A “self-reliance conference” is being held in the Tsukigase district of Nara City, with the aim of creating a sustainable local community even as the population declines. We aim to create a region that can survive even without tax increases or major economic growth by having residents actively think about local issues themselves, rather than leaving everything to the government.

This project is being carried out by the general incorporated association “Local Coop Yamato Kogen”, “Vision Japan”, and Nara City in the area, where the population is declining and aging. We discuss problems we are facing and what we want to achieve, help each other and pool our wisdom to find solutions and realizations, and revitalize the community.

A total of four meetings are scheduled this year, and at the second meeting held on September 28, 14 residents were divided into four groups to share what they are good at and what they can do in their spare time and support each other. We talked about how it works.

A woman who works for the Social Welfare Council in Minamiyamashiro Village, Kyoto Prefecture, demonstrated the information sharing measures taken at the workshop. He explained that by writing three things you can do on one side of a piece of origami folded in half and three things you want people to do on the other side, and passing them around to everyone, everyone can share the information on the spot and help solve the problem.

One of the groups pointed out, “We would like to have a system where people can make immediate purchases on their behalf, but the role of the secretariat is necessary.” Another group said, “There is a lack of information on the supply side when it comes to lending farmland and agricultural equipment, so it is not easy to rent out farmland or agricultural equipment.” We need a mediator who can be trusted.”

Shun Tanaka (38), project manager for Concept Japan, said, “Elderly people, young people, and women participated and were able to discuss issues that are closely related to their daily lives.I want to create a system for helping each other.”