azumiai-blog

[azumiai-blog]

I’ve been playing Stranded: Alien Dawn for nearly two years because it realistically reflects my way of thinking. The game allows me to experiment with various strategies.

What keeps me engaged is that even a slight change in the settings can lead to a completely different outcome. While the basic principles of base defense remain the same, the order in which weapons are placed significantly affects how events unfold. Since resources are limited, it’s crucial to prepare equipment before they run out. This challenge—figuring out how to efficiently and swiftly equip my base—keeps me interested.

It’s a game where I can test my ideas and immediately see the results, making it a perfect training ground for trial and error.

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

I like games that influence or inspire real life, as they tend to keep me engaged for a long time. I’ve been playing Stellar Blade for six months now, and although I’m struggling, I’ve kept going.

I’m not good at sports-type games like eSports. However, I started Stellar Blade because I found the character appealing, and it turned out to be more than just an action game. I enjoy the realistic movements and character details, as well as the precise stick controls. Since I’m not good at sports-type games, I find it challenging, but the sense of immersion has drawn me in. It’s not a game I can easily give up on.

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Uru’s songs also suit a winter landscape.

Since my small solitary hut is narrow, I place the speakers close to my ears when I listen. After lunch, I feel relieved that the first half of the day is over, and I start to get sleepy. In that dreamy state, Uru’s voice whispers gently in my ears, bringing comfort, healing, and even encouragement to push through the afternoon.

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Meat dishes, in particular, taste amazing. Cold meat with solidified fat is unappetizing and seems unhealthy. But simply placing a plate on the stove changes everything. The fat becomes translucent, and the gently steaming plate stimulates the appetite.

Of course, hot pot dishes are also fantastic!

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

In winter, the “stove hut,” also known as the “botchi hut,” tickles our sense of playfulness.

While spring and summer offer beautiful rural landscapes, winter turns everything brown, creating a bleak and desolate scene. Perhaps it’s precisely because of this cold and barren season that a small, cozy space like the botchi hut feels so comforting.

With the warmth of the wood stove, it feels like being wrapped in a kotatsu. The compact space quickly fills with warmth, heating both body and soul.

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Since moving to Shinshu, my playful spirit has been awakened. I now have more space to enjoy outdoor activities in my garden, and my lifestyle has changed significantly.

When I was a child, our house was small, so the three of us—my parents and I—would sleep side by side on the floor. Perhaps because of that, I always longed for a space of my own. I converted a closet into a little hideaway where I could read manga and build plastic models. I even built a secret base in a tree and spent hours playing there.

After moving to Shinshu, that playful spirit seems to have escalated. When the weather is nice, I prefer eating outside rather than indoors. Even listening to music feels more immersive when I do it outdoors rather than in my room. As my lifestyle preferences have shifted, I now spend more time in the garden than in the house.

I designed my garden after a small suburban home in London. However, unlike the refined gardens of the gentlemanly British style, mine has a playful, distinctly Japanese touch. I created a space for “Niwasobi”—garden play—making it a fun and engaging place to be.

“Moving to Shinshu: Discovering the Charms, Challenges, and Possibilities of Rural Life.”

#Relocation #Shinshu #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs #Gardening — https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Based on the concept of DX (Digital Transformation), regional revitalization is undergoing significant changes. Following the principles of DX, we should organize our thoughts, conduct thorough analysis, and develop detailed plans. It is essential to discern which plans will lead to a sustainable future.

My perspective on this has evolved since I began using computers to manage my activities—essentially embracing DX—40 years ago. Back then, I struggled with activities like memory-based tests and written (pen-and-paper) assignments, which felt unnecessarily tedious.

Given Japan’s limited land area, it is crucial to distribute the population more evenly and efficiently. However, investments are disproportionately concentrated in urban and coastal areas, leading to population overconcentration. Instead of fully utilizing our limited land, we are heading in the opposite direction. A prime example is the development of transportation infrastructure. While funds and talent should be directed toward expanding air travel routes rather than building more railroads and roads, resources are wasted on meaningless initiatives like autonomous vehicles. Instead of replicating similar urban centers, like high-end shopping districts seen across the country, cities should divide their roles to collectively support the nation. What advantages are there in perpetuating economic disparity through such redundant urban developments?

