★ If you would like to participate, please register here (Registration page available in Japanese only).
* This event will be conducted only in Japanese. English language support or interpretation will not be provided.
– Exploring life, recovery, and connections with Notojima through the lens of its festivals –
Notojima Island, located on the eastern side of the Noto Peninsula, is a small island with a population of roughly 2,500.
In this Satoyama Satoumi Talk, we will turn our attention to everyday life on Notojima.
On Notojima, the Satoyama Satoumi way of life continues through agriculture, fisheries and festivals, sustaining daily living through the close interdependence between people and nature. Two years have passed since the 2024 earthquake. While restoration and reconstruction efforts are progressing gradually, challenges such as population aging and the shortage of successors have become even more apparent. This raises the question of how local ways of life and cultural practices can be sustained into the future, particularly as the number of people who have long supported agriculture and local festivals continues to decline.
In this talk, set on Notojima – which can be seen as a microcosm of the Satoyama Satoumi lifestyle – we will welcome two individuals who have supported the island’s community through agriculture and festivals, from within and outside the community. They will share the current situation following the disaster, as well as the changes and initiatives that have emerged since then.
What roles have the festival culture – such as the Fire Festival – played in the daily life of the community? In the first place, why have these festivals continued? Through the lived practices of Notojima, we will explore these questions together.
We will also reflect on how people – including those who do not live in Noto – can stay connected with the community and continue their relationship with the region over time.
Details:
・Date and Time: March 28, 2026 (Saturday) 11:00–12:30
・Venue: United Nations University Headquarters, 1st Floor Annex Terrace (5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)
・Participation Fee: Free (pre-registration required)
・Moderator: Yoko Tomita (UNU-IAS OUIK)
・Guest Speakers: Masahiro Takahashi (Notojimamirai Co., Ltd.), Kanako Sakai (Nanao City Local Vitalization Cooperator), Sayako Koyama (Researcher, UNU-IAS OUIK)
