The origin of landscape creation

On the other hand, Sapporo's economy does not seem to be recovering, but as a base for tourism in Hokkaido, its calm, lattice-like streetscape surrounded by abundant nature is popular with both domestic and international visitors. Recently, the baby boomer generation who lived in Hokkaido have been concentrating in Sapporo in search of the convenience of the city, avoiding the inconveniences of life such as snow removal in a social structure with a declining birthrate, aging population, and population decline, and the construction of high-rise apartment buildings is noticeable.

Although the two cities have different origins and social situations, they seem to share a common problem in terms of urban landscape. Economic globalization and corporate competition have resulted in streets lined with global brand shops and chain stores with uniform facade across the country. Residents' faces are no longer visible in the streets, and the uniqueness of their culture seems to be fading.

A year after the Landscape Law came into force, nearly 100 local governments are expected to decide on landscape plans, and the potential of landscapes has increased dramatically. It is not particularly difficult to base a landscape plan on an existing historical landscape, but it is extremely difficult to foster people's awareness of the landscape and realize the plan while balancing it with economic activity and living space. In landscape issues, where there is a tendency to agree in principle but disagree on specifics, I think the necessary approach is to start by thinking about what is around us.

Enjoying flowers and greenery was a representative part of the culture of the common people in Edo, a city of one million people. In particular, in the late Edo period, in addition to famous flower spots such as Asukayama, Gotenyama, and the Sumida River, Edo took on the appearance of a green garden city, with the gardens of feudal lords' residences and the greenery of temples and shrines. It is said that townspeople living in tenement houses also enjoyed flowers by placing flower pots in the alleys. I was born and raised in Tokyo after the war, and I sometimes recall the simple, clean cityscapes, with water sprinkled on front doors and potted plants in alleys that gave a sense of the seasons. Such memorable living spaces were the very culture of the common people that has continued since the Edo period. The origins of landscape creation lie in the scenery where you can feel the lively lives of the people.

Starting from this starting point, we should start with what we can do, such as not throwing trash on the street, not smoking while walking, cleaning up in front of our houses, and appreciating the flowers and plants, spreading awareness of our town and linking it to landscape creation. Of course, we should thoroughly discuss the preservation of historical and natural landscapes, and strive to leave the best to our descendants beyond the profits and losses. However, if we cannot feel the faces of the people who live there and the culture of the region, it will end up being a mere formality that does not appeal to people's hearts. As a culture rooted in the life of the region, we would like to start with something close to home and pass on a memorable landscape to the next generation.