Creating places of resilience and communicative places

Demographic changes and diversifying lifestyles have been shaping communities within Japan. Social networks and gatherings that have been taken for granted by previous generations are eroding or at least re-appearing in different forms. In rural areas, empty houses characterise hamlets throughout Japan and local organisations such as the women’s association are gradually disappearing. Rising ageing rates further challenge local administration and health care institutions, urging them to design new places for the social exchange of older people. In cities, discourses on social isolation and loneliness – particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic – encourage a diverse set of actors to engage in measures to provide opportunities for social exchange.

Against this dynamic backdrop, scholars of various disciplines become involved in the design of places to address these challenges. This form of action research makes it possible not only to evaluate the current needs of local communities under the pressure of demographic change, but additionally offers a method based on scientific knowledge that aims at shaping communities together with local residents. At the DIJ, we occasionally get involved in designing “communicative places” or “places of resilience”. These places invite participants from various backgrounds to engage in lively discussions together and eventually help fostering social relationships that are the backbone of resilience. We understand research not only as a method to produce knowledge, but also as a way to contribute to local society that we are temporarily a part of.