Through lectures and exhibitions, we convey the artistic and social history of the kimono and demonstrate how its values can be applied meaningfully in today’s life. The kimono embodies fundamental traditional values of Japan and continues to be passed down and worn from generation to generation. Its textile craftsmanship is incredibly creative and versatile, as impressively demonstrated by the various printing, weaving, and embroidery techniques. The textile design, with its diverse world of patterns and motifs, holds a timeless beauty and symbolism deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Tokyo, Japan’s dynamic metropolis, continuously attracts young people from rural regions. However, this attraction poses challenges that affect both the capital and the rural areas of the country. Many young people are drawn to the cultural and professional diversity of Tokyo, as well as the freedom offered by an urban environment.

The ongoing population flow to Tokyo exacerbates the population decline and decreasing birth rate in rural areas. While young people move to the metropolis to lead a more diverse life, rural societies face an increasing decline.

In the recent gubernatorial election in Tokyo, urbanization and measures against the declining birth rate were central issues. The candidates pursued different approaches to solve these problems. Yuriko Koike, the incumbent governor of Tokyo, is known for her political experience and focuses on economic support for families. She emphasizes the need for financial measures to improve the quality of life in Tokyo and address the impacts of urbanization. Renho, a member of the Japanese parliament and former leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, advocates for better working conditionsfor young people and calls for measures to strengthen the economic security of the younger generation. Shinji Ishimaru, a former mayor of Akita, advocates for decentralization to address the challenges of urbanization. He argues that shifting resources and opportunities to rural areas is necessary to reduce the imbalance between city and countryside.

Tokyo must find a balance between its urban attraction and the needs of rural regions. The city faces the task of developing strategies that ensure both urban development and the stability of rural areas. Only in this way can Tokyo fulfill its role as Japan’s dynamic center without endangering the future of rural societies.