Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture - Regional Revitalization Through Wooden Architecture - October 2001

Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture - Regional Revitalization Through Wooden Architecture - October 2001 In Oguni Town, Kumamoto Prefecture, efforts are underway to revitalize the region through wooden architecture that utilizes Oguni cedar, a local resource. The town has developed facilities such as "Yu Station" and "Oguni Dome" on the site of the former Japanese National Railways Miyahara Line, which was discontinued in 1984. In particular, the “Oguni Dome” attracted attention as Japan’s largest wooden structure at the time and employed a three-dimensional wooden truss construction method. By collaborating with local craftsmen and construction companies, the town aims to preserve traditional wooden construction techniques and promote sustainable forestry. Across the town, the “Yuki no Sato” (Village of Yuki) initiative is being promoted to develop the community using local resources. Efforts are also underway to construct public facilities using wood and to promote forestry with the goal of increasing carbon dioxide absorption. Furthermore, these efforts are being utilized as tourism resources, leading to an increase in visitors and study tours from across the country. Sources - JICA Kyushu - SDGs and Community Development: https://www.jica.go.jp/kyushu/eco/sdgs/2018/ku57pq00000k3o8v-att/201812_02.pdf - Kumamoto Prefecture Official Website - Oguni Town Initiatives: https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/soshiki/115/76680.html