Mie Sustainable

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CONCEPT

Mie,
land of precious heritage preserved
for future generations

Mie, a long, vertically-oriented prefecture located near the center of the Japanese archipelago, is blessed with a diverse landscape that encompasses rivers and other bodies of water like the Kumano Sea and Ise Bay, as well as the robust scenery of the Suzuka and Kii Mountain ranges.

Our age-old tradition like Ise Jingu, the so-called “Soul of Japan,” and the Ama divers of the Toba and Shima area are the forefront of a proud array of cultural heritage.

The prefecture’s treasured composite of natural beauty, history, and culture have been carefully preserved for centuries, reflecting a modern-day concept that emphasizes “sustainability.”

Imbued with this ancestral inclination to preserve its natural beauty and time-honored traditions, Mie beckons to travelers as a miraculous sustainable destination.

MOVIE

REPORT

熊野古道伊勢路。千年の時を超え息づく自然信仰、美しい景観は人の手により守られゆく

World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo Iseji. Nature worship and beautiful cultural landscapes existing for over a millennium continue to be passed on to future generations

The Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route to the three grand shrines of Kumano, known as the Kumano Sanzan, which are sacred sites with rich histories. Valuable cultural landscapes have been preserved along the Kumano Kodo Iseji route, which connects Ise Jingu with the Kumano Sanzan, including a magnificent stone-paved path, cypress forest, and a shrine said to be the oldest in Japan.

Considering the Future of a Satoumi Intertwined with People’s Lives through Pearls Created in Ago Bay, Shima City

Ago Bay is located in the southern part of Shima City within Ise-Shima National Park. Amid the rich natural environment, aquaculture is actively conducted in its waters. Among its offerings, Ago Bay is a major production area for pearls, which have captivated people with their beauty since long ago.

Dissecting a paragon of sustainability: the 2000-year-old traditions of Ise Jingu

Even after two millennia, Ise Jingu remains a spiritual sanctuary welcoming all paths of life as the “Soul of Japan.” Throughout its history, the shrines of Ise Jingu have played host to countless rituals and ceremonies, each showcasing a manifestation of the devotion of its participants.

The free-diving Ama of the Toba and Shima area personify an ancient local culture characterized by a determination to coexist with the ocean, “now and forever.”

The Ama culture of the Toba and Shima area has been passed down through the ages, cherishing the resources of the sea to ensure their abundance for future generations by regulating overfishing. One can’t help but wonder what active Ama divers think about the current state of the marine environment or the fate of their culture.

Protecting and sharing the natural beauty of Ugakei Valley in Inabe, Mie to inspire opportunities for learning about environmental conservation in the great outdoors

The diverse ecosystem of Ugakei Valley in the Inabe area is a veritable treasure trove for the type of enlightenment and discovery that can only be achieved by spending time in nature. Here’s what we learned engaging with locals who extol the charm of the valley’s natural beauty and the merits of living in symbiosis with nature.

Telling the tale of Sekijuku: a stunning, historical post town where a rich lifestyle blessed by nature has been woven through the ages

Sekijuku was once one of fifty-three “post-towns” along the coastal Tokaido road. The townscape of Sekijuku has retained a vintage charm since the Edo period amidst a rapidly changing Japan. Engaging in the experiences the town has to offer provides insight into the richness of a life lived in harmony with nature.