Towns are disappearing in Japan. What can we do?​ | Masayuki Kobayashi | TEDxWasedaU | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Tokyo's lack of diversity and increasing urbanization is causing the disappearance of rural areas and their rich cultures in Japan.

Key Insights

• 🖤 India's diversity and cultural preservation contrast with the lack of culture and diversity in Tokyo.
• 🗾 Many rural areas in Japan are disappearing due to the depopulation caused by urbanization.
• 🛟 Individuals can make a difference in rural areas by creating communities and utilizing local resources to preserve culture.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Why was the author shocked by the lack of culture in Tokyo?

The author grew up in India where diversity and cultural preservation were important, but in Tokyo, the author did not see much diversity and felt that the city lacked culture.

Q: How are rural areas in Japan being affected by urbanization?

Rural areas in Japan are experiencing depopulation as people move to cities like Tokyo, leading to the disappearance of towns and the loss of their unique cultures and traditions.

Q: What did the author discover during their project in Huta?

Through the project in Huta, the author realized that individuals can make a difference in rural areas by creating communities, utilizing local resources, and preserving the town's culture.

Q: Why is it important to preserve rural areas and their cultures?

Preserving rural areas and their cultures is important to maintain diversity, pass on ancestral traditions, and prevent the loss of unique histories and cultures that contribute to the world's richness.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The author grew up in India, where diversity and cultural preservation were valued, but was shocked by the lack of culture and diversity in Tokyo.

• The author visited Utaba, a town devastated by a natural disaster, and realized that rural areas all over Japan could disappear if people continue to move to Tokyo.

• The author started a project in Huta to gather people, create a community, and preserve the town's culture and resources.