Dialog for emerging future in Rikuzentakata. 2nd. Sun, Feb 05,2012

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Up in Rikuzentakada, Tohoku for a multi-stakeholder dialog to empower local people, redesign the village life&increase job opportunities.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

One leader of the project is an old gentleman who runs local companies and has recently launched NPO for restoration. Amazing vitality.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

A half destroyed gas station is open in Rikuzantakada. A worker wears only a uniform in snow.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

A founder of NPO for restoration of Rikuzentakada goes, "there is something that only we in the early 50's can do for our home town."

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Each generation has its own role to contribute to society.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Tohoku people want space where their voice is heard&they listen to others. Dialog is a practical tool to fill the gap btwn citizen and gov.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Helping Tohoku people host a multi stakeholder dialog does make a difference in quality of their communication and take concrete actions.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

There IS cultural difference in each area of Tohoku region.Some r open to outsiders&utilize their resources while others r reluctant.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

We, outsiders who claim to "restore Tohoku" or whatever, MUST listen very very carefully to the local people.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

A lack of job opportunity isn't an issue only happening in Tohoku, but is prevailing in countryside all over Japan.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Having babies and kids next to us while we discuss serious things has a very positive impact on outcomes.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Even tho we say "empower local people," it is local people who take the initiative at the end. Leaders are already in the community.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

It's nonsense to try to redesign living of Tohoku by the boundary of administrative district. Socio-cultural district should be considered.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

To think of #City 2.0 for Tohoku, Japan, a Japanese cultural characteristic/mental concept of "insider and outsider" plays a big role.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Local peep r curious 2 know how they r perceived by outsiders&what outsiders think locals should do. Learning it motivates them 2 get move.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Local people: Hosting small gatherings where about 10 people can be fully engaged in conversations is very valuable for the restoration.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

How to let the world know what's going on in Tohoku? How to share information? Gap in accessibility and literacy of technology is an issue.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Local leaders facing difficulty to spread the word out within local community.Many locals not interested in being part of the initiative.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

The first step of buidling community is to build a core team that manages the community.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

How to increase the number of locals who take redesigning the village as his/her own business?

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

We need a way of reaching out young locals of Rikuzentakada who want to do something for hometown but don't know how. They are at a loss.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

But it is promising that a college student from the village is leading a project of empowering the same generation in hometown.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Beyond the boundary of insiders and outsiders. Anyone who has intention to do something for the village should give voice to recreate it.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Power dynamics based on status and age in the local community is strong enough to prevent people from speaking up and participating.

Naho Iguchi @nafnaf

Rikuzentakada has culture of exchanging things with neighbors and thus doesnt have to make much money.