Japan should not aim for a two-dimensional transportation network but rather focus on building a three-dimensional one. Admittedly, the idea of a three-dimensional network was once a mere dream until the advent of drones. With drones, we are now closer to a reality resembling the world depicted in Minority Report (2002), starring Tom Cruise. Of course, the current generation of drones cannot realize this vision. We need to develop various types of drones, such as those powered by jet turbines capable of transporting heavy loads or drones that can dock mid-flight for long-distance cargo delivery.

That said, we can begin with the technologies already available. Even the drones we can manufacture today could facilitate the realization of a three-dimensional transportation network. By iterating and improving over time, we can refine this system into an efficient means of transportation.

Once a three-dimensional transportation network is established, the interaction between cities and rural areas will deepen significantly, marking the true beginning of regional revitalization. This system is akin to the human body. Each part—brain, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, hands, feet, and fingers—has a specific function. By ensuring smooth blood circulation down to the finest details, the body remains healthy and operates at maximum capacity. When blood flow is disrupted, each organ progressively ceases to function, ultimately leading to the body’s failure.

In the same way, balanced development and connectivity are vital to ensuring the health and vitality of the entire nation.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

If the lack of jobs is causing depopulation, then creating workplaces is the solution. While attempting something unprecedented can be daunting, leveraging digital transformation (DX) to its fullest can alleviate some of that anxiety.

Wood block production has the potential to influence various fields, especially those that will be in demand in the future. The more advanced wood block production becomes, the wider its applications. Unlike concrete blocks or bricks, wood blocks have broader applications and more advantages. Their utility is not limited to construction. For example, if balsa trees, which primarily grow in tropical regions, could be mass-produced in humid greenhouses heated by hot springs or geothermal energy, they could be reinforced with resin to produce wood panels with a lightness and strength comparable to aluminum, duralumin, or carbon. Such wood panels could be used in drones, aerospace equipment, and other aviation materials, offering a cheaper and more accessible alternative to metal products.

Wood blocks and wood panels represent sustainable, future-ready products that can be utilized in new industries, aligning with SDG goals. Establishing factories or research facilities to produce such products in depopulated areas would eliminate employment concerns. The primary cause of depopulation is the absence of workplaces. In the era when coal was highly valued, mountainous areas thrived. However, as the coal industry declined, these areas became desolate. By creating industries to replace coal in mountainous regions, these areas could once again regain their vitality.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

If wind turbines are installed near the mountaintop ridge, they can supply power to a factory producing wood blocks. While such development would have been challenging 4 or 5 years ago, it is now feasible. Speed is of the essence.

Building a factory to produce wood blocks in mountainous areas is ideal, and the electricity needed to operate the factory can be generated locally. There have been companies that have self-supplied power for their factories by burning wood chips converted into pellets or by utilizing small-scale hydropower from mountain streams. By adding ridge wind power to these methods, even more robust self-generated electricity can be achieved. Any surplus electricity can be sold, providing additional income.

If you’ve ever climbed a mountain, you’ll know that the most intimidating aspect of traversing ridges is the wind. Sudden gusts are a year-round issue. Why not harness this wind? It’s a waste not to. Unlike the foothills, you can’t erect towers here; the strong winds would blow them away. But precisely because of these powerful winds, turbines can be directly driven. By digging a tunnel just below the ridge and installing turbines to drive generators within, it becomes possible to efficiently generate electricity. Tunnel-type installations would not disrupt the mountain’s scenery and can provide a near-permanent source of power.

Furthermore, producing wood blocks contributes to efforts against global warming and helps address the plastic waste problem.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Shouldn’t we reconsider the collaboration between wood chips, wood shavings, and plastic waste? It’s a shame not to make effective use of what can still be utilized. By shifting our perspective slightly, even waste can become a valuable resource.

Expanding the application fields of “WoodsBlock,” a potential alternative to concrete blocks, could provide solutions to various issues. If we could use WoodsBlock as building materials, for gardening, or for sidewalks, its range of applications would grow significantly. Compared to concrete and bricks, WoodsBlock has numerous advantages. While it may fall short in terms of heat resistance, it surpasses in strength, decay resistance, and flexibility. Most notably, its light weight is a major benefit. Additionally, its superior connectivity between blocks makes it possible to build strong and affordable houses with WoodsBlock. Furthermore, its versatility allows it to be processed into panels or pillars with ease.

Companies like Sumitomo Forestry have long been producing boards made from wood chips, but what about WoodsBlock? In any case, there are many ways to manufacture WoodsBlock, but the most recommended method is to mix plastic waste with wood shavings or wood chips, then compress them under high temperature and pressure to form blocks. While similar to board production, this method adds plastic pieces to enhance strength. This is akin to pouring metal into molds to create products of various shapes; by compressing wood shavings and plastic waste in different molds at high temperatures, various products can be made.

