This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Goki Akuzawa, 62, the owner of Toronoki House in Japan. It has been edited for length and clarity For eight years, I lived a dual life. I'd spend ...

Despite its rich history and beautiful landscapes, most settlements in rural Japan suffer from outmigration, aging, and depopulation. Known as chiiki okoshi kyouryoukutai, the LRC promises three years ...

More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas, a trend that's expected to expand in coming years, according to the United Nations. The urbanization movement is especially stark in ...

Fix up an old house, make the yard nice, grow your own crops, and become self-sufficient. View the cherry blossoms in the spring; Attend the festival in the summer; Eat roasted sweet potatoes in the ...

A chiiki okoshi kyouryoukutai member showing the small organic farm in front of the house she is renovating after moving to the countryside. News organizations may use or redistribute this image, with ...