Higashikawa: Picture-Perfect Town - Journeys in Japan

Key Concepts

Higashikawa Style: A unique lifestyle in Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido, characterized by a deep connection with nature, freedom of choice, and a focus on community.
Town of Photography: Higashikawa's identity as a town that promotes itself through photography, fostering a culture of visual storytelling and artistic expression.
Underground Water Source: The town's reliance on pure, mineral-rich underground water, which is a significant aspect of its lifestyle and local products.
"Your Chair" Project (君の椅子): A heartwarming initiative where every newborn baby in Higashikawa receives a specially crafted wooden chair, symbolizing their place in the community.
Furniture Town: Higashikawa is also recognized for its woodworking and furniture-making heritage.
Conversation Cafe: A community initiative that connects international students with local volunteers for language practice and cultural exchange.

Higashikawa: A Town Embracing Nature, Photography, and Community

This documentary explores Higashikawa Town, located on the edge of Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, Japan. The narrator, Tom Maoter, discovers a town that has cultivated a unique "Higashikawa Style" by integrating its rich natural environment with a strong sense of community and artistic expression.

The "Town of Photography" Initiative

Higashikawa has actively promoted itself as a "Town of Photography" for the past 40 years. This initiative aims to foster a culture where residents strive to create a town, people, and things that are "not ashamed to be captured in photographs." This commitment is evident throughout the town, with photographic prints displayed along the streets, turning the town itself into an outdoor exhibition.

Community Involvement: High school photography clubs are actively engaged in capturing the town's essence, focusing on elements like nature and local life. Students express their appreciation for the town's photographic potential, noting the availability of fields and seasonal beauty conducive to photography.
Visual Storytelling: The integration of photography into the town's fabric serves as a powerful tool for appeal and promotion, transforming everyday scenes into potential postcards.

The Gift of Pure Water

A defining characteristic of Higashikawa is its abundant supply of pure, natural water. The town relies entirely on underground water, meaning that natural water flows directly from every tap.

Source: This water originates from the "Asahi's underground water flow," a gift from the mountains.
Lifestyle Integration: This pure water is used for all daily needs, including drinking, bathing, and cooking, highlighting a luxurious and sustainable lifestyle.
Local Products: The town's water is also integral to its local products, such as coffee. A local cafe owner explains that the mineral balance of Higashikawa's water is similar to that of the human body, making it easily absorbed and enhancing the taste of coffee.

Embracing Nature and Freedom

The "Higashikawa Style" is deeply intertwined with the town's natural surroundings and the freedom it offers its residents.

Natural Landscapes: The town is characterized by vast fields stretching into the distance and a constant view of the mountains, which are described as the town's "symbolic existence" that supports everything.
Freedom of Choice: The narrator defines the "Higashikawa Style" as the abundance of nature combined with the freedom to choose one's own path and integrate it into their lifestyle.

Local Cuisine and Community Gatherings

The town offers a taste of its local bounty through its cuisine and fosters community through various initiatives.

Local Ingredients: Restaurants feature dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including rice, vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu.
Conversation Cafe: This initiative provides a platform for international students to practice Japanese and connect with local volunteers. Participants express gratitude for the warm welcome and the valuable information they receive about life in Higashikawa, highlighting the kindness of the local residents.

The "Furniture Town" and the "Your Chair" Project

Higashikawa is also recognized as a "Furniture Town" and a "Town of Woodcraft." A significant project that embodies this identity is the "Your Chair" (君の椅子) initiative.

"Your Chair" Project: Launched 20 years ago, this project gifts a specially designed wooden chair to every newborn baby in Higashikawa. The chair symbolizes a welcome to the world and a declaration of belonging: "Thank you for being born, and your place is here."
Craftsmanship: The chairs are meticulously crafted without metal fasteners, using only wood joints and holes. They are designed with safety in mind, featuring rounded edges to prevent injuries to young children.
Generational Legacy: The project has a deep personal significance for the craftsmen, with some creating chairs for their grandchildren, envisioning the chairs as potential heirlooms passed down through generations. The project fosters a sense of community blessing and reinforces the idea that children are born into a wonderful town.

Reflections on Higashikawa Style

The documentary concludes with reflections on the unique lifestyle and community spirit of Higashikawa.

Appreciation for Nature and Time: The use of cameras, as opposed to smartphones, encourages a deeper appreciation for capturing fleeting moments and valuing time.
Harmony with Nature: The town's commitment to living in harmony with nature is a strong and palpable aspect of its identity.
Community Welcome: The narrator emphasizes that Higashikawa is a place where people of all ages enjoy their lives, and the residents welcome newcomers with open arms. The town's pure water, beautiful woodwork, and vibrant community create an inviting atmosphere.

The journey through Higashikawa reveals a town that has successfully blended its natural resources with a forward-thinking approach to community building and artistic expression, creating a truly distinctive and welcoming lifestyle.