Rather than dumping plastic waste into the ocean, we can bring it to the mountains and put it to good use. This realization came to me after walking through the mountains and forests here in Shinshu. Despite the abundance of resources, they remain unused and abandoned.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Semiconductor factories should also be built in the remote mountainous areas of Shinshu. In this region, the area around Matsukawa Village is ideal.

I cannot understand why semiconductor factories are being built in regions like snow-heavy Hokkaido or Kyushu, which frequently suffers from earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis. In contrast, the area around Matsukawa Village experiences less snow, and the mountains act as a natural windbreak against northern winds, making winters relatively mild. Furthermore, the area has abundant water resources, including snowmelt, which is essential for factories that require large quantities of cooling water. Additionally, the water here does not contain substances like salt that could harm precision equipment, ensuring safe production of high-tech devices.

The presence of towering mountains also indicates that the underlying ground is solid, providing a stable foundation. The region is less prone to large earthquakes due to its geological features.

The only potential issue is access. In Japan, coastal areas have been actively developed, while development of inland and mountainous areas has lagged behind. Fossil fuel mining and development, such as coal mining, have not been pursued aggressively due to Japan’s limited land area. Similarly, large-scale mountain development, such as the construction of traditional hydroelectric power plants, has been avoided due to the significant costs, labor, and risks involved.

However, factories that handle precision machinery, such as semiconductor plants or data centers, and research facilities housing large computers should be located in regions with stable ground and minimal impact from climate, natural disasters, and environmental factors. If logistics and transportation routes for people and goods can be established in mountainous areas, it would stimulate the revitalization of Japan’s mountainous regions and help overcome the challenges associated with being a mountainous country.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

The development of batteries must be urgently prioritized and focused on. To effectively utilize the precious electrical energy collected through various methods, it is imperative to accelerate the development of batteries suited for a wide range of applications.

Various methods have been attempted to generate electrical energy, and more efficient, low-impact energy generation methods will continue to be developed in the future. However, progress in the development of ways to store and use this valuable energy for diverse purposes has been lagging behind. Due to the emergence of numerous development priorities every year, battery development has been pushed to the back burner.

There are numerous challenges, such as batteries becoming less durable due to temperature fluctuations, exploding due to thermal changes, or becoming heavier instead of lighter. These issues remain unresolved. The mission to preserve electrical energy securely over long periods and utilize it for various applications has not yet been fulfilled.

The development of batteries capable of long-term energy storage and lightweight designs is urgently needed. Ideally, rare materials should be avoided, but if rare materials can enable significant functionality with minimal usage, then using them as a resource for battery materials should not be ruled out. We hope for the development of new batteries by combining various materials available on Earth.

What is necessary for this is human wisdom and the utilization of AI. The ingenuity of people to experiment with various combinations, along with the analytical capabilities of AI to organize the results and derive insights from different processes, is essential.

It is also crucial to establish a cooperative framework that brings together people from all regions, transcending individualism, protectionism, race, gender, and age. A system that clings to such divisions cannot build the foundation for developing the technologies required for a new era. We must not let those who are fixated on outdated ideas dictate the future of our nations.

[azumiai-blog]

Automobile companies should further develop the field of short-distance air transportation and focus on new means of transportation. Instead of aiming for autonomous driving on land, they should strive for autonomous flight in the skies.

Japanese automobile companies, given the limited land area of the country, should shift their focus from land transportation to air transportation. Rather than developing hybrid automobile engines, they should prioritize the development of high-output, hybrid turbine (propeller) engines, similar to those used in jet aircraft. Efforts should be directed towards developing engines capable of rapidly rotating turbines (propellers), like those seen in high-speed drones (e.g., DJI Flip).

A hybrid flying transport vessel should be developed that uses a combination of jet engines and electric motors to power the turbines (propellers) during ascent, and relies solely on electric motors during descent. Automobile manufacturers are not expected to create engines for high-altitude, long-distance flights; instead, they should focus on compact, noise-reducing engines that provide propulsion only during ascent.

Although it may sound ambitious, developing high-output, hybrid flying transport vessels capable of autonomous operation within an airspace range of 500 to 2,000 meters could revolutionize Japan’s future. Japan’s narrow, intricate, and steep road systems have been a persistent obstacle since the Edo period. The country’s fragile and complex road infrastructure has resulted in significant losses in human mobility and logistics.

