‛Terroirs Created by Local Industry' -How Might it Become Content for Urban Revitalization in the Kansai Region?

Abstract

This study focuses on the values of local industries in the Kansai metropolitan area, particularly the sake brewing industry, and the distinctive values created by their relationship with other local resources and clarifies the characteristics of approaches to enhancing such values undertaken by companies and others. As a result of the interviews with business operators, it became clear that in all cases the importance is placed on sharing the story with the consumers, such as the processes involved in the manufacturing of the products and their historical relationship with the local society and landscape. Moreover, the limitations of company-dependent activities became apparent. It was suggested that it is important for local industries to work together with other local industries, citizens, and businesses.