AKANE Project

Greetings from Mr. Hitoshi Suzuki

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  The event opened with Ms. Mika Okamoto from the Geopark Section of the Tourism Promotion Division, Wakayama Prefecture Regional Promotion Department, as the host. At the beginning, Mr. Jin Suzuki, Director of the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris, gave a greeting in French.

Greetings from Mr. Yoshito Imai

• Next, Mr. Yoshito Imai, Director of the Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Bureau, took the stage and said the following:

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  "I would like to sincerely thank Professor Kengo Kuma, Director Suzuki of the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris, Mr. Mizuno, CEO of Splashtop Inc., and Mr. Morishige, Secretary General of the Kii Peninsula Region DMO, for providing this wonderful opportunity. I also thank everyone in attendance today for taking the time to join us."

• After showing a video introducing the charm of the Nanki Kumano Geopark, Mr. Imai gave an explanation about the geopark.
  
  "A geopark means a 'park of the earth,' and it is an activity that began in the late 1990s to preserve precious geological heritage for future generations.
  In 2015, it was recognized as a UNESCO program. The Nanki Kumano Geopark is a place where you can experience a unique landscape shaped over 4.6 billion years since the birth of the Earth, a diverse range of flora and fauna fostered by the warm and humid climate, and the deep-rooted Kumano faith, among many other outstanding natural and cultural features."

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  Mr. Imai mentioned the valuable geological formations, such as the Hashikui-iwa rocks, where rock pillars are lined up over 850 meters, the Dorokyo Gorge, and the World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, highlighting their charm.
  
  "The world is calling for actions that consider the natural environment and sustainability. In 2021, Wakayama Prefecture was ranked first as a sustainable travel destination chosen by readers in the 'Best in Travel' by Lonely Planet. The Nanki Kumano Geopark and the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes are areas where Wakayama's people have taken pride in protecting the natural environment, history, culture, and the lives of the people, making it a region where one can truly feel sustainability."

• Finally, Mr. Imai emphasized the value of the Nanki Kumano Geopark area and expressed his ambition to aim for recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Keynote Speech by Kengo Kuma

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  Next, a keynote speech was given by Kengo Kuma, architect and Special Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo. Kuma is known as the designer of the National Stadium, the main venue for the Tokyo Olympics, and in 2021, he was selected by Time magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

• Kuma touched on his numerous projects in France and the comprehensive partnership agreement related to regional revitalization with Wakayama Prefecture, delivering a lecture on the theme of the charm of the Nanki Kumano Geopark.
  
  "I want to convey to everyone just how wonderful Wakayama is, and how special the Nanki region is," Kuma began.
  
  Kuma also mentioned the exhibition about him and Kenzo Tange currently being held at the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris and emphasized the importance of wooden architecture. He explained that while concrete and steel were mainstream during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the design of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics stadium reflected the era of environmental awareness, incorporating wood.
  
  Furthermore, Kuma spoke about his connection to Wakayama.

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  "I had always been interested in Wakayama as a major wood-producing area. In some ways, it could be said that it's Japan's top wood region. I felt that there was a unique power in this special place. Kumano, in particular, is a prime example. In the past, even the imperial family and aristocrats from the capital Kyoto would visit Kumano for pilgrimages, showing just how powerful this place is. You can feel that power when you visit. The trees from Kumano, even the same cedar, have a different strength. I think this is due to the climate, soil, and many other factors. With such power, a lot of strong wood is produced, and that power is what defines Wakayama."

• Kuma continued by introducing the connection between French author André Malraux and Wakayama, particularly the episode involving the national treasure "Nachi Waterfall Painting."
  
  "André Malraux has a connection to Wakayama. There is an episode where Malraux encountered the famous 'Nachi Waterfall Painting,' a depiction of a waterfall in Wakayama, and was so moved that he couldn't move for hours. This painting is housed in the Nezu Museum, and I heard this story from the director of the newly designed Nezu Museum, which I designed. It is said that whenever the French ambassador is appointed, they always come to see this painting. In this way, it seems that French people are highly sensitive to the power of places. The 'Nachi Waterfall Painting' from the Kamakura period symbolically depicts nature. While you can see the influence of Chinese art, the way this painting depicts only one waterfall as if it were a god is something you hardly ever see in Chinese paintings. It is said that this painting symbolizes the Japanese view of nature. The real Nachi Waterfall itself is a subject of worship. The Kumano pilgrimage is a journey to visit the three Kumano shrines, but the waterfall itself is revered as a symbol of worship. I've visited this waterfall several times by helicopter, and even from the sky, you can see how the waterfall alone stands out in white, as if a god resides there. I hope everyone has the opportunity to see the waterfall from both above and below to understand its allure."
  
