Online Discussion Series Exploring the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Areas
Session 4: Innovation in Regional Economies and Energy Cycles (Akihide Hirano × Tomoko Kitamura × Haruki Okano)
SEMINAR/EVENT
2022.01.28
This discussion series consists of five sessions, each featuring discussions with specialists from diverse fields as we explore the question: “How will the relationship between rural and urban areas be reshaped?”
The theme for this event is “Innovation in the Local Economy and Energy Cycle.”
For our fourth session, we’ll be joined by Akihide Hirano, Tomoko Nielsen Kitamura, and Haruki Okano for a discussion on “Energy Circulation and Sustainability within Local Communities.”
In the past, each community was self-sufficient in both energy and food. However, since the period of rapid economic growth, a lifestyle centered on purchasing goods from outside the community has become the norm, leading to an outflow of both people and money to urban areas. As a result, rural areas have become increasingly depopulated.
In today’s world, shouldn’t we reexamine this relationship between people and nature and explore what a sustainable local community might look like?
To find a starting point for this, we will hear about the activities and their impact on their respective communities from the Ishitoshiro settlement in Gifu Prefecture, which is promoting a small-scale hydroelectric power project, and from the Danish island of Lolland, where residents live entirely on renewable energy.
Furthermore, when considering regional economies and energy cycles, the role of “people” is indispensable. Together with our three guests—practitioners from these respective regions—we will delve deeper into the impact that “people” have when driving regional transformation.
In the past, each community was self-sufficient in both energy and food. However, since the period of rapid economic growth, a lifestyle centered on purchasing goods from outside the community has become the norm, leading to an outflow of both people and money to urban areas. As a result, rural areas have become increasingly depopulated.
In today’s world, shouldn’t we reexamine this relationship between people and nature and explore what a sustainable local community might look like?
To find a starting point for this, we will hear about the activities and their impact on their respective communities from the Ishitoshiro settlement in Gifu Prefecture, which is promoting a small-scale hydroelectric power project, and from the Danish island of Lolland, where residents live entirely on renewable energy.
Furthermore, when considering regional economies and energy cycles, the role of “people” is indispensable. Together with our three guests—practitioners from these respective regions—we will delve deeper into the impact that “people” have when driving regional transformation.
program
Session 4: “Innovation in Regional Economies and Energy Cycles” Date and Time: Thursday, February 24, 2022, 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
| 18:00 | Opening |
|---|---|
| 18:05 | Innovation in Regional Economies and Energy Cycles Akihide Hirano, Vice Chairman, NPO Regional Revitalization Organization Tomoko Nielsen Kitamura, Director, AIDA DESIGN LAB Haruki Okano, Representative Director, Nagara River Company (Inc.) |
| 18:35-19:25 | Cross Talk Akihide Hirano, Vice President, NPO Regional Revitalization Organization Tomoko Nielsen Kitamura, Director, AIDA DESIGN LAB Haruki Okano, Representative Director, Nagara River Company, Inc. Chiaki Hayashi, Director, Chairman, Loftwork, Inc. (Moderator) |
| 19:25-19:30 | Closing and Announcement of the Next Event |
Speaker
Akihide Hirano
Vice President, NPO Regional Revitalization Organization
Born in Gifu City in 1975.He graduated from the Department of Urban Engineering at the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Engineering and earned a master’s degree in environmental studies from the university’s graduate school. After working at the Kitayama Creative Research Institute and Booz Allen Hamilton (now PwC Consulting LLC, Strategy &), he returned to Gifu City in the spring of 2008. In the fall of 2009, he was appointed to the board of directors of the Regional Revitalization Organization.In the fall of 2011, he moved to Itoshiro in Shirotori Town, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture—an isolated hamlet of 100 households and 250 residents. He supported the introduction of renewable energy projects (small-scale hydroelectric power and wood biomass boilers) led by local residents.In Itoshiro, a small-scale hydroelectric power plant—funded by contributions from nearly every household in the village—was completed in 2016. This project was featured in the documentary film “A Gentle Revolution.” He lives with his wife, four sons, a cat, goats, sheep, and residents of his shared house.
Tomoko Kitamura of Nielsen
Director, AIDA DESIGN LAB
In 2001, following her move to the Danish island of Lolland, she began her reporting career, focusing on topics related to a sustainable society, such as food, the environment, and energy.In 2021, while retaining her Japanese citizenship, she ran for office in Denmark’s municipal and county council elections. She is currently active in a wide range of fields as a “cultural translator,” including consulting for government agencies, media organizations, and corporations; coordinating study tours; and giving lectures.
Haruki Okano
Representative Director, Nagara River Company, Inc.
