Man in Japan's least-populous town turns to crowdfunding to share local mountain life

HAYAKAWA, Yamanashi -- A crowdfunding campaign has begun in a Japanese town with the smallest population to construct a community hut where visitors can experience mountain life. The initiative, led by Daisuke Kurauchi, aims to preserve traditional rural landscapes where humans and nature cohabitate. Kurauchi, a 52-year-old innkeeper in Hayakawa, Yamanashi Prefecture, has lived there for three decades and is passionate about sharing the town's mountain food culture and customs.

Kurauchi, who studied rural development in university, was first drawn to Hayakawa in 1996 and has since devoted his efforts to showcasing local history, daily life, and culture. He opened a traditional inn and soba restaurant in 2019, offering dishes made from wild plants, mushrooms, and venison, among other mountain-borne produce.

Kurauchi's motivation for the community hut is to create friendships among those who share his love for mountain living. The planned facility will host workshops on gathering mountain goods, cooking local dishes, and preparing preserved foods. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched, targeting a 10 million yen ($62,700) goal, with contributions being accepted until October 15.

Funds will be used to demolish an old building at the site and construct the new hut. If successful, the construction will commence before year-end, with the facility opening in 2027.