[English]
-Our company:
Based in Hyogo Prefecture we provide rural development aimed at improving the quality of life and economic wellbeing of people living in relatively isolated and sparsely populated areas in Japan. Rural development has traditionally centered on the exploitation of land-intensive natural resources such as agriculture and forestry. However, changes in global production network
s and increased urbanization have altered the character of rural areas. We at NOTE protect the ancient heritage by renovating old houses to attract more tourists and to bring businesses into the rural area while improving the general quality of life.
-Our work:
In Sasayama city, there are many privately owned abandoned houses. This is due to the fact that it is expensive to maintain and renovate them; using original 200 year old construction methods. At NOTE, we raise funds from the city to renovate old houses and "sub-lease" the spaces to business owners such as cooks, baristas, artists and craftsmen. The rent form these sub lettings helps to pay the cost of renovation. The contact for each rental is for 10 years with the properties being returned to the owners completely renovated and habitable at the conclusion of the lease. This innovative process brings businesses into the rural area from the city, increases the numbers of tourists, and encourages young people to stay.
【Japanese】
現代社会の価値観で否定されてきたもの。つまりは、農業、林業、里山、地縁型のコミュニティ、日本人の生活文化といった営みに、もう一度、光を当てること。高齢化の進行、若者の流出、山林の荒廃、獣害の深刻化、農業の担い手不足、空き家の増加、歴史的町並みや生活文化の喪失などの地域課題に対して、創造的な解決策を処方すること。
そのために、私たちは、私たち自身の新しいモノサシを持って、常に現場に立ち、総合的に現場を見て、考えて、行動する必要があります。ソーシャルビジネスなど地域再生のための新しい仕組みを創造していく必要があります。私たちは、ひとつひとつの現場に丁寧に対処しながら、組織として、エリアマネジメントのスキル向上を図っていきます。そして、新しい人材を養成していきます。
今後も、地域団体への支援をベースとしながら、農商工連携による新産業の創造、クリエイティブツーリズムの振興などの自主事業を展開して、法人としての自立性の向上と地域の雇用創出、活性化に取り組んでいきます。
