Yamanashi Prefecture establishes "Fuji Five Lakes Natural Area Forum"|Promoting participation to all stakeholders
On Thursday, December 22, 2022, Yamanashi Prefecture announced that it will establish the Fuji Five Lakes Natural Metropolitan Area Forum, a collaborative organization in which all stakeholders are expected to participate, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of Mt. Fuji's registration as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Yamanashi Tourism Promotion Organization)
The concept of the Natural Metropolitan Area is "a region that realizes a new work lifestyle where people can live in abundant nature and blessed nature, enjoy their leisure time every day, and at the same time utilize remote work to work for private companies and public organizations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and work as individuals."
The proponent of the Natural Metropolitan Area is Mr. Hiroshi Tasaka, the current advisor to Yamanashi Prefecture (Professor Emeritus of Tama Graduate School). The forum will form a working group with the participation of all stakeholders, including industry and private companies, politics and government, universities, educational institutions, research institutes, labor unions, social contribution organizations, NPOs, social entrepreneurs, the media, and the public and prefectural residents.
The working group is centered on the "Natural Metropolitan Area Concept." This is supported by four working groups: Green Mobility, Art City, Academia, and Global. In the future, we plan to use a dedicated website to recruit participants, introduce participating companies and organizations, and disseminate initiatives.
Yamanashi Prefecture has stated that it wants to "create an advanced region that is unparalleled in the world by combining the best tourist resorts in Japan with the functions of the capital."
Press Conference for the Establishment of the Forum (December 22, 2022 @ Prefectural Hall)
Mr. Tasaka explained each working group. The "Natural Metropolitan Area Concept" aims to improve the transportation environment and enhance the comprehensive tourism ecosystem. "Green mobility" includes the Fuji Tozan Railway, the realization of a hydrogen society, and the introduction of flying cars. "Art City" is about creating events and communities. "Academia" is the promotion of academics, culture, and sports. "Global" collaborates with overseas cities and companies. This is the image of the activity.
In response to a question about the participating companies, Mr. Tasaka replied, "There are already various activities among the participating companies, and we will introduce their names early next month." Regarding the budget, he said, "We are expecting investment from participating companies. The prefecture will propose the concept and provide a place," said Kotaro Nagasaki, Governor of Yamanashi Prefecture.
(Left 2) Kengo Kuma (architect) and Akiko Yamato (former Speaker of the House of Councillors)
(2 right) Kotaro Nagasaki (Prefectural Governor) and Hiroshi Tasaka (Prefectural Advisor)
