5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
[HCG18-P06] Local Residents' Responses to the Results of a Comparison of Local and Urban Perceptions of Orchard Landscapes in Japan
★Invited Papers
Keywords:Orchard landscape, Rural landscape, Johari Window
1. Introduction
Rural revitalization efforts in Japan increasingly focus on developing tourism by leveraging local resources. When multiple stakeholders participate, differences in landscape perception can reveal previously unrecognized local resources. A previous study demonstrated the effectiveness of using photography and a 'Johari Window' approach to identify such resources based on stakeholder perceptions. However, this study did not involve direct stakeholder interactions to understand perceptions and reactions, as would occur in real discussions. This study aims to clarify local residents' reactions to a comparison of perceptions of agricultural landscapes, which are regarded as major tourism resources, between local and urban residents, as well as any subsequent shifts in their landscape perceptions.
2. Method
An online survey was conducted among residents of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, to assess their perceptions of 12 different orchard landscapes based on the concept of “nodokasa” (a Japanese concept of tranquility) (n = 481). The responses were then compared with data from a separate survey conducted among Tokyo residents (n = 570). Next, a follow-up online survey presenting the results of the previous comparison was conducted to ascertain participants' reactions, the reasons for their responses, and any changes in their perceptions (n = 336). The comparison results were categorized into the four quadrants of the 'Johari Window' model (Fig.1). For each quadrant, participants were asked whether they agreed with the findings, their reasons, and whether their attachment to the landscape, their perception of its attractiveness as a tourist destination, or views on the necessity of conservation had changed.
3. Results
Most respondents agreed with the comparison results. However, in the HIDDEN quadrant, responses were more divided between agreement and disagreement. The degree of change in perception was highest in the OPEN quadrant, followed by the HIDDEN and UNKNOWN quadrants. Participants who answered ‘undecided’ exhibited slight changes in their thinking, whereas those who answered ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ tended to shift their views more significantly.
4. Conclusion
The findings suggest that when urban residents provide positive evaluations of landscapes that local residents take pride in, this may enhance local residents' attachment to their region, perception of its attractiveness, and recognition of the necessity of its conservation. Furthermore, the improvement in these three aspects was not directly attributable to whether participants agreed or disagreed with the results but rather to the extent to which the results prompted them to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.
Rural revitalization efforts in Japan increasingly focus on developing tourism by leveraging local resources. When multiple stakeholders participate, differences in landscape perception can reveal previously unrecognized local resources. A previous study demonstrated the effectiveness of using photography and a 'Johari Window' approach to identify such resources based on stakeholder perceptions. However, this study did not involve direct stakeholder interactions to understand perceptions and reactions, as would occur in real discussions. This study aims to clarify local residents' reactions to a comparison of perceptions of agricultural landscapes, which are regarded as major tourism resources, between local and urban residents, as well as any subsequent shifts in their landscape perceptions.
2. Method
An online survey was conducted among residents of Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, to assess their perceptions of 12 different orchard landscapes based on the concept of “nodokasa” (a Japanese concept of tranquility) (n = 481). The responses were then compared with data from a separate survey conducted among Tokyo residents (n = 570). Next, a follow-up online survey presenting the results of the previous comparison was conducted to ascertain participants' reactions, the reasons for their responses, and any changes in their perceptions (n = 336). The comparison results were categorized into the four quadrants of the 'Johari Window' model (Fig.1). For each quadrant, participants were asked whether they agreed with the findings, their reasons, and whether their attachment to the landscape, their perception of its attractiveness as a tourist destination, or views on the necessity of conservation had changed.
3. Results
Most respondents agreed with the comparison results. However, in the HIDDEN quadrant, responses were more divided between agreement and disagreement. The degree of change in perception was highest in the OPEN quadrant, followed by the HIDDEN and UNKNOWN quadrants. Participants who answered ‘undecided’ exhibited slight changes in their thinking, whereas those who answered ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ tended to shift their views more significantly.
4. Conclusion
The findings suggest that when urban residents provide positive evaluations of landscapes that local residents take pride in, this may enhance local residents' attachment to their region, perception of its attractiveness, and recognition of the necessity of its conservation. Furthermore, the improvement in these three aspects was not directly attributable to whether participants agreed or disagreed with the results but rather to the extent to which the results prompted them to reflect on their thoughts and feelings.