In Japan, abandonment of arable land in terraced paddy fields has been caused by depopulation, aging, and agricultural policy in hilly and mountainous areas since the period of rapid economic growth. In the 1990s, conservative movements directed at terraced paddy fields were observed among municipalities as well as among the local inhabitants in the hilly and mountainous areas.
In this paper, the author examined the evolution of conservation activities directed at terraced paddy fields. He also attempted to compare the roles of organizations and their activities in two study areas, Ohaga District in Chuo Town and Kitasho District in Kumenan Town, both in Okayama Prefecture.
In Ohaga District, conservation activities were mainly led by the liaison board of the municipalities and the agricultural cooperative association. These activities have largely emphasized tourism to sell agriculture products and to promote enjoyment of the landscape. They are aimed at urban inhabitants or visitors.
On the other hand, in the case of Kitasho District, the activities were mainly initiated by the local communities. The conservative organization and the local inhabitants’ organization have cooperated for the purpose of local revitalization, with conservation activities directed at terraced paddy fields as well as the organization of traditional events.
The directions and roles of these activities are characterized by the situation surrounding each of the organizations. Remaining problems are cooperation among organizations and decision making by local inhabitants in Ohaga District, and the appearance of a new leader in Kitasho District.
