Nou-En

In rural Japan, as in many areas around the world, small communities are suffering from rapid population decline as young people flock to the cities. A self perpetuating cycle develops in which rural communities lose their youth to entertainment and work opportunities in the city, which cripples the local economy by leaving behind small towns and villages lacking an able workforce.
Here in Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, the evidence of this can be easily seen on any walk or bike ride around the valley. In some villages more than half of the houses are vacant. Many fields have been abandoned and have begun the rapid transition back to a more natural state. Elementary schools with great facilities are being forced to close due to low enrollment. At our local elementary school this year's First Grade class has three students. Village elders possess a lifetime of priceless skills and knowlege that is not being passed on because of a lack of interested youth. Looking forward in time, it is worrisome to imagine the state of these communities if current trends continue.
Seeing these things, we here at Nou En have been motivated to work for positive change. Our aim is to encourage young people from around the world to return to rural communities. We organize enthusiastic volunteers (mostly through the WWOOF organization, http://www.wwoofjapan.com) to help local farmers in exchange for healthy food and invaluable local knowlege. We network and assist local organic farms with vegetable and rice production on a regular basis. We try to enthusiastically jump in and help local villagers whenever we can. In addition to these projects, we also have our own fields and gardens as well as chickens and goats that we care for.
Because part of our aim is encouraging people to want to live in the country side we also take time to enjoy the benefits of country living. We go hiking in the surrounding mountains, swimming in ponds and streams (especially during the hot humid Japanese summer!), barbecues with friends on weekends, kendo lessons at the local gymnasium and much more.
Mostly we try to provide a communal living environment where we work, learn, and grow together, all while striving to benefit and elevate the local community.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

This last nine weeks has flown by so quickly it's hard to recount all the great things I've learned and experienced. My original intention was to stay in Sasayama only four weeks and then head North to Hokkaido, but here I am, still enjoying myself and with no idea when I will leave.

One of the more interesting experiences was being taught to drive a tractor and tilling fields by a little old lady who didn't speak a word of English, and me not understanding any more Japanese than “Ohayo”!! but nevertheless having a great time destroying her rows with smiles all round and hugs and beer at the end of the day.

The skills I am learning here has completely altered how I view my future and the possibilities available to me when it comes to living green. In such a short time here everything has changed.

I'll finish by recommending that anyone who feels they need a break from their normal lives and wants to learn how to live an organic lifestyle, leaving the smallest of possible footprints behind should give this place a chance, just be ready to work for what you want.

-Toby

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