IDEAS FOR GOODAdministrative offices of Japan’s regional areas have invested tremendous efforts to introduce policies which revitalizes Japan’s regional economy. Examples include unique product development and the maintenance of childcare institutions. On day 2 of the Sustainable Brands 2019 Tokyo (SB2019 Tokyo), a variety of sessions and symposiums introduced new perspectives to current approaches for regional revitalization.
In this article, we will cover two sessions, “Regional Revitalization in the Forefront of SDGs” and “Redesigning Regional Economies” that supports adding value to regional economies. We will also find that the hint for revitalization might be striving for a sustainable city.
“Regional Revitalization in the Forefront of SDGs” Session Panelists
- Facilitator: Mr Sasaya Hidemitsu, Consultant/Adviser, Ito En Ltd
- Panelists: Mr Abe Shuichi (Governor of Nagano Prefecture), Mr Ota Noboru (Mayor of Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture), Mr Murakami Shuzo (President, Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation (IBEC)), Ms Tanaka Risa (President/Headmaster, Advanced Academic Agency, Graduate School of Project Design)
“The Forefront of SDGs for Regional Revitalization” came under SB2019’s special event “Mirai Machi Tsukuri Forum” (translate: “Forum for Creating a Future Town”). This symposium is essentially a dialogue between participating speakers of different career backgrounds. The list of professionals includes a governor, mayor, officials from juridical foundations and educational institutions. This discussion saw a number of viewpoints on the implementation of regional revitalization and SDGs.
Sustainable Cities and Communities as a foundation for SDGs
It’s easy to have the impression that the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) were established solely to help undeveloped countries. However, these 17 goals also play a huge role in contributing to regional revitalization.
Goal 11 of the SDGs is known as Sustainable Cities and Communities. We can use Goal 11 as a focal point while applying the remaining 16 goals to regional issues. Not only does this boosts SDGs’ completion rate, it also realizes the collaboration between industries, the government, academia, finance, labor union, and the mass media.
Using SDGs as the stepping stone for partnerships
Ms Tanaka Risa, President and Headmaster of Advanced Academic Agency, Graduate School of Project Design, expressed her opinion from industrial and academic points of view.
“It is necessary that relevant information is disseminated and made accessible through search engines. This would subsequently allow anyone to fully grasp the role of SDGs from the world of business, and to further hone their own crafts. This builds a larger community of people from different industries, the government, academia, finance, labor union, and the mass media.”
Mr. Murakami Shuzo is the President of the Institute for Building Environment and Energy Conservation (IBEC), which advocates SDGs Future Cities. He states, “while there are many towns and districts promoting regional revitalization, municipalities certified as SDGs Future Cities have displayed a strong emphasis on the uniqueness of its local government. These regions could set an example for other regions to follow with their own initiatives.”
Local city leaders support sustainable cities too
Mr Ota Noboru, Mayor of Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture states, “SDGs is a policy for cities themselves. The possibilities are also countless from the perspective of a global citizen. Mountains are Maniwa city’s natural resources. Wooden construction materials such as cross-laminated timber used in Maniwa city are made from lumber and biomass power generated by waste materials produced by mountainous regions.”
Nagano prefecture was selected as one of SDGs Future Cities in view of its outstanding efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. Mr Abe Shuichi, Governor of Nagano Prefecture, emphasized how “it is imperative to solidify the structure of SDGs and its initiatives by including businesses in administrative decisions.
“The outflow of the younger generation from the inner cities is a prevailing issue at Nagano prefecture. Building a new prefecture university of academic and business was to counter that. There are also plans to utilize idle resources as part of the forest management system for Nagano Prefecture.”
SDGs Future Cities location in Japan. Green coloured cities include the presence of self-sustaining businesses. (Extract from Office for Promotion of Regional Revitalization, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan)
This symposium truly represents the motto of SDGs to “leave no one behind”. It promotes collaboration between the local community, the administration offices with deep networks, and the enterprises who are experienced in monetization. Partnerships are born through such communication, which grants the births of new values with SDGs as the core.
“Redesigning Regional Economies” Session Panelists
- Facilitator: Mr Adachi Naoki, Producer, SB Tokyo Sustainability
- Panelists: Mr Yamada Taku (CEO, Chura-boshi Company), Mr Okano Yutaka (Executive Officer, Natural Capital Department, A-zero Inc), Mr. Honda Eiichi, President, Japanese Consumers’ Co-operative Union
“Redesigning Regional Economies” discusses the proposal of a brand new structure of economy over the growth of regional economies. It would leverage on new business models and the development of industries that actively reach out to local residents.
Revitalization with a regional brand
The Chura-boshi Company is a one-stop service that offers tours to participate in the “Satoyama Experience” (mainly to European, American and Australian tourists). Mr Yamada Taku, CEO of the Chura-boshi Company shared, “We noticed avid travelers are interested in getting in touch with local attractions. Furthermore, sustainable tourism is a growing trend in Europe, the Americas and Australia. So it is not uncommon for travelers to contribute to regional areas as part of their travels.”
Mr Okano Yutaka from A-zero Inc shared with the audience about Nishiawakura of Okayama Prefecture. It is a village with mountainous forestry that focuses on farming eels as part of their sustainable ecosystem. The heat from burning wood residues from its forest provides energy to support the aquaculture of eels. Additionally, the fecal matter of nourished eels rotates into use in agricultural farming. By turning waste into resources, it allows for greater production that eventually leads to greater benefits for the environment and the quality of life of the locals.
Mr Honda Eiichi from Japanese Consumers’ Co-operative Union concluded the session by pointing out “the new value that can be found outside the market economy and in regional economies, which unites functionality and profitability. Jointly-owned commercial enterprises have a history of prioritizing self-contained businesses. So it then becomes imperative for us to work with different stakeholders for social issues.”
SDGs is the opportunity to create and reinforce partnerships
The sessions show that the abundance from society, economy and environment has a direct impact on the value of regions. The resources of regional areas are immeasurable by indicators such as functionality and efficiency (which are commonly used for inner city centers). We thus conclude that the SDGs’ framework provides a direction for the future of a new economic structure for regional development.
This discovery is possible in today’s generation where work-style reformation and diversity in lifestyles are being embraced. Regional economic activities can become an indicator of the country’s prosperity in the near future.
This article was originally published on IDEAS FOR GOOD.
Translated by Amanda Wee.
