingredients. These ingredients are grown locally, which economically helps benefit Chigasaki’s community.

The concept of Local First is more important than ever in Japan. The country is seeing a reduction in locally owned businesses in towns and cities due to various factors, including depopulation. However, it is possible to revitalize the community with a strong local first concept.