Shiiba
The Future of Shiiba: Facing Serious Population Decline
A Crossroads for One of Japan’s Top Three Hidden Regions
Shiiba, located in the central mountains of Kyushu in Miyazaki Prefecture, is a place where abundant natural beauty and traditional culture coexist. It lies about two and a half hours by car from central Miyazaki City, at the end of winding mountain roads that seem to stretch endlessly. Known as one of Japan’s top three remote regions, its stunning landscapes of pristine nature and traditional homes evoke a sense of mystique reminiscent of Machu Picchu in South America.
An impressive 96% of the village’s vast area is covered by forest, with the remaining steep slopes utilized for homes and farmland. The villagers live in harmony with nature, embodying mountain wisdom and a spirit of mutual assistance that has long been integral to their way of life. Although life here is tough, it is also serene, reflecting a balance between hard work and a relaxed pace. With a population of roughly 2,200, the village’s main industries are agriculture and forestry. Shiiba’s warm climate and fertile land support rice cultivation, while traditional farming methods like slash-and-burn agriculture are preserved, with ancient wisdom and techniques passed down through generations.
The History of Shiiba
Shiiba is deeply intertwined with the legendary tales of the Heike clan’s exiles and holds a rich connection to Japan’s traditional culture. Kagura, a sacred dance expressing gratitude and prayers to the gods, is particularly significant to the village’s identity. This art form has fostered community bonds and is central to village festivals and rituals.
The annual "Shiiba Heike Festival" brings the village’s history to life with grand performances and historical parades inspired by Heike legends, drawing visitors to experience its vibrant culture. Through traditional performing arts, Shiiba’s profound history remains a living legacy.
What We Are Trying to Do in Shiiba
Shiiba is working to adapt to changing times while preserving and passing on its foundational culture and spirit to future generations. Despite the challenges posed by population decline, the village is re-evaluating its traditional techniques and values, breathing new life into them in innovative ways. By delving into the physical and spiritual elements inherent in expressions like Kagura, the community aims to uncover its core essence, rediscover the village’s profound charm, and pave a path to a sustainable future.
Shiiba NFT
Now, we are steadily working on Shiiba NFT. As a motif for this project, we decided to explore the Kagura, which is deeply rooted in the region, and its physicality, with the hope of bringing the traditional culture and blockchain technology together.
Progress and updates on this project will be posted on 𝕏 and Discord community from time to time, and the process of making the NFT will be open to anyone who wants to participate, aiming to create NFT together with the community. If you are interested, please feel free to check our website.
Blog
Member - Kenta Murakami
Born in Ehime Prefecture. Currently resides in Kawanokuchi, Ozaki District, Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture. After living in Tokyo for more than 10 years, he went on a working holiday to Ireland and England. In April 2017, he was hired as a local coordinator for Shiiba Village.
He is also involved in the planning and operation of university field studies and local programs to create a population of people who are interested in the area. He is also involved in the revitalization of local resources, including the restoration of a campground on the verge of closing and the conversion of an old private house into a share house.
