Land Use and Iriaichi: Recognizing Change and Comparing Cultures
The past 10 days were spent in a rural Japanese village on the northern side of Mt. Fuji. We lived in a nearly 200-year-old farmhouse and spent the evenings swimming in nearby Lake Sai, one of the region’s famous five lakes. During our time there we conducted a research project at a number of sites […]
Management of Forests and Land: The Pacific Northwest to Japan
Here you can find my latest blog post comparing forest management practices in the Pacific Northwest and Japan.
Summiting Mt. Fuji: A Natural and Cultural Experience
We’ve done it! We have finally summited Japan’s iconic mountain, Mt. Fuji, one of the world’s most picturesque stratovolcanoes. We have felt the bitter cold air from Japan’s tallest peak and accomplished something spectacular. During the approximately 11 hour ascent, we had plenty of time to ponder the lessons we have learned since coming to […]
The Modern Traditional Village: A Perspective on Continuity and Change in Rural Japan
After leaving the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we now find ourselves in the Japanese countryside, living in a large, old house that we have come to know fondly as the “Farm House.” The Farm House rests on the edge of Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a reconstructed village that attracts Japanese tourists. The slower […]