[Akeya] Lecture Program: “Workshop on Developing Mountain-Based Livelihoods”

Events

[Akeya] Lecture Program: “Workshop on Developing Mountain-Based Livelihoods”

Summary

Talk

At Akayama, we have long served as a “new school for learning from the mountains the skills necessary for human life,” inviting various experts and artists to host symposiums and workshops. This time, we are inviting Naraiwa Maker Hiroshi Ito to lead a workshop where we will explore the concept of “Nariwai” (livelihoods) in the mountains.

Traveling around the world, Mr. Ito defines “nariwai” as “work that serves as play in and of itself for individuals or collectives, while also strengthening the foundations of their lives, minds, and bodies.” He has been devising and practicing contemporary forms of livelihood, and through fieldwork, has explored the contemporary relevance of traditional and practical knowledge. Drawing on this experience, Mr. Ito will give a lecture on the concept of nariwai, and together we’ll explore what kinds of nariwai might be possible in Akiyamago!

In addition, following the symposium, special events such as “Let’s Build a Ger in the Mountains!” and “Akiyamago Morning Walk: Let’s Look for Medicinal Plants” will be held. Since participation in these events is on a first-come, first-served basis, please register as soon as possible.

▼Symposium Program
Part 1: Lecture on the Concept of “Nariwai” by Hiroshi Ito
Part 2: Workshop on Devising “Nariwai” in the Mountains
[Speakers] Hiroshi Ito (Nariwai Maker), Fukasawa Takafumi (Director, Akayama)

Date & Time｜October 10, 2026 (Sat)
Location｜Akeyama – Akiyamago Municipal Oakasawa Elementary School –
Time｜1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fee｜1,000 yen + admission fee (Adults: 800 yen / Elementary and Junior High School Students: 400 yen)
Reservation Method｜Click here to make your reservation for the symposium

▼Special Hands-On Program Details
■Special Hands-On Program ① “Let’s Build a Ger in the Mountains!”
This hands-on program involves building a ger and spending time inside it. Participation is available after the symposium.
Dates | October 10 (Sat) 5:00 PM – October 11 (Sun) 8:00 AM
Capacity | 8 participants
Participation Fee | Free
Meeting Place | Akayama, 154-1 Oakasawa-cho, Tsunan town, Naka-Uonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture 949-8317 (Free parking available)
Important Notes | To spend the night in the ger you build, you must bring your own sleeping pad, sleeping bag, food, water, and other essentials. Please participate only if you are able to bring these items.
Guests | Hiroshi Ito, Fukasawa Takafumi

■Special Experience Program #2: “Akiyamago Morning Walk: Let’s Look for Medicinal Plants”
Date | October 11 (Sun) 9:00–11:00
Capacity | 8 people
Participation Fee | 500 yen (payable in cash on-site)
Meeting Place | Akayama, 154-1 Oakasawa-cho, Tsunan town, Nakauonuma-gun, Niigata Prefecture 949-8317 (Free parking available)
What to Bring | Clothing suitable for hiking in the mountains
Guests | Hidemasa Nakazawa, Hiroshi Ito, Fukasawa Takafumi

Click here to make a reservation for Special Experience Programs ① and ②

Hiroshi Ito
A “Nariwai Maker” and graduate of the Master’s Program in Forest Science at Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Agriculture. He defines “Nariwai” as work that is inherently enjoyable and strengthens both the foundations of daily life and the mind and body. While devising and practicing contemporary forms of livelihood, he also conducts fieldwork on traditional and practical knowledge spanning urban and rural areas in Mongolia, Japan, and Thailand, and collaborates with anthropologists to research the potential of Nariwai.His primary livelihoods include training journeys in Mongolia and Thailand, seasonal farming, serving as chairman of the National Floor-Laying Association, and managing an artist-in-residence program with a retail space. His major publications include *Creating Nariwai* and *Creating Idokoro* (both published by Tokyo Shoseki).

Fukasawa Takafumi
Born in Yamanashi Prefecture in 1984; currently resides in Hokkaido. He carries out projects in various regions, establishing and putting into practice alternative philosophies for coexistence in different settings. At the 2015 Echigo-Tsumari Art Field, he conducted a lifestyle survey by staying in various private homes in Echigo-Tsumari through homestay programs, and opened the “Echigo-Tsumari Folk Stay Museum,” which showcases the findings of this research. He began his research in Akiyamago in 2022.

Here is what the gel will look like when it’s finished.

▼Facility Information

Akeya – Akiyama-go Municipal Oakasawa Elementary School –
Dates: Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from July 18 (Sat) to November 8 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults 800 yen, Elementary and Middle School Students 400 yen *Fee may be included in the ETAT Passport or Common Ticket, depending on the period.

Photo by Kanemoto Rintaro

Booking On-line

Summary

Date and time	October 10 (Sat), 2026 – October 11 (Sun), 2026
Venue	Akeya – Akiyama-go Municipal Oakasawa Elementary School –
Admission	1,000 yen + admission fee (800 yen for Adults / 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students) *Please pay in cash on site.

Related Information

Akeyama Arts Center

In Akiyamago, once designated as an area exempt from compulsory education, a closed school building from 2022 will open in 2024 as "a new school for learning the skills necessary for human survival from the mountains." It is a continuous space and project for exploring, learning, and sharing the wisdom and techniques for survival cultivated in Akiyamago, together with artists, residents, and researchers.

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