The solution to this challenge lies in utilizing airspace between 500 and 2,000 meters. By ensuring free and smooth-flowing transportation routes, Japan can achieve a distribution revolution unique to its compact land area, expanding the scope of economic activities. This, in turn, could allow Japan to establish itself as a global economic powerhouse and manufacturing giant, capable of competing with the United States, China, and Russia.

Inland development would not only strengthen Japan’s economic foundation by creating manufacturing hubs but also make mountain tourism more accessible. Promoting mountain tourism could position Japan as a leading tourist destination, rivaling Switzerland and France. Revitalizing local regions would ultimately lead to the revitalization of the entire nation.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

Shinshu is actively utilizing natural energy for aviation through activities like paragliding, hot air balloons, and airships. If technology capable of propelling drones (such as those with a DJI Flip-like design) to ascend with jet-engine-level output becomes widespread, the range of aviation applications will expand significantly.

The development of hybrid flying cargo ships (larger and hybridized versions of the DJI Flip concept) would greatly broaden the scope of their utility. The parking facility in Matsukawa Village, where these flying cargo ships will take off and land, will serve multiple purposes, including functioning as a roadside station. Air routes would connect Azumino and Matsumoto Airport to Kofu, and from Kofu to the rooftop of the Shinjuku Bus Terminal.

The parking facility in Matsukawa Village will also act as a hub for on-demand buses that serve the JR Matsukawa Station area, Omachi, and Ikeda Town. The roadside station will offer more than just local product sales; it will also feature a large free parking area, a restaurant, a day-use hot spring, an RV park, and an auto camping site for mountain climbers. Climbers will have various options, such as being transported to the mountain summit by drone or taking a hybrid flying cargo ship to a gondola stop on the mid-slope for an affordable price.

Since these flying cargo ships are designed for short-distance air transport, they cannot cover long distances like Tokyo in a single trip (although long-distance transport is possible for cargo if significant fuel is loaded, this would reduce payload capacity for passengers, limiting them to short distances). Even with transfers, it will be possible to secure a passenger route from Matsukawa Village to Tokyo. This new mode of transportation would provide an inexpensive and faster alternative to traditional buses, trains, and private cars, making round trips between Tokyo and Shinshu more accessible.

For residents of the metropolitan area and inbound tourists, mountain tourism would become more approachable. Moreover, for the Chushin region of Nagano Prefecture, where it is challenging to establish high-speed transport systems like the Shinkansen in mountainous areas, this could serve as a vital means of transportation and logistics. To expand the reach of mountain tourism and establish it as a flagship attraction for Japan’s tourism industry, the creation of new transportation methods is essential.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan ! #SDGs #walking #Building a new house in Shinshu—https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

This hovercraft-type “transport helicopter” can also be used in the same way as a conventional airship. It is expected to contribute to the revitalization of the Chushin region (Nagano Prefecture).

In terms of ground transportation, this “transport helicopter” serves a role similar to that of a trailer truck in trucking or a locomotive in railways. If configured to carry a gondola like an airship rather than as a drone hangar, it can be used similarly to a tour bus, offering a new means of transportation. In mountainous areas where wind conditions can be severe, it will be used in combination with drones. However, in lower-altitude areas (500m to 2000m airspace), where wind effects are minimal, it can be utilized in the same way as a standard airship.

For instance, in this region (Shinshu), a docking station could be built in Matsukawa Village, with routes circulating between Matsumoto Station (either the former Parco site or its rooftop) and Matsumoto Airport. Using the transport helicopter, it would be possible to carry as many passengers as four tour buses at once, making it highly efficient. Additionally, since it operates autonomously, it offers a significant cost advantage over conventional transportation methods in terms of running costs.

Although its operating speed is around 150 to 200 km/h, it can fly directly along the shortest route without being affected by traffic congestion, allowing it to complete circuits faster than buses. Ticket prices can be set at about the same level as highway buses. While it cannot operate in poor weather conditions, its high profitability during operation can compensate for occasional downtime.

Discovering the Appeal, Challenges, and Potential of Rural Areas through Relocation to Shinshu in Japan !

#Migration #Shinshu #SDGs #https://aisomesin.hatenablog.jp

[azumiai-blog]

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uOE49YNR8から)

[azumiai-blog]

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7Gt3AUwUUgから)