Thank you very much for your support as always.
We are pleased to announce that an introductory article about the general incorporated foundation “Atarashiki-mura”, where our CEO and president Kazuhiro Goto serves as a board member, has been published on the web media Book Bang. Furthermore, our company’s chairman, Dr. Sachio Semmoto, also serves as Atarashiki-mura’s vice chairman.
You can read the article via the link below. We invite you to check it out.
■Link to published article:
Only This Path Could Give Me Life: The 100-Year Crisis of “Atarashiki-mura” and the Challenge of Revival [Tomoyuki Mushanokoji, Sachio Semmoto, and Shuichi Senga] (article in Japanese only)
〇What is Atarashiki-mura?
Atarashiki-mura (New Village) is a cooperative living community (recognized as a legal foundation) established in 1918 by the literary master Saneatsu Mushanokoji of the Shirakaba-ha (White Birch Society) and his comrades.
Based on the humanitarian spirit of allowing all people of the world to fulfill their destinies and nurture the true self within each individual, its aim is for coexistence without harming the individuality of others. It began as an experimental utopia where people help one another, balancing labor and art without discrimination by social standing or wealth.
Initially founded in Miyazaki Prefecture, the main community was relocated to Moroyama Town, Saitama Prefecture in 1939 due to dam construction. On a vast stretch of land where rich nature remains, its founding philosophy continues to be reflected in the lifestyle and activities of the members of this commune, more than 100 years after its inception.
〇Article Overview
This new article highlights the current situation facing Atarashiki-mura (New Village) and the challenges associated with trying to revitalize it.
・The Existential Crisis Facing Atarashiki-mura
Atarashiki-mura was founded by the literary master Saneatsu Mushanokoji, who launched the literary magazine Shirakaba in 1910 and is known for masterpiece novels such as Friendship and Teacher of Truth. Although its philosophy has been passed down for over a century, this commune in Moroyama Town, Saitama Prefecture, is now on the verge of disappearing, with only three residents currently living within it.
・A Plan to Pass on Its Philosophy to the Next Generation
To overcome this predicament and pass on Mushanokoji’s philosophy to the future, Atarashiki-mura has been restructured into a foundation and is taking on the challenge of rebuilding under a new system. Spearheading this effort are its chairman Tomoyuki Mushanokoji (Saneatsu’s grandson), lawyer Shuichi Senga, and its vice chairman, the renowned business management professional Dr. Sachio Semmoto.
・Crowdfunding to Connect Japan’s Spiritual and Cultural Heritage with the Future
To restore this precious spiritual and cultural heritage of Japan—which has been handed down for over 100 years—through the power of many people, they have launched some new initiatives, including a crowdfunding campaign as the first step toward revitalization.
Additionally, Atarashiki-mura was recently featured in the magazine Chichi.
■Atarashiki-mura (New Village) website:
https://www.atarashiki-mura.or.jp/ (site in Japanese only)
■Atarashiki-mura’s Area Reconstruction Project:
https://www.atarashiki-mura.or.jp/arp/arp.html (page in Japanese only)
