Discovering the Harmony of Satoyama and Urban Greening in Japan

When I arrived in Japan, the mix of nature in the city was quite impressive, from the bustling streets in Tokyo to the quiet rural landscapes of the countryside, which people within Japan appreciate. Satoyama was understood and how it had been integrated into modern urban greening.

I had seen the traditional Satoyama landscape at the heart of the Japanese countryside. In Japanese, Satoyama includes a "mountain village," meaning a border zone between mountain foothills and flat farmland where rice paddies, forests, grasslands, and ponds coexist in sustainable management by local communities.

The walk through the Satoyama was deep in harmony. This is indeed a testimony to the symbiotic relationship between man and nature. I met Mr. Tanaka, an elderly farmer whose family had lived in this Satoyama for generations. He told me how his ancestors worked with nature, knowing the tender balance to keep the ecosystem going. "The Satoyama is our life," he said. We take care of it, and it takes care of us."

In Tokyo, back amidst the hustle and bustle, I saw how Satoyama principles are being applied in greening the urban environment. Green rooftops and walls add beauty to concrete walls, help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and become homes to urban wildlife. One of the most beautiful green terraces is that of the ACROS Fukuoka building, which supplies a refreshing respite from the city's hustle and bustle.

Urban farming initiatives are also thriving. At Pasona Urban Farm in Tokyo, vegetables and fruits are grown inside the workspace, fostering a closer connection between city dwellers and their food sources.

My journey through Japan, from ancient Satoyama landscapes to innovative urban greening projects, left me deeply inspired. It demonstrated that harmony between nature and human development is essential. The lessons from Satoyama can guide us in creating sustainable urban spaces that nourish both people and the planet.