2020 Volume 32 Pages 32-46
In the field of rural studies, there has recently been an increasing evocation regarding the discourse and practice of “endogenous rural development.” Furthermore, it is hoped that human resources, which have extensive experience and capability, will start new ventures in rural community. As a consequence, it is hoped that this would encourage innovation for endogenous rural development. Moreover, the concept of “co-creation” has emerged as a means of changing the present social system. The term “co-creation” refers to people with different values and positions working together to produce a mutually valuable outcome. However, it is not always easy for community supporters from outside to be accepted by local residents, or for them to stabilize their own living in the community.
Based on the above discussion, this paper examines daring attempts by “Tanada-dan,” to explore the possibility of co-creation between human resources from outside of communities and local residents. “Tanada-dan” is an organization that consists of residents living in Osaka. It has been actively engaged in activities for community regeneration and development in the Ueyama district, which has been a remarkably depopulated area since 2007.
First, the members of Tanada-dan and Local Vitalization Cooperators were taught the necessary skills for their own rural living, and accumulated wisdom of the ages, by local farmers. They have since been attempting to work on many kinds of new projects by making the best use of the skills they acquired in Ueyama. Meanwhile, by teaching a traditional way of life and imparting their knowledge of agriculture, local residents were able to achieve new roles, thereby finding new sense of worth in their livelihoods.
Therefore, it is significant for endogenous rural development that supporters from outside communities sincerely learn about rural culture from local residents, and then challenge new projects by making the most of these rural resources.
