Source: Peatix

Have we truly become wealthy now?
While we are surrounded by convenient things and have achieved an efficient lifestyle, we may be losing our connection to nature, our connection to our community, and our sense of being alive.

recent years,"Well-being (a state of being fulfilled both mentally and physically)"Interest in well-being is growing. But what supports that well-being? At this event,Starting with "silk," which the Japanese have cultivated throughout their long history.We will consider the future of well-being in Japan.

Actually, silk is not just a luxury material.Silk, born from the tiny life of the silkworm, holds clues to the relationship between people and nature, connections with local communities, Japanese wisdom, a comfortable lifestyle, and how to build the society of the future.

On the other hand,The number of sericulture farms, which peaked at 2.2 million, is projected to decrease to 113 by 2025.,Silk made from Japanese cocoons accounts for 0.13% of the domestic demand for raw silk.And, we rarely encounter it in our daily lives.It is said that Japan's silk industry may disappear in the next four years, a critical situation.It is located there.

This event will bring together sericulture farmers, businesses that utilize silk, andKazumasa Sashide, Editor-in-Chief of the magazine "Sotokoto"We welcome"Why silk now?"We will explore this topic from multiple perspectives. In the latter half, through dialogue among participants, we will also consider new possibilities for silk in areas such as education, well-being, regional revitalization, and corporate collaboration.

I recommend this hotel
Those interested in well-being
・Those who want to think about the future of Japanese society
・People who are interested in agriculture and connections with nature
・Those interested in regional revitalization and sustainable initiatives
・Those looking for new co-creation themes in the fields of business, research, and education.
・For those who want to learn about the potential of silk

★From 17:00, we will be exhibiting mulberry trees, silkworms, cocoons, and Japanese silk products.

Over over Seven.
program
Over over Seven.
19:00～21:00
●What are silkworms and silk?
Basic knowledge, the current state of the industry, and contemporary values.

●From the front lines of nurturing life
A silkworm farmer talks about his daily life as he confronts life and death.

● Panel Discussion: "Why Silk Now?"
Considering from the perspectives of history, culture, society, and daily life.

● Co-creation session
The future possibilities that silk opens up

21:00～21:30
●Exchange meeting
A time for participants to talk with each other and discover the seeds of future co-creation.

Over over Seven.
Experience the exhibits by touching them.
Over over Seven.
17:00～21:30
·mulberry
Silkworms (live)
• Silk products made using Japanese cocoons

Over over Seven.
Things we'd like to discuss with you through this event
Over over Seven.
What will well-being in Japan mean in the future?
We'll explore the answer together, starting from the unexpected angle of silk.

Over over Seven.
Speaker Profile
Over over Seven.

● Panel Discussion Guest: Kazumasa Sashide
Editor-in-Chief of the magazine "Sotokoto"

Born in Gunma Prefecture in 1969. Graduated from the Department of International Relations Law, Faculty of Law, Sophia University. After working in the editorial department of the magazine "Outdoor" and as editor-in-chief of "Rod and Reel," he assumed his current position. He is involved in many regional projects, including serving as the main lecturer for Shimane Prefecture's "Shima Koto Academy," the overall supervisor for Hyogo Prefecture's "Hyogo Related Population Creation and Expansion Project," the chairman of the judging committee for Shizuoka Prefecture's "Regional Shop Design Awards," the main lecturer for Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture's "Kazu Koto Academy," the main lecturer for the Fukushima Soso Reconstruction Promotion Organization's "Fukushima Future Creation Academy," and the producer of "Social Marche & Kitchen 'GINGHAM'" on the 31st floor of the Gunma Prefectural Government Building. He also serves on national committees for the Cabinet Secretariat, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of the Environment. He is a creator for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Japan Government Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo." He is also the chairman of the executive committee for Sophia University's "All Sophians Festival 2025." His published works include "We Find Happiness in the Provinces" (Poplar Shinsho) and his latest book is "On the Road: Two-Location Thinking" (Sotokoto Network).
https://sotokoto-online.jp/

ーーーーーー
● Circle of Life Silk Project Members
Circle of Life Silk is a project selected for Shibuya Q's #27.
This project explores the impact that an experience of "life and cycles" through silkworms and silk will have on modern lifestyles and society. Aiming to revitalize the domestic silk industry, which is on the verge of extinction, the project redefines the value of silk through experiences of raising silkworms in urban areas and dialogue. In a modern society that has become detached from nature and the processes of life, the project aims to create a transformation in lifestyles that foster a sense of being alive, and to experimentally create a sustainable industry model.
https://shibuya-qws.com/project/circleoflifesilkproject

●Sakie Suzuki
Organizer of SILK OF LIFE / Board Member of the Silk Evangelist Association

A graduate of Musashino Art University, she worked in marketing at advertising agencies and other companies. Her own health issues led her to discover silkworms, and her experience of realizing "life and cycles" changed her way of life. She is now leading activities that re-examine human lifestyles through silkworms, including running a silkworm rearing program that was selected for a Tokyo Metropolitan Government support project.
https://silkoflife.jp/

● Junko Ando
JUNA Co., Ltd. Representative Director

CEO of JUNA Co., Ltd. A graduate of Musashino Academia Musicae, she founded the company after working in media and as an MC. Aiming to improve women's quality of life, she develops products using silk produced in Gunma Prefecture. She is challenging the conventional concept of sanitary products to be "something you choose for comfort," and in this project, she is responsible for communicating value through the products.
https://juna.style/

● Tomohiro Shigehara
Manager, Corporate Planning Department, Shibuya Rex Co., Ltd.

After 21 years working in banking, she now oversees finance at a food trading company based in Shibuya and Fukushima. Leveraging her background growing up in a region known for sericulture, she is working on utilizing mulberry leaves in Fukushima and developing experiential programs for inbound tourists. In this project, she will promote demonstration experiments that connect finance with urban and regional areas.

● Yukie Uchida
Silkworm tying / Missionary for the Tomioka Silk Mill World Heritage Site Ambassador Association / Volunteer at "Gunma Insect Forest" / Volunteer at the Isesaki City Weaving Association

After working as a clinical laboratory technician, she entered the sericulture business in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture in 2021. She practices a lifestyle in harmony with nature and has experience as a kimono advisor and has won awards at kimono competitions. Utilizing her reliable on-site breeding techniques and deep knowledge of silk as "the fabric of life," she provides technical support to the quality of silkworm rearing and experiences in the project.
https://8koukouri8.wixsite.com/yousan