Conference
73rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Rural Studies (JARS), 2025
Conference Announcement
The 73rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association for Rural Studies (JARS) will be held on November 28 (Fri.), 29 (Sat.), and 30 (Sun.), 2025, in Ōisawa, Nishikawa Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture.
Conference Chair: Yohei DOI (Atomi University)
Organizing Committee Members:
- Shūya MAKINO (Part-time Lecturer, Kanagawa University)
- Megumi NAKAGAWA (Yonezawa Women’s Junior College, Yamagata Prefecture)
- Wataru OKADA (Shokei Gakuin University)
About the Venue
Nishikawa Town, where the 73rd Annual Meeting will be held, is located in the northwestern part of Yamagata Prefecture’s Murayama region, surrounded by Mt. Gassan and the Asahi mountain range.
The main venue, Ōisawa, is a community where the late JARS member Kenji Ōkawa devoted more than half a century to field research and practical engagement. Many studies on seasonal outmigration and community development have been conducted here.
Ōisawa is also one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. While depopulation and aging are progressing, diverse initiatives are being carried out to sustain the community.
This year’s meeting will follow the traditional “Rural Studies Conference” format, as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic and two years ago. We hope participants will experience ongoing efforts against depopulation through excursions and local sessions. We sincerely look forward to your participation.
Please note that late November in Ōisawa is quite cold. Be sure to prepare adequately for winter conditions.
Conference Schedule
Friday, November 28 – Excursion
11:30–11:50: Gathering & registration at Yamagata Station West Exit
12:00: Departure by chartered bus
13:00–15:30: Visits – Keio Cherry Forcing Facility, Gassan Toraya Winery, TRAS, Roadside Station Nishikawa, etc.
16:00–17:00: Visits – Ōisawa Onsen Yuttarikan, Ōisawa Yudonosan Shrine, Ōisawa Nature and Craft Museum
17:30: Arrival at accommodation
19:00–20:00: Dinner
20:00–21:00: Board of Directors Meeting / Journal Editorial Board Meeting
Saturday, November 29 – Presentations, Symposium, General Assembly
7:00– Breakfast
8:00– Transfer to venue
8:45– Opening Ceremony
9:00–11:55: Individual Presentations
11:55–12:50: Lunch
12:50–15:00: Individual Presentations
15:10–16:40: Regional Symposium
16:50–18:15: General Assembly & Board Election
18:30–20:30: Banquet
Sunday, November 30 – Thematic Sessions
7:00– Breakfast
8:15 Transfer to venue
9:00–12:00: Thematic Sessions
12:00–13:00: Lunch, Board Meeting, Preparatory Meeting
13:00–15:00: Thematic Sessions
15:00–15:15: Closing Ceremony
After Closing: Transfer to Yamagata Station by bus
Excursion
The excursion will focus on year-round agriculture and regional revitalization in snowy Nishikawa Town.
- Visit the Keio Cherry Forcing Facility and hear from producers about farming potential in snowy regions.
- Visit the Nishikawa Innovation Hub TRAS, and learn about its founding and activities.
- Tour the Gassan Toraya Winery, Roadside Station Nishikawa, and other facilities with explanations on local products.
Regional Symposium
Theme: The Challenges of Nishikawa Town and Ōisawa I.S.M. — For the Survival of Nishikawa and Ōisawa
Presenters:
- Taishi KANNO (Mayor of Nishikawa Town)
- Ryūtarō SHIDA (Head of Ōisawa District / President & CEO, Ōisawa I.S.M.)
- Tomoaki ENDO (Head of Ōisawa Inn Association / Hashimoto Inn)
Coordinator:
- Yohei DOI (Atomi University)
Participation Fees and Accommodation
Participation Fee: Regular 3,000 JPY / Student 2,000 JPY
Excursion: Regular 3,000 JPY / Student 2,000 JPY
Bus (11/28, non-excursion only): 1,000 JPY
Accommodation (11/28, 1 night with 2 meals): Regular 12,000 JPY / Student 8,000 JPY
Lunch (11/29): 1,200 JPY
Banquet (11/29): Regular 6,000 JPY / Student 3,000 JPY
Accommodation (11/29, 1 night with 1 meal): Regular 9,000 JPY / Student 6,000 JPY
Lunch (11/30): 1,200 JPY
Return Bus (11/30): 1,000 JPY
Total (all events): Regular 36,400 JPY / Student 24,400 JPY
Accommodation: Shared rooms (4–6 persons). Family rooms available upon request.
Registration
Complete both:
1. Google Form entry
2. Bank transfer
Account Holder: Shūya MAKINO
Bank: Japan Post Bank, Branch 028, Ordinary Account 6234069
Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy6LPdWKuVtg-wgZTZfGz5NTrkkrvOmIas9sr3XNQnUPvUjw/viewform
Deadline: October 10 (Fri.)
Reception
Excursion participants (Nov. 28): Reception at Yamagata Station West Exit by 11:50.
Non-excursion participants:
- Nov. 28: Ōisawa Onsen Yuttarikan (from 17:00)
- Nov. 29–30: Former Ōisawa Elementary School (in front of Principal’s Office)
Childcare Services
If you wish to use childcare services, please contact the conference office by the end of September.
Access
By Car:
- Parking available at accommodations, Ōisawa Onsen Yuttarikan, and the former Ōisawa Elementary School
- 15 minutes from Gassan IC (Yamagata Expressway)
- 30 minutes from Nishikawa Town center to Ōisawa
- Winter tires required
By Airplane:
- Shuttle bus from airport to Yamagata Station (1,500 JPY, 35 min)
By Train:
- Outbound: Excursion participants – Yamagata Station West Exit; Non-excursion participants – Sagae Station or Nishikawa Bus Stop (shuttle on request)
- Return: Chartered bus after closing (1,000 JPY, 60 min); additional buses Nov. 29–30 (on request)
Conference Office
Yohei DOI (Conference Chair)
Faculty of Tourism and Community Studies / Regional Exchange Center, Atomi University
1-5-2 Ōtsuka, Bunkyō-ku, Tokyo 112-8687, Japan
Email: fwje8575@nifty.com
Organizing Committee Members:
- Shūya MAKINO (Part-time Lecturer, Kanagawa University)
- Megumi NAKAGAWA (Yonezawa Women’s Junior College, Yamagata Prefecture)
- Wataru OKADA (Shokei Gakuin University)