Katsue Fukamachi

Public perception of the cultural value of Satoyama landscape types in Japan

Using the public survey “The Top 100 Japanese Rural Landscapes” conducted by Asahi Shimbun Newspaper Company in 2008, this study attempted to analyze public perception of rural landscapes and their cultural value. A total of 3,024 nominated sites were given coordinates and combined with land use and topographic datasets using a GIS, and classified into several landscape types using cluster analysis. Keywords that appeared frequently in the nominations were extracted using a text-mining tool and used to interpret the cultural value of each type. As a result, the nominated sites were divided into six types. The majority of nominated sites were classified as Forest Type (forest 88%) and associated with the keywords traditional rural lifestyle, and sites to visit. Mixed Type (forest 50%, paddy field 20%, and other agricultural fields 10%) were associated with biodiversity and conservation activities, and Paddy Field Type (paddy field 60%) was significantly associated with Furusato (Home). Urban and Suburban Type sites (built-up land 50%) were concentrated in the Kanto Region and nominated mainly by local citizens for their nature activities. There was also the Other Agricultural Type, which made up 10% each of the nominations, and the Coastal Type, which was mostly nominated by ocean-related organizations and rarely nominated by the general public. Additionally, the concept of biodiversity seemed to be difficult for the public to understand. The results indicated that future studies should consider public perception of the variety of Satoyama landscapes and how it should be incorporated into future Satoyama management strategy.

The biocultural link: isolated trees and hedges in Satoyama landscapes indicate a strong connection between biodiversity and local cultural features

Lone trees, rows of trees, groves, and hedges (in this study called “isolated trees and hedges”) dot many Satoyama landscapes in Japan. They have traditionally played an important role in agriculture and horticulture, in the production of firewood, and as windbreaks, boundaries, and screens. Through this investigation of a suburban Satoyama landscape in western Japan, which includes old and new residential areas, public space, farmland, and abandoned land, we aimed to show how isolated trees and hedges are connected with local traditional cultural features, and how this link has impacted their distribution and species composition. By examining land categories, shape patterns, and species compositions of isolated trees and hedges in both traditional and newly developed regions of the study area, we showed how the presence or absence of related traditional cultural features has influenced biodiversity. We further examined the role of traditional management techniques and cultural features in maintaining high numbers of local native species in isolated trees and hedges. Based on our results, we argue that awareness and promotion of the biocultural link in isolated trees and hedges will play an important role in future efforts to preserve the unique local identity and biodiversity of this cultural landscape.

Sustainability of terraced paddy fields in traditional satoyama landscapes of Japan

Terraced paddy fields are essential components of the traditional cultural landscape of Japan, the satoyama landscape. They have been sustainably cultivated in a variety of ecological and social environments through time, and are highly valued as local resources with multiple functions. This paper reviews the recent nationwide movement for conservation of satoyama landscapes and shows that over the last decades, the government has increasingly created policies based on national regulation or international frameworks that concern the culture and environment in rural areas. Recent measures for the sustainability of terraced paddy fields do not only focus on rice terraces, but are directed at each satoyama landscape as a whole under careful consideration of how landscape elements are connected while taking into account the unique features of each area. Nevertheless, it has become difficult to ensure the continued use and maintenance of terraced rice paddies both in depopulated and suburban satoyama landscapes. The motivation for conserving satoyama landscapes, including those with terraced rice paddies, can be found in the awareness and appreciation of the unique characteristics of each locality that offer opportunities that can only be experienced in that particular area. A satoyama landscape that offers such opportunities allows continuity of traditional practices while integrating necessary changes.

Landscape Patterns of Isolated Trees and Small Isolated Woodlands in the Western Side of Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture

We clarified traditional rural landscape patterns, by surveying present states of distribution, utility forms and landmark on isolated trees and small isolated woodlands of satoyama in the western side of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. Isolated trees and small isolated woodlands are intensively distributed around the villages and farming areas. There are distinct characteristics of landscapes, such as peculiar narrow places of the land, organization of the type of trees and location concerned with the historical structures. Isolated trees and isolated small woodlands are classified into 23 landscape patterns according to (1) the connection with natural environment of the land. (2) the connection with agriculture and forestry. (3) the connection with social utilization as the living space. (4) the connection with the historical and cultural structures. By studying the direction of the landmarks and the meaning of places, isolated trees and small isolated woodlands can be said that they have carried out important roles in composing satoyama landscape peculiar to the districts.

