The issue of sika deer in Nagano Prefecture and the efforts of the "Shinshu Ethical Project"
Increase in the Sika Deer Population and its Impact
Nagano Prefecture has the highest damage in Honshu, and the damage caused by Sika deer accounts for a large proportion of the damage. Sika deer have a very strong reproductive ability, and due to various factors, their population has exploded in recent years. This increase causes a wide range of problems.
- Forest damage :
The damage caused by sika deer is destructive to forests and prevents forest regeneration, exposing soil and increasing the risk of natural disasters as well as damage to agricultural crops. - Impact on agriculture :
Damage caused by deer causes serious damage to crops and is a factor in the decline of agriculture. - Ecosystem impacts :
An increase in the sika deer population could have a negative impact on the ecosystem of other plants and animals, upsetting the ecological balance.
Shinshu Ethical Project Initiatives
To address these issues, the Shinshu Ethical Project is taking the following steps:
- Use of culled deer :
Materials from Japanese deer that have been exterminated within the prefecture are used to tan leather and process it into food ingredients. - Continued development of the industry :
By manufacturing and selling leather products from deer materials, we aim to create a society in which the companies involved can continue as industries.
This project aims to achieve both environmental protection and revitalization of the local economy, and promotes efforts toward the realization of a sustainable society.
gibier leather
Deerskin items
Deerskin is soft and light, so why not try something local while you're there?
FEATURE
01 Traditional indigo dyeing on deerskin
Founded in 1911, the studio run by the third-generation owner, Kanji Hama, is one of the few in Japan to produce genuine indigo dyed vases. Located close to Matsumoto Castle, the studio uses the indigo stencil dyeing technique, which is one of the most difficult indigo dyeing techniques. With a strong desire to pass on the indigo dyeing technique to the next generation, the studio continues to preserve the ancient traditions. At the time of the company's founding, there were more than 100 indigo dyeing studios, but now there is only one studio that continues to carry on the techniques of that time. "Aihaji Leather," which uses deerskin and was launched in 2023, has been featured in numerous media outlets and has attracted widespread attention. The studio aims to continue to develop further through the creation of works that combine tradition and innovation.
FEATURE
02 Japan's first apricot dyed deerskin
Taketsune Kubota developed the "apricot dye" and founded the company in 1976.
Kubota, who grew up in Chikuma City, known as the "home of apricots," returned home after experiencing many types of vegetable dyeing and becoming enchanted by the apricot scenery of his hometown. He took on the challenge of dyeing with apricots, a local specialty, and created the one-of-a-kind "apricot dyeing." In particular, his "e-kasuri" woven on old-fashioned looms captivates people with its delicate beauty. Watching Kubota carefully create each piece, sparing no effort, is a true pride of a craftsman.
Together with Gruber Leather, also based in Chikuma City, they developed apricot-dyed deerskin leather, "Apricot Dyed Leather," in 2023. The fusion of traditional techniques and innovative materials has created new value.
Self-challenge
Groover_NFT
The Shinshu Ethical Project focuses on gibier and works to create an economically sustainable society.
"Groover_NFT" also aims to build a sustainable economy. Economic activity is essential to protect nature and technology.
This will help create services and communities, increase the number of people involved, and aim for medium- to long-term development.
FEATURE
03 Ethical continuation through NFTs
"Groover_NFT" is an NFT for receiving services within Nagano Prefecture. This initiative will serve as a medium to provide services to food and manufacturing stores associated with the local infrastructure.
To use the service, you purchase an NFT with cryptocurrency and unlock the community, which gives you an access password and keychain to a secret e-commerce site.
By obtaining a Groover_NFT, you can experience the charm of the local area by visiting stores in person rather than just online, which is expected to attract tourists, increase the associated population, and revitalize the local economy.
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