This paper is based on the two years community-based participatory action research (CBPAR), focusing on Cross-Cultural Design Collaboration (CCDC) landscape design studio, held in Iwase Neighborhood Association area, Matsudo, Japan. We first briefly introduce the problems of Japanese local community and introduce the priorities of collaboration between university and community in Japan. Then, we introduce the Design and Build program, which was incorporated into the Chiba University CCDC studio in 2014. The authors suggest “Students live in the Neighborhood Association” model as an effective way to facilitate the collaborative programs between university and local community. We critically reflect on the process of CCDC landscape design studio held in Iwase, Matsudo city in 2017-2018. Based on that, we provide the recommendations for the implementation of interdisciplinary practical programs in Universities, so they can contribute to the quality of life of local communities utilizing the suggested model.

This project attempted to understand the current situation of children's play in depopulating rural areas of Japan and improve the situation through a participatory adventure playground planning project. Questionnaires revealed the children's lack of friends to play with and reduction in nature play experience. The authors—a team from the Spatial Planning Laboratory, Chiba University, Japan—suggest that an adventure playground can contribute to resolving these problems. For that, a series of workshops was organized, triggering discussion of the need for nature experiences and risky play as well as responsibilities in case of injury. As a result, a plan for the adventure playground was agreed upon despite the fear of injuries and the original unwillingness of town officers to take responsibility for children's risky play.

During the last century, global problems initiated the studies on a linkage between local culture and sustainability. Local craft production considered one of the way of sustainable community development, preserving the cultural connection with the natural environment, contributing to economic, social and environmental sustainability. This study aims to investigate origins of the traditional Japanese Tsurushibina decoration craft, its connection to natural environment, history of origin, preservation and use in Inatori district and consider the possibilities to use the Tsurushibina decoration craft for sustainable community development.

Here I am telling a story about an inspiring action of Tatiana Ilinich, who organizes an Ivan-Chai festival that uses time-honored tea-making techniques and associated rituals as the point of entry for reviving people’s interest in a wide range of cultural traditions.

(c)Langscape Magazine Volume 7 Issue 2 pp 66-70

EDITOR: Luisa Maffi GUEST EDITOR: David Harmon

While living in Japan I learn a traditional craft that, long neglected, is attracting practitioners again: the colorful art of making tsurushibina, or “hanging doll” decorations. The “dolls” are mostly figures of plants and animals with deep cultural significance, embodying both practical and symbolic connections with nature. Practicing the craft, I discover it diverse meanings and assume, that it can serve to revitalize Japanese traditional knowledge and to foster environmental education, by helping people learn or relearn the “biocultural code” inscribed in this art.

(c)Langscape Magazine Volume 6 Issue 2 pp 31-35  www.terralinguaubuntu.org/langscape/home.html

EDITOR: Luisa Maffi