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Energy from woody biomass is expected to revitalise industry in Japan and induce job creation in the region. Woody biomass power plants have been rapidly constructed all over the country after the Feed-in Tariff scheme began. However, there are increasing cases of the destruction of natural ecosystems and landscapes to fulfil the growing demand for woody biomass. This study aims to describe the ideal energy utilisation of woody biomass from the viewpoint of preserving natural ecosystems. First, a conceptual model for the positive and negative impact of woody biomass energy utilisation on the natural ecosystem was organised. Next, an online survey to collect information and data on woody biomass power plants and heat utilisation facilities in Japan was conducted. In addition, the positive and negative impacts of using woody biomass on economic, environmental, and social systems as well as ecosystems were discussed. An online survey showed that the annual fuel usage of the woody biomass and number of employees increase with the scale of the power plant. Although annual expenses also increase, this might be a positive impact, because it can contribute to the economy and employment of the region based on the increase in the production value. In contrast, a negative impact is that some woody biomass power plants import biomass fuel. Importing the biomass fuel is reasonable from the viewpoint of fuel supply cost reduction and stable supply. However, there might be negative impact on the local natural ecosystem when the woody biomass is not appropriately utilised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas in Japan are usually associated with depopulation, aging and stagnation. In order to tackle the widening gap between booming urban and distressed rural areas in Japan, novel revitalisation policies need to be examined. Contemporary art has untested potential as a vehicle for regional revitalization. To illustrate this potential, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial has been chosen as a case study since it constitutes a new type of revitalization with its emphasis on human exchange and interaction of heterogeneous players in a rural setting. Three Triennial projects will be introduced; in each of them, the extent of artists' involvement on site with residents, local perceptions of the artwork as well as non-local impressions will be analyzed. Discussing both emic and etic perspectives, the focus of this study is the 'soft' impact of the festival, i.e. how locals have perceived encounters during the Triennial, how cooperation between artists and locals took place, whether the project gave rise to a sense of autonomy and independence in tackling the issues of depopulation and obsolescence. Ultimately, the key question is what constitutes successful revitalisation. It is argued that revitalisation is only sustainable if incentives are created for residents to establish local autonomy. The results outlined in this paper are mainly based on ethnographic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To tackle the problems of population reduction, population concentration in urban areas, and imbalance between urban and rural development, the Executive Yuan of Taiwan approved the National Strategic Plan on Regional Revitalisation, in which 2019 was declared as being the first year of regional revitalisation in Taiwan. The mechanism of regional revitalisation emphasises exploring local DNA, characterising resources, and clarifying industrial positioning. This revitalisation may promote the return of young people to the countryside and encourage the younger generation to take over traditional industry operations. Moreover, they can innovate the design to activate idle facilities to become a local characteristic field. This revitalisation will gradually attract talent and imbue local traditional industries with new kinetic energy. With regard to this study the authors adopt the analysis method, observation method, field research and interview method. For regional revitalisation in marine and coastal waters, the Ocean Affairs Council proposes the following strategies: establishing a public–private partnership platform for marine science and technology issues, training young marine talent, addressing the cultural heritage of marine aboriginal villages, and counselling local marine specialists. As a case study, this paper analyses the situation and the development of the marine leisure revitalisation industry in the local area of Kouhu Township in Yunlin County. Meanwhile, the work has found that successful regional revitalisation need to collaborate local governments and NGOs to make good use of local DNA and to create a blue economy in local areas. • The main purpose of regional revitalisation in Taiwan is to solve the imbalance of population and society. • The first step of regional revitalisation is to explore the local DNA. • The key factors of regional revitalisation is to collaborate between the central and local governments and NGOs. • Combination of traditional fishery and rural experiential tourism may be one blue economy type for coastal villages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]