Abstract
On June 11th, 2017, the Japan Sport Agency announced the outdoor sports promotion
declaration. To promote outdoor sports in Japan, the Japan Sport Agency and local governments
have been working on the sustainable development of nature-based sport tourism. However,
the population of outdoor sports including skiing and snowboarding has decreased. In addition,
the recent populations of Tokushima and Kochi prefectures have decreased, and their semimountainous areas have faced with the decreasing populations. To explore sustainable sport tourism
development, the following four topics were addressed in this report by focusing on the Yoshino
River: (a) strategies of tourism development; (b) the state of outdoor sports; (c) the World Rafting
Championship 2017; and (d) community development through rafting. On the basis of the results,
Miyoshi City has promoted the improvement of approachable and preferable environment for
inbound tourists. The Yoshino River plays a role in providing a meeting place for potential partners
through rafting participation (e.g., Sport Konkatsu). At the World Rafting Championship 2017 Japan,
people enjoyed not only watching the rafting races, but also nature-based tourism resources by
using the service of a stamp rally and smartphone application. However, some problems (e.g., a small
number of rafting athletes, spectators＇ stands) were also identified at the sport event. Community
development through rafting tourism has contributed to employment opportunities for local
residents, the promotion of local commitment among young people, and the improvement of local
residents＇ living conditions.
