Jump to related information sites
Passing on our traditional performing arts to the next generation -
Activities of the Taketa City Preservation of Cultural Property Youth Organization
Each shrine in Taketa City hands down the traditional performing arts such as kagura, shishi, and haguma. While every year, local preservation societies organize the traditional performing arts dedicated to autumn festivals. They are steadily passed on to the next generation by young successors and the Preservation of Cultural Property Youth Organization.
A quest for nature with children -
Activities of the Bungoono City Fellowship for Natural History
This fellowship was formed for research, recording primary data, and creating literature to preserve the rich nature of Bungoono City. Approximately thirty members spanning from elementary school to those in their 70's are divided into two plant groups and seven animal groups. Monthly field surveys, creation of the "Bungoono City Nature Picture Book" to distribute to elementary and junior high school students in the city, and providing data for formulating the "Biodiversity Bungoo Strategy" are some of the activities.
Creating a recycling forest form-
Kunihiro Takeda of Takeda Forestry, Oita Forestry Research Group Chairman
Mr. Takeda, who also acts as the Chairman of the Oita Prefectural Forest Research Group, started working in the mountains immediately after graduating from high school. At an early age he started pursuing recycling-oriented forestry and promoting its mechanization, putting great effort into improving work efficiency and actively educating the younger generations. The Oita Prefectural Forestry Research Group also engages in training to strengthen logging techniques and cultivate container seedlings, which is the key to recycling-type forestry.
Jump to related information sites
Ramsar Convention Wetland Potential Candidate for the Next Generation-
Activities to protect the Ieda and Kawasaka Marsh
The Ieda/Kawasaka Marsh is an academically precious wetland inhabited by more than 50 endangered species of flora and fauna. The "Ieda Nature Conservation Society" and the "Kawasaka River Conservation Society" were established to pass on precious nature to the next generation. Activities include wetland observation meetings, plant surveys, removal of specific alien plants, mowing of promenades, river cleaning work called "groove shaving," and "Namba Hiki," a tradition of using stakes to reinforce embankments and revetments by human power.
Jump to related information sites
Passing on the tradition of "the village where the gods live" to the next generation-
Activities of the Takachiho Night Kagura Preservation Group
In Takachiho Town, village gods are welcomed to private homes from November to February and dedicated with night kagura. Night Kagura is a "festival" where each village invites the Ujigami (house god) to a designated private home once a year to give thanks for the harvest and pray for a good harvest the following year. From the evening to near noon the next day, the 33rd Kagura is dedicated throughout the night, making it the most significant event in the village. In 1978, this festival was designated as an important intangible folk cultural property of the country. About 30 preservation societies are active today.
Jump to related information sites
A journey for health to heal your mind and body
-Activities of guides of the healing forest
The road in the scientifically proven forest having a healing effect is called "therapy road," the area that includes multiple walking paths that include the therapy road and is a potential area for accommodations and various programs is called "Forest Therapy Base."
With proof having a healing effect and recognized for the potentiality of building facilities, Hinokage Town was certified as the first "Forest Therapy Base" in Kyushu in 2006, the first time in Japan, and is the only "Forest Therapy Base" in Kyushu.
"Miyazaki Prefecture Forest Guide Association" certified forest guides will show the local nature and mountain village culture, trees, flora, and fauna, as well as how to appreciate the forest scent, air, and sounds along with breathing techniques to balance the body and relieve tension.
