AKIYA AIR – IWAMI Residency Programme

Origins, Myth, and Landscape

Shimane Prefecture, often described as the land of Japan’s origins and myths, holds a rich cultural narrative rooted in ancient history. Largely untouched by wartime destruction, the region retains pre-war architecture and forest landscapes, offering a rare continuity with the past.

Within this setting, the Iwami region—home to both Yunotsu and Gotsu—presents a layered environment where history, nature, and daily life remain closely intertwined.

Living Traditions and Performing Arts

Iwami is known for its deeply rooted performing arts and craft traditions, closely tied to local materials and community life. Iwami Kagura is particularly distinctive: around 150 kagura groups are active in the region, formed and sustained by local residents.

People of all ages participate, and performances are not only preserved but continuously reinterpreted as part of everyday cultural life. Kagura masks and costumes are crafted locally, using handmade materials such as stone-based washi paper, reflecting a strong connection between craft and performance.

Hot Springs and Historic Townscapes

Yunotsu, located within Oda City, is the only hot spring town in Japan designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Its townscape reflects architectural layers from multiple historical periods, offering a rare example of continuity between past and present.

While Yunotsu once flourished as a spa destination, the region today is quieter—shaped by broader demographic shifts affecting rural Japan.

Depopulation and Renewal

The Iwami region is historically associated with the concept of “depopulation,” and has long been recognised as one of the areas most affected by demographic decline.

In recent years, however, shifting societal values—accelerated by the pandemic—have led to new forms of movement and engagement. Entrepreneurs and younger generations have begun relocating to the area, opening new accommodations, restaurants, and small businesses. These changes signal an emerging phase of renewal, where traditional environments are reinterpreted through contemporary practices.

Satoyama: A Philosophy of Living with Nature

The region is also characterised by satoyama landscapes—rural environments situated between mountains, forests, and human habitation.

More than a physical setting, satoyama represents a long-standing philosophy of coexistence with nature, where resources are managed sustainably and cultural practices evolve in close relationship with the environment. This way of life continues to inform both daily activities and creative approaches within the region.