  Kuma then explained the design of the Nezu Museum, referred to a map of Wakayama, and touched on the formation process of the Kii Peninsula. He followed this by introducing the interesting topic of "Akane wood," which utilizes cedar from Wakayama.

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  "Akane wood refers to the timber left after insects bore into the cedar. It had been treated as a defective product, but the marks left by the insects actually form interesting shapes. Young people in Wakayama have started a movement to view this Akane wood in a positive light and put it to use," Kuma explained.
  
  Furthermore, he added, "By reusing what was once discarded, its value multiplies several times over. Wakayama cedar is strong and has a rich color, and furniture that incorporates the insect marks is now being created." He expressed the potential of this initiative.

• Kuma emphasized that this effort symbolizes the current era of environmental awareness and sustainability. He remarked, "If you come to Wakayama, you can even participate in workshops to make this furniture. It could become furniture that connects France, Japan, and Wakayama."
  
  Lastly, Kuma concluded by describing the charm of Wakayama: "It is a sacred land with unique natural resources. Including the fish, food, and sake, it is an extremely attractive place."

Introduction of "Deco-katsu" by Mr. Yukihiro Nakamura of the Ministry of the Environment

• Next, Mr. Yukihiro Nakamura, Assistant Chief of the Deco-katsu Support Team in the Global Environment Bureau of the Ministry of the Environment, gave a lecture on a new national movement called "Deco-katsu."
  
  Mr. Nakamura explained that the official name of "Deco-katsu" is "A National Movement for Creating a New Rich Life that Leads to Decarbonization," and he particularly emphasized the aspect of "a new rich life."

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  "In Japan, the goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 46% across the entire country by 2030, compared to 2013 levels. In particular, the household sector needs to achieve a 66% reduction. Therefore, it is necessary to reset every aspect of our daily lives with a focus on sustainability and carbon neutrality," explained Mr. Nakamura, providing the background.

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  He highlighted two key features of "Deco-katsu": presenting a concrete vision of a prosperous life 10 years from now, and forming a support team through public-private collaboration.

• Mr. Nakamura also mentioned that this initiative could contribute to promoting the charm of Wakayama Prefecture and the Geopark, suggesting, "While enriching local life, we could also share it with the world."

Promotion of Remote Work by Mr. Yoshiaki Mizuno of Splashtop Inc.

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  Lastly, Mr. Yoshiaki Mizuno, CEO of Splashtop Inc., gave a lecture on new ways of working through remote work.
  
  Mr. Mizuno explained, "Many people are enjoying vacations in Wakayama while working remotely for their jobs in Tokyo. We at Splashtop provide the remote services that make this possible."

• Mr. Mizuno also spoke about the charm of Wakayama, saying, "The southern part of Wakayama is similar to the area around Nice in the south of France and has great geological appeal. I believe it is a place that French visitors would really enjoy."

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  Mr. Mizuno touched on the appeal of the Wakayama Geopark Center and the benefits brought by Wakayama's unique geological formations, inviting everyone by saying, "I hope you will come to Wakayama with your family at least once."
  Lastly, there was an introduction to an event focused on improving the environment through digital technologies, themed around Wakayama Prefecture's goal of being recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
  Through these lectures, the richness of Wakayama's nature and various efforts toward a sustainable future were introduced. It is hoped that the charm of Wakayama will spread to the world.

Nanki Kumano Geopark: The Charm Woven by Japan’s Spirituality and Nature

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  At the presentation of the Nanki Kumano Geopark held at the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris, Mr. Ryota Morishige, head of regional marketing, gave an engaging lecture.
  
