Revitalizing Lighthouses

2025-07-01 02:26:07

#Japan #Multiple Locations #Japan Foundation #Lighthouse Project #Marine Culture Forum

Revitalizing Lighthouses: A Nationwide Challenge for Community Engagement and Tourism

Revitalizing Lighthouses: The 'Lighthouse Utilization Challenge Project'

The 'Lighthouse Utilization Challenge Project,' spearheaded by the Japan Foundation, aims to increase the number of visitors to lighthouses across Japan while enhancing interest in our oceans and nearby communities. This initiative invites submissions for events, content creation, and the establishment of local systems focused on utilizing lighthouses to stimulate tourism and community engagement.

As lighthouses continue to evolve from their traditional roles, the necessity of contemplating their importance has never been more apparent. This project seeks to reconnect local communities with their maritime heritage, linking regions, diverse sectors, and international experiences through new marine adventures.

In 2025, nine projects have been selected nationwide, each tasked with bringing vibrancy to their respective lighthouses through unique initiatives. Here’s a closer look at these selected projects:

1. Dreaming of Shiriyazaki Lighthouse
- Implementing Entity: Shiriyazaki Lighthouse Utilization Committee
- Location: Shiriyazaki Lighthouse, Aomori Prefecture, Higashi-Tsuchi Village

2. Shioyazaki Lighthouse Revitalization Project
- Implementing Entity: Shioyazaki Lighthouse Revitalization Executive Committee
- Location: Shioyazaki Lighthouse, Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture

3. Under the Lighthouse: Reassessing Local Lighthouses
- Implementing Entity: Inubozaki Lighthouse Warmth Association
- Location: Inubozaki Lighthouse, Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture

4. Nojima Lighthouse 100th Anniversary PR Project
- Implementing Entity: Nojima Lighthouse Utilization Project Committee
- Location: Nojima Lighthouse, Minami Boso City, Chiba Prefecture

5. Awakening of Miho Saki Lighthouse: Morning Tales and Lighthouse Moments
- Implementing Entity: Miho Saki Lighthouse Utilization Consortium
- Location: Miho Saki Lighthouse, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

6. 150th Anniversary 'Lighthouse Learning House' Project
- Implementing Entity: Lighthouse Architecture Research Institute
- Location: Kakuzaki Lighthouse, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture

7. Exploring the Lighthouse Ancestors Project in Ehime
- Implementing Entity: Lighthouse Ancestors Exploration Consortium
- Location: Oosaki Cape Lighthouse and Sadamisaki Lighthouse, Seiyo City and Ikata Town, Ehime Prefecture

8. Tales of Lighthouses, Stars, and the Sea - Experiencing Nature and History at Sekisaki Lighthouse
- Implementing Entity: Saganoseki Local Design Meeting
- Location: Sekisaki Lighthouse, Oita City, Oita Prefecture

9. Bounosaki Lighthouse Utilization and Revitalization Project
- Implementing Entity: Bounosaki Lighthouse Utilization and Revitalization Committee
- Location: Bounosaki Lighthouse, Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture

For detailed information about the projects or to stay updated on upcoming events, you can visit the following links:

The Marine Culture Creation Forum, the entity behind this initiative, aims not only to utilize lighthouses as historical monuments but also to merge the memories of the sea with local culture. Through these projects, we look forward to creating new marine experiences that connect local communities with the rest of the world.

The Vision Behind the Project

The connection between people and the sea has always been defined by lighthouses, serving as critical navigation points while expanding their roles towards community engagement and cultural heritage. The 'Marine and Lighthouse Project' is part of the Japan Foundation's broader initiative, aiming to tackle various environmental and cultural challenges faced by the oceans and encourage future generations to embrace this vital resource. By fostering a sense of responsibility towards the marine environment, the project aims to cultivate heightened awareness and action across the nation.

To learn more about the 'Marine and Japan Project', visit: Japan Foundation Marine and Japan Project.