Tourism and cultural exchange play a key role in preserving and transmitting regional heritage
With ongoing population decline, many regions are facing increasing challenges in maintaining and transmitting the tangible and intangible cultural assets, industries, and infrastructure they have developed over time. At the same time, many regional museums—often established during the Showa era—are reaching a stage where renovation is needed.
Meanwhile, the growing number of international visitors to Japan are seeking opportunities to engage more deeply with Japanese culture. The diverse cultural assets and industries rooted in Japan’s regions therefore represent significant tourism potential.
Encouraging more people—including both local stakeholders and visitors—to learn about and value local history and culture not only contributes to economic benefits that support cultural preservation, but also fosters civic pride and helps sustain regional cultural identities.
Shaped by their natural environments, the development of towns and industries, and exchanges with surrounding regions, each area in Japan has developed its own distinctive history and culture. We work with local communities to explore how tourism and cultural exchange can support the preservation and transmission of these cultural assets. This includes weaving together each region’s unique narrative, highlighting the everyday lives of those who sustain it, and making the experience and understanding of local culture central to travel.
