Building Sustainable Agrifood Systems and Resilient Rural Communities in Japan

“Building Sustainable Agrifood Systems and Resilient Rural Communities in Japan addresses the dilemma of how to sustain and enhance rural communities in the face of rapid demographic transitions. Through empirical case studies contextualized within macro social forces facing Japan, these prominent Japanese agrifood scholars provide a valuable primer on lessons learned and future work needed to address the global challenges of sustainability and rural development. Global agrifood scholars facing similar dilemmas will find Japan’s social and political rural sustainability innovations informative and useful.”

-- Douglas H. Constance, Sam Houston State University

“This book provides a deep dive into Japan’s rural revitalization, offering insights into the future of global rural communities. It explores use of diversity, post-growth innovation, and place-based strategies, showcasing how Japan’s rural areas are embracing social innovation. Key themes include depopulation, diverse economies, Agro-Medico-Polis, regional management organizations, food education, and disaster capitalism. A must-read for understanding rural resilience.”

-- Masashi Tachikawa, Nagoya University

“This fine showcase of contemporary Japanese rural sociology is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in lessons Japan has to offer for areas across the globe that are challenged by rural depopulation, economic stagnation, and disempowered local governance structures. Each case study demonstrates how global problems are distinctively shaped by local conditions and therefore rely on local actors, institutions and knowledge to build sustainable solutions.”

-- Wolfram Manzenreiter, University of Vi