Reed community restoration projects with citizen participation: an example of the practical use of Satoyama landscape resources in Shiga Prefecture, Japan

Today, Japan strives to preserve some of its rural Satoyama landscapes in a sustainable way in order to ensure the survival of some well-functioning rural ecosystems in the face of continuing urbanization on the one hand and the neglect of such landscapes on the other. In the Lake Biwa watershed area in Shiga Prefecture, Satoyama landscapes comprise woodlands, grasslands, dry and wet fields, residential areas, and the lakeshore. The area today faces two major challenges: first, how to use local natural resources in a sustainable way to avoid further neglect or destruction of Satoyama landscapes; and second, how to reorganize the management of Satoyama forest and lakeshore resources. The results of our investigation showed how solutions to the above issues were found in the context of lakeshore projects aimed at restoring reed (Phragmites communis) communities, which are important component of the Lake Biwa Satoyama landscape. Since 2002, four such projects have been successfully undertaken through the efficient use of local forest resources, mainly wood and bamboo, in wave dissipation structures and jetties which facilitate the expansion of reed communities. Management was reorganized and now consists of stakeholders which include the original Satoyama management communities, governmental bodies, resident and nonresident citizens, and nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations. The projects are a unique attempt to revive Satoyama watershed landscapes, and may serve as models in other watershed areas.

A Relationship between Fish Communities and Habitat Environments in Small Erosion-controlled Rivers in the Lake Biwa Basin

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between fish communities and habitat environments in small, erosion-controlled rivers which until this day have been overlooked, and which have thus failed to be included in natural environment restoration zones. Thirty-one sites in three small rivers which flow into Lake Biwa were selected for investigation. As a result, six families and twelve fish species were identified. Based on the results of TWINSPAN, two categories of fish communities were established: the first comprised the communities found in the vicinity of the river mouth which included upstream migratory species such as Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis, and the second comprised the communities found in the middle course of the river which did not include upstream migratory species. It was inferred that the partition of the habitat space was the result of the existence of small dams in the river. The results of CCA indicated that although these small rivers had been significantly altered for erosion-control, a large variety of micro-habitat environments survived, and specific fish species inhabited the various habitats accordingly.

A Study of Landscape Evaluation Schema and Differences of Large Wind Power Generator between Residents and Visitors

The purpose of the study was to determine how landscape that contains large wind power generation is evaluated and to clarify the differences resulting from the comparison with nearby residents and visitors respectively. A wind power generator in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture, was the subject of the present case study. Landscape evaluation was conducted in two residential areas, one of them close by and the second one further away, and in two tourist attraction locations, similarly at varying viewing distance from the generator, by means of a questionnaire survey. Analysis of the comparison results revealed that the visitors evaluated the landscape much more positively than the local residents. Moreover, it was clarified that landscape evaluation by the visitors tended to be influenced by viewing distance at a much higher degree than in the case of the residents. And the evaluation by the residents seemed to be less moderated by viewing distance. Further analysis showed that landscape evaluation by the local residents was strongly influenced by co-evaluation of other, related factors, and that their judgment was affected by a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape.

Tourism Planning of Sundanese Cultural Landscape in Indonesia

Using the participant observation method, we identified characteristics of the Sundanese cultural landscape with the aim to support tourism planning in the sacred site Kampung Budaya Sindang Barang (KBSB). Ecological and cultural information was qualitatively analyzed and elaborated in a site plan of cultural tourism with the aim to increase the attractiveness of the cultural tourism landscape. Findings showed that KBSB had been planned based on ecological aspects that were closely related to the distribution of historical and cultural properties that strengthen the sacredness of KBSB. Zoning into three basic zones (core, buffer, and development zone) was applied to accommodate visitors’ needs and to maintain tourism resources within KBSB. In particular, sacred places around KBSB were linked in a tourism route to understanding the sequence of the creation history of KBSB. Some supporting facilities with high cultural value were proposed to enhance the attractiveness of KBSB. We concluded that Sundanese culture provides important information for planning a creative cultural tourism landscape since it optimizes ecological resources in combination with cultural values.

Transition of Agriculture towards Organic Farming in Bhutan

特集1: 京都大学ブータン友好プログラム特集 = Special Issue 1: Contribution from the Kyoto Bhutan Friendship Program

Resident Consciousness of Natural Disasters and of Use of Natural Resources in Kamimiyazu, Miyazu City

Resident consciousness of natural disasters and use of natural resources is a factor that highly impacts effectiveness in natural disaster management and planning. The present study focused on the consciousness of local residents in Kamimiyazu, Miyazu city in order to clarify the relationship between a resident’s use of natural resources in daily life and his or her consciousness of natural disasters. We carried out a questionnaire survey in 2008 and obtained answers from 333 residents (ab out 50% were female). We also conducted interviews with residents between 2008 and 2012. In Kamimiyazu, natural disasters are frequent. Flooding or debris flow have often affected residents and damaged lands. However, disaster history has not been handed down sufficiently. We analyzed the motives for disaster preparation and behavior in the event of a natural disaster in relation to a resident’s use of natural resources and his or her daily activity in nature. Some residents who use natural res ources in daily life were highly conscious of the natural environment. Based on the results we concluded that a greater degree of interest in the natural environment and a higher frequency of nature-related activity can be effective in the improvement of a region’s disaster resilience.