Maze: A Museum without Walls - Journeys in Japan

Welcome to Maze: The Satoyama Museum [00:00]

• Nestled in Gifu Prefecture, Maze village offers an immersive program called the Satoyama Museum.
• This initiative allows visitors to explore the landscape and traditional way of life.
• Cheryl Sakurai embarks on a journey to discover the timeless appeal of this remote rural area.

  "On this edition of Journeys in Japan, Cheryl Sakurai has come to discover the timeless appeal of this remote area deep in the countryside."

Nishimura: A Community as a Museum [00:44]

• Cheryl heads to Nishimura, a small community focused on the Satoyama Museum green tourism initiative.
• With a population of under 130, Nishimura is presented as an open-air museum.
• Koiike Eiji, a founder of the project, welcomes Cheryl and begins the tour.

  "This program has been running for over a decade now. The entire community is an open-air museum, allowing visitors to discover the scenery, the local history, and the daily lives of the people who call it home."

Exploring Traditional Homes and History [01:35]

• Cheryl visits an old house, learning about its history and construction, some dating back 250 years.
• She observes the architectural features, including a small door for daily use and a larger one for special occasions.
• The transcript mentions the historical significance of bees and their integration into homes.

  "The small door was for everyday use, while the large door was reserved for special occasions and for bringing larger items into the house."

The Importance of Water and Local Produce [02:30]

• Nishimura's traditional water system, fed by natural springs, is still used by residents.
• Cheryl learns how the water is used for laundry, making clothes spotlessly clean.
• She also discovers the local delicacy, 'warabi' (young bracken fern), and how it's prepared and enjoyed.

  "This is the room for bee to eat. There is also a tree that comes out to eat. The bee is very important, so, one of the house is also dead."

Fishing for Amago Trout [04:18]

• Cheryl tries her hand at fishing for Amago, a type of trout common in Japanese upland streams.
• She learns the technique of letting the line drift naturally with the current.
• After a struggle, she successfully catches a large Amago trout, over 25cm long.

  "Oh, I've got one! Oh, come on! I got it!"

Environmental Stewardship of the Mazze River [05:18]

• Ishigami Tsutao is introduced as someone dedicated to protecting the Mazze River's natural environment.
• Approximately 26% of Maze's forest is designated as conservation woodland to maintain river clarity for fish habitats.
• Local residents actively participate in maintaining the riverside environment.

  "If you have a fish, it's like a barometer of the river, and if you have a fish, it's a wonderful water."

A Taste of Local Cuisine [06:20]

• Cheryl visits a guesthouse run by Yoshinaga Machiko and Hidemi, who moved to Nishimura in 2011.
• She participates in preparing a traditional meal, including skewering and grilling the Amago trout over charcoal.
• The preparation involves carefully inserting the skewer to create a wavy shape for even grilling.

  "The fish are lightly salted, then placed upright, so that the fish will be able to make a wavy shape."

Experiencing Hoba Miso and Local Flavors [07:46]

• Machiko prepares another local specialty: Hoba miso, a dish served on a dried magnolia leaf with miso and vegetables.
• Cheryl finds the combination "unbelievable" and "delicious."
• She reflects on how living in Maze has enriched her life compared to her experiences in Tokyo and Nagoya.

  "Unbelievable. This is really delicious. It's a wonderful combination. It's the best way to eat it."

Adventure in the Forest: High-Wire Challenge [08:54]

• Cheryl tries an outdoor activity originating in France, involving navigating elevated wooden structures in the forest.
• Gwen Diucoli, who moved from France, runs the operation and guides Cheryl.
• Despite a fear of heights, Cheryl embraces the challenge, navigating planks and ropes.

  "So it's pretty high wire, so you would have to climb the stairs first."

Authentic Japan and Community Festivals [10:03]

• Gwen describes Maze as offering an "authentic Japan," a special place away from mass tourism.
• The village celebrates its spring festival in late April, with children carrying a Mikoshi (portable shrine).
• The festival is a community effort to keep traditions alive and foster a sense of connection among the children.

  "The kids are the power of this festival. The whole community comes together like this to keep alive their long tradition."

Reflections on Maze [12:01]

• Cheryl expresses gratitude for the warm welcome and the experience of discovering how life preserves history.
• She highlights the harmonious living with nature and the thoughtful use of local resources.
• Maze is described not just as being surrounded by nature, but as embodying it.

  "Mazze isn't just surrounded by nature, it embodies it."