Born in Germany in 1989. Raised in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Producer Oshi. After graduating from Keio University’s SFC in 2011, he worked at Dentsu, where he was involved in municipal branding and domestic and international public relations for government agencies, with a focus on regional revitalization.In 2014, he launched the traveling editorial team “Deep Japan Lab” and, after falling in love with Gujo City during one of their trips, moved there. He currently lives in Gujo City with his family of five, while continuing to invite urban professionals into the world of headwater regions.
Chiaki Hayashi
Loftwork, Inc., Co-Founder and Director Chairman
Waseda University He graduated from the School of Business and the Graduate School of Journalism at Boston University. After working at Kao, he founded Loftwork in 2000. The company handles over 200 projects annually, spanning web design, business design, community design, and spatial design.He operates communities and platforms such as “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL,” which explores new possibilities for materials; and “AWRD,” which promotes co-creation with creators through online open calls and judging.
She also serves as a judge for the Good Design Award; as a member of the “Study Group on Industrial Competitiveness and Design” under the Manufacturing Industry Subcommittee of the Industrial Structure Council at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and as a director of “Hida no Mori de Kuma wa Odoru Co., Ltd.,” which aims to create regional industries through forest regeneration and manufacturing. Chairman She was named “Woman of the Year 2017” (Nikkei WOMAN).
She also serves as a judge for the Good Design Award; as a member of the “Study Group on Industrial Competitiveness and Design” under the Manufacturing Industry Subcommittee of the Industrial Structure Council at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; and as a director of “Hida no Mori de Kuma wa Odoru Co., Ltd.,” which aims to create regional industries through forest regeneration and manufacturing. Chairman She was named “Woman of the Year 2017” (Nikkei WOMAN).
Event Overview
| Date and Time | Thursday, February 24, 2022, 6:00–7:30 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Participation fee | Free |
| Streaming | Zoom/YouTube |
| Scope | Staff in the General Affairs, Human Resources, Corporate Planning, and Marketing departments involved in community development-related work Staff in departments exploring potential areas for business development related to community development Individuals exploring the future of sustainable “rural areas” and “cities” |
| Co-hosted | Nikken Sekkei Ltd., Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd., Loftwork Co., Ltd. |
| Important Notice | The program is subject to change without notice. |
Organizer Profile
Nikken Sekkei Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Atsushi Omatsu)
A professional services firm engaged in architectural design and supervision, urban design, and related research, planning, and consulting services. Upholding its fundamental philosophy of “contributing to society through valuable work,” the firm has been committed to creating a better social environment since its founding in 1900, striving to meet the needs of society and the diverse requests of its clients.
Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Tomoyuki Shigenaga)
A group of professionals that provides consulting services centered on infrastructure engineering to shape the future. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, guided by the vision “Turning the Power of Technology into Hope for the Future,” we are committed to society’s sustainable development, aiming to be an indispensable partner precisely in these challenging times marked by a mix of anxiety over various risks and expectations for technology.
Loftwork, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Mitsuhiro Suwa)
A creative company that designs websites, content, communications, and spaces.The company operates “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL (Material),” a global platform that supports co-creation between materials manufacturers and creators to foster innovation; and “AWRD (Award),” a platform that promotes co-creation with creators. By collaborating with creators around the world, the company provides a wide range of creative services.
A professional services firm engaged in architectural design and supervision, urban design, and related research, planning, and consulting services. Upholding its fundamental philosophy of “contributing to society through valuable work,” the firm has been committed to creating a better social environment since its founding in 1900, striving to meet the needs of society and the diverse requests of its clients.
Pacific Consultants Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Tomoyuki Shigenaga)
A group of professionals that provides consulting services centered on infrastructure engineering to shape the future. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, guided by the vision “Turning the Power of Technology into Hope for the Future,” we are committed to society’s sustainable development, aiming to be an indispensable partner precisely in these challenging times marked by a mix of anxiety over various risks and expectations for technology.
Loftwork, Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director President and CEO: Mitsuhiro Suwa)
A creative company that designs websites, content, communications, and spaces.The company operates “FabCafe,” a globally expanding digital fabrication café; “MTRL (Material),” a global platform that supports co-creation between materials manufacturers and creators to foster innovation; and “AWRD (Award),” a platform that promotes co-creation with creators. By collaborating with creators around the world, the company provides a wide range of creative services.
Contact information regarding this matter
株式会社日建設計 広報室 Tel. 03-5226-3030（代表）e-mail：webmaster@nikken. jp
Media and Press Inquiries
株式会社ロフトワーク 広報 e-mail：pr@loftwork.com
Information on the Previous Event
Online Discussion Series Exploring the Relationship Between Rural and Urban Areas
Session 3: Innovation Through Data and Legal Solutions (Takuya Kudo × Yu Mizuno)
Thursday, January 27, 2022, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Session 3: Innovation Through Data and Legal Solutions (Takuya Kudo × Yu Mizuno)
Thursday, January 27, 2022, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
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