Satoyama: The Traditional Rural Landscape of Japan

by M. Yokohari (Editor), I. Washitani, G.I. Gerasimov

Japan’s traditional and fragile satoyama landscape system was developed over centuries of human life on mountainous island terrain in a monsoon climate. The carefully managed coppice woodlands on the hillsides, the villages strung along the base of the hills, and the carefully tended paddy fields of rural Japan made possible the sustainable interaction of nature and humans. Radical changes in the middle of the twentieth century led to the abandonment of satoyama landscapes which now are being rediscovered. There is a new realization that these woodlands still play a vital role in the management of the Japanese landscape and a new determination to manage them for the future. This multifaceted book explores the history, nature, biodiversity, current conservation measures, and future uses of satoyama. The information presented here will be of interest in all parts of the world where patterns of sustainable development are being sought.

Genres: Nonfiction, Japan

240 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 2008

Reviews

[Logan Streondj · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rather thorough overview of the current state of traditional land management practices in Japan, with the primary focus being on coppice woodlands.

Worth archiving as an example of Japanese traditional agriculture.

Notably it seemed to be missing growing of fruit and nut trees. And the whole notion of managing the forest as a commons is highly err.

But yeah good at least some people are involved in traditional upkeep. They will be some of most likely to survive upcoming great squeeze.