Women Transforming Community Through Life in Kamiyama, Tokushima
The town of Kamiyama in Tokushima Prefecture is making waves as a model for rural revitalization, showcasing various initiatives that inspire and empower its residents. On June 25, 2025, a poignant new book titled "Creating a Town Through Life: Women Who Moved to Kamiyama" will be released, offering an intimate insight into the lives of women who have relocated or returned to this vibrant community. Authored by Kyoko Sugimoto and published by Shobunsha, this book is an engaging compilation of interviews that highlight the personal journeys of these women and their crucial roles in reshaping the town’s fabric.
The author, who has been visiting Kamiyama for nearly a decade, believes that the nuanced daily stories of these women carry the power to unravel the larger concepts of "regional revitalization" and "community building." The simple acknowledgment that communities are created by the lives of individual inhabitants invites readers to cherish their own life experiences.
As Sugimoto notes in the book’s introduction, each woman arrived in Kamiyama through their unique life trajectories. Their reasons for relocation are diverse; yet, there seems to be a common thread binding their motivations, suggesting an underlying connection among them. Listening to their narratives about Kamiyama gradually influenced her own reflections on her life and how she engages with her surroundings. The book serves not only as a testimony to the personal growth of the interviewees but also as a mirror reflecting the essence of the town itself.
Table of Contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Chapter 1: A Town with the River as Its Backbone
3.
Chapter 2: Connecting Mountains and People
4.
Chapter 3: Art to Stir Relationships
5.
Chapter 4: Being Welcomed by the People of Kamiyama
6.
Chapter 5: Living Centrally Around Food
7.
Chapter 6: Creating Spaces for Growth
8.
Chapter 7: Common Grounds of the Town
9.
Conclusion: Individual Lives Shape the Town
Author Profile
Kyoko Sugimoto
Born in Osaka, Kyoko Sugimoto holds a master's degree in Journalism from Doshisha University. Since 2009, she has worked as a freelance writer based in Kyoto, focusing on spaces that can function as safe havens and autonomous platforms. Her research includes interviews and fieldwork in universities, temples, NPOs, and mountainous areas. She is also the author of "Kyoto University Cultural Dictionary: The Ecosystem of Freedom and Chaos" published by Film Art.
Book Information
- - Title: Creating a Town Through Life: Women Who Moved to Kamiyama
- - Author: Kyoko Sugimoto
- - Price: ¥2,200 (¥2,000 at base price)
- - Format: 46 size, paperback
- - Page Count: 380 pages
- - ISBN: 978-4-7949-7478-5
- - Release Date: June 25, 2025
- - Publisher: Shobunsha
- - Book Website: Shobunsha
Through the stories of these remarkable women, this book illustrates how personal life experiences can forge a powerful community narrative, enriching the understanding of what it truly means to create and belong in a place. Prepare to be inspired by their journeys and the beauty of life in Kamiyama.