Japan Times Honors Community Development Efforts by Ehime Town

Tokyo, June 8 (Jiji Press)–The Japan Times said Monday that it has selected the town of Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture, as the “Destination Region 2026,” recognizing its sustainable community development and related initiatives. The major English-language newspaper, based in Tokyo, praised Uchiko for its long-standing efforts to preserve the townscape, which developed as the western Japan town prospered as a merchant town from the Edo to Meiji periods. Uchiko also has long worked to pass on traditional industries utilizing local resources, such as Japanese paper and wax production, as well as preserve scenic beauty and engage in community development at the initiative of residents. “This is a place where you can meet the real Japan,” said Kosuke Motani, a researcher at Japan Research Institute Ltd. and adviser to the Japan Times Destination Region project. Uchiko Mayor Masahisa Onoue commented, “We will continue to polish the beautiful scenery formed by the traditional culture, historic buildings and local industries, all preserved and passed on by our predecessors, as the pride of our town.” END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]