This video is a lecture on Japanese culture, focusing on Japanese agriculture and its historical and cultural significance. The lecturer, Kenichi Abe, explores the unique characteristics of Japanese agriculture, its relationship to Japanese culture and society, and its evolution over time. The lecture also touches on the concept of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) and the role of small-scale, diversified farming in global food security.
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Japanese Agriculture as Culture: The lecture establishes Japanese agriculture not merely as food production, but as a cultural practice deeply intertwined with the relationship between humans and nature. Traditional agricultural practices reflect accumulated wisdom and knowledge passed down through generations.
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The Importance of Kōzo (Mulberry): The lecture highlights the historical importance of kōzo (mulberry) cultivation for silk production, tracing its impact on Japanese society and economy, particularly during the Edo period and its role in early industrialization and even the rise of Toyota.
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The Significance of Igusa (Rush): The role of igusa (rush) in creating traditional tatami mats is discussed, illustrating its cultural and practical significance in shaping Japanese living spaces and reflecting the unique climate and environmental adaptations of Japanese agriculture.
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Small-Scale, Diversified Farming: The lecture contrasts large-scale, monoculture farming prevalent in some parts of the world with the small-scale, diversified farming systems traditionally practiced in Japan. It emphasizes the sustainability and resilience of this approach in the context of current global food security concerns and the growing interest in GIAHS.
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The Two Mythic Origins of Agriculture in Japan: The lecture explores two contrasting creation myths about the origins of agriculture in Japan: one involving a goddess's death and the subsequent emergence of crops from her body, and the other involving the introduction of crops from distant lands. These myths illustrate the diverse perspectives on agriculture's place within Japanese culture and history.