  Mr. Morishige began by expressing deep gratitude to architect Mr. Kuma, Mr. Mizuno of Splashtop, and all the participants, as well as to the Japan Cultural Institute in Paris and the Wakayama Prefecture Office for their efforts in organizing the event.

• "You have just seen the beautiful landscapes of the Nanki Kumano Geopark in the earlier video and presentation. I would like to talk about the religious beliefs, spirituality, and faith that arose from this Geopark, tying them to the World Heritage site, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route."
  
  First, he explained the geographical location of Nanki Kumano. "It is located in the southern part of the Kansai area, home to Osaka, the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. It is at the southernmost point of Japan’s main island, Honshu, and is blessed with a warm climate."

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  Next, two recommended routes from France were introduced.
  
  1. Take a direct flight from Paris to Haneda Airport in Tokyo, then transfer to a domestic flight to reach the gateway to Nanki Kumano, Kumano Shirahama Resort Airport, in about an hour.
  
  2. Fly directly to Kansai Airport in Osaka, the gateway to Kansai, and from there, travel by land for about two hours to reach the destination.
  "It is an easily accessible place from both Tokyo and Osaka, so when you visit Japan, please be sure to stop by Wakayama."

• Through this lecture, it was conveyed that the Nanki Kumano Geopark is not merely a scenic natural site, but a special place deeply connected to Japan’s spiritual culture.
  
  By visiting the Geopark along with the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it offers a unique opportunity to experience both the natural beauty and spirituality of Japan.

• Mr. Mizuno, an IT company executive, was asked about Wakayama's involvement in decarbonization and sustainability.

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  Mr. Mizuno responded: "I have always liked wood, and Wakayama has Kishu wood as well. However, the reality is that I often have to go to urban areas for work. For example, it's hard to get high-paying jobs unless you go to places like Paris or Tokyo. But with remote work and internet technologies, it becomes possible to do jobs for clients in Tokyo or Paris regardless of location. I hope to strike a balance where I can enjoy being close to nature while still doing fulfilling work."

• In response, the moderator mentioned the importance of a circular economy, new work styles, and the charm of Wakayama. He also addressed issues such as population decline, depopulation in Wakayama, and the problem of Tokyo's centralization, pointing out that the relationship between cities and rural areas is key to geoparks and regional revitalization.

• Next, Mr. Kuma was asked about the significance and value of setting up a satellite office in Wakayama.
  
  Mr. Kuma answered: "The concentration of cities in the 20th century began with the emergence of skyscrapers. The belief was that the more people gathered, the more efficiently work could be done, but I think this was a result of humans being controlled by the device known as the landline phone. There was a misunderstanding that gathering a lot of people around a limited number of landlines would increase work efficiency, and I believe this was the biggest failure of the 20th century. Now, it's becoming more important not to gather in one place. To be happy without gathering, we need good nature, and I strongly feel that Wakayama has that potential."

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  Mr. Kuma also gave the example of the Kumano pilgrimage, saying, "Just as the Kyoto nobility looked forward to the Kumano pilgrimage, you'll understand why people tired of urban life are drawn to Kumano when you visit. There’s even a theory that an emperor abdicated just to be able to make the pilgrimage to Kumano."
  
  The moderator agreed, referring to pilgrimage routes in France, and said that there is an essential part of human nature that seeks out the natural world.

• Then, Mr. Mizuno was asked about new work styles utilizing IT and his vision for 10 or 20 years into the future.
  
  Mr. Mizuno replied: "I believe spending time with family is extremely important. In the past, we often sacrificed time with family for work, but that will change. With advancements in wireless technology, we will be able to work as if we are close, even when we are far away. By reducing travel time, we will also have more time to spend with family. I believe that a rich society is one where you can cherish time with your family while working, and be able to do top-tier work not just in urban areas, but in rural areas as well."
  
  The moderator contrasted how poorly Japanese people take vacations with how well French people do, and pointed out that Japan has much to learn from France.
  
  The event concluded with a question about Mt. Koya and Mr. Kuma's response. This series of lectures and Q&A shed light on Wakayama's nature, culture, and sustainable initiatives, leaving a deep impression on the participants. The knowledge and experiences shared during this event are likely to serve as a first step in spreading the charm of Wakayama to the world, and will deepen understanding and interest in the sustainable development of the region.