Kagawa Offers Optimal Learning Experiences for Eco-Tourism
I first encountered Sanuki Province (Kagawa Prefecture) in 2010 as a French blogger when I was invited to take part in a tea ceremony study tour by the NPO Shikoku Muchujin. I was touched by the depth of Sanuki culture. Later, I had the opportunity to work as a Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) in Takamatsu City from 2013 to 2015. While I am currently working at the Embassy of Japan in France, I am also fortunate to still be active as the Tourism Ambassador of Takamatsu, and I am honored to have been appointed by Governor Ikeda as the KAGAWA Ambassador this past April.
Sanuki Fuji
What is most memorable about Kagawa Prefecture to me is the spirit of hospitality of the people who live there. Both the unique welcoming custom of “o-settai” and people’s curiosity of other cultures left a lasting impression on me. International exchange associations and friendship groups in every municipality, from Kan-onji City to Higashikagawa City, are actively trying to strengthen ties with foreign nationals. I remember that representatives from 17 local authorities in France were very moved by the warm reception they received when they participated in the 4th Rencontres franco-japonaises de la coopération décentralisée held in Takamatsu in 2014.
Promoting Takamatsu at the Japan Expo
Since that time, the Seto Inland Sea and Naoshima Island have become popular tourist destinations for the French, with an increasing number of people visiting these areas on their first trip to Japan. Takamatsu City, the Setouchi Triennale and the Shikoku Henro Pilgrimage have so captured people’s attention that they have been featured at the Japan Expo, the largest festival celebrating Japanese culture in Europe, and the Maison de la culture du Japon à Paris.
Ogijima Island
So, why has Kagawa Prefecture been the focus of such interest by the French in recent years? One such reason may be that the region is an ideal location for eco-tourism in an age where people have become increasingly aware of environmental concerns. With its picturesque views and the presence of fantastical “sea firefly” crustaceans, the Seto Inland Sea teaches us about the transience and importance of the natural world. It is a place where people can take a journey that will be meaningful, while they contemplate life on the pilgrim’s path and experience the extensive history of the local area first-hand. Kagawa is also an inclusive environment for all people, where women, children and persons with disabilities can feel safe traveling to.
Higashitani Farmers’ Kabuki
An additional appealing point of Kagawa Prefecture is the ability to learn through experiential and interactive tourism. Speaking from my own experience, the opportunity to perform in farmers’ kabuki is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
At the Kagawa Urushi Lacquerware Institute
In Takamatsu, I was able to participate in workshops on wasanbon sugar, lacquerware, ceramics and bonsai, where I was encouraged to consider the value of traditional handicrafts and the performing arts, and how to pass this knowledge on to the next generation. Inspired by tradition, youth are also creating a unique culture where they can, for example, enjoy a modern-day circus and Lion Dance at the same time! The frequent use of the local culture as contemporary art at the Setouchi Triennale is also a quintessential part of Kagawa.
Takamatsu Castle
I believe that this region, with its gift for creative thinking, can develop responses to the critical challenges in sustainable tourism. I hope that this year’s G7 Sustainable Urban Development Ministers’ Meeting in Takamatsu, Kagawa will be a source of inspiration to municipalities across the world.
