Introduction to Themed Houses (Akita Regional Weaving House and Gender Studies House)

Akita Regional Weaving House

The Akita Regional Weaving House focuses on the connections between nature and people, engaging with local communities while showcasing the rich appeal of Akita from a student’s perspective. Members travel across the prefecture to experience Akita’s regional culture—such as gathering wild mountain vegetables in spring and going on nabekko (hot pot) picnics in autumn. They actively engage in various initiatives while considering the region’s future, including expressing hidden local charms through embroidery and holding round-table discussions about living in Akita.

This semester, the Akita Regional Weaving House conducted field trips to experience the local charm, nature, history, and industries of Akita.

Field Trip to Oga City and Ogata Village

This field trip was organized to deepen understanding of Akita’s unique food culture and to learn about the nature, geographical background, and environmental protection initiatives in Oga City and Ogata Village (both in Akita Prefecture).

Key Activities:

• -Environmental and Industrial Inspection: Observed the current status of pine wilt disease damage in the pine forest adjacent to Akita Prefectural University. Members also visited oil extraction facilities in Akita City.
• -Experiencing Nature and Culture in Oga City: Visited Mount Kanpu to experience gathering warabi (bracken) at its foot in “Itaba no Dai”. They also toured “Oni no Kakurezato,” a scenic spot featuring stacked, giant rocks.
• -Geography and Environmental Protection in Ogata Village: We scaled Ogata Fuji—Japan’s only mountain with a summit at exactly zero meters above sea level—and visited the Latitude/Longitude Intersection Monument, where 140°E and 40°N cross. We also learned about the initiatives of the “Hachiro Project,” which works to improve the water quality of Lake Hachiro.

Participant Comment:Harvesting warabi around Mount Kanpu taught us how wild vegetables are closely integrated into daily life, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle rooted in Akita and Oga. In Ogata Village, hearing from individuals involved in agriculture based on unique geographical structures, as well as modern water quality improvement projects, provided a great opportunity to rethink the environment and biodiversity.

We are deeply grateful to the members of the Hachiro Project, the Oga Peninsula sightseeing guides, and our advisor, Professor Natori, for their support. This field trip could not have been realized without everyone’s cooperation. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Yurihonjo City Bus Trip

In another field trip, the Akita Regional Weaving House visited Yurihonjo City (Akita Prefecture) to experience traditional culture and explore the city center using an original worksheet.

Key Activities:

• -Zenmai-ori (Osmunda Weaving) Experience (Former Ayukawa Village / Current Amasagi District): Experienced an exceptionally rare traditional textile technique in Japan that weaves the downy fibers of zenmai (flowering fern)—a familiar wild vegetable—traditionally valued for its insect-repellent properties. Members got to try traditional looms and thread-spinning machines.
• -Town Walk Bingo: Equipped with worksheets designed by house members, students explored the city center of Yurihonjo. They conducted fieldwork to capture hidden daily charms through nine perspectives: “Nature, People, Thoughts, Spaces, Five Senses, Handicrafts, Design, Living, and Free Category”.
• -Themed Explorations: Divided into the “Nature Exploration Team” and the “Fermentation & Sake Team,” members visited the riverbanks of the Koyoshi River and local koji and fermented food shops to uncover the authentic Akita lifestyle.

Participant Comment: Through the zenmai-ori experience, we learned about the wisdom of ancestors who incorporated zenmai down into textiles for insect protection. The unique coasters created by each member using traditional looms became cherished keepsakes. Overlooking the town from the site of the former Amasagi Castle was also a wonderful memory.

During the Town Walk Bingo, we attempted to visualize the way people use spaces and conduct their daily lives, which are not typically found on standard tourist maps. Feeling the breeze, witnessing traditional crafts woven into daily living, and connecting with the passion of people preserving and promoting local food culture—such as at “Hakkokoji Taya”—sparked a strong interest in how this town will be passed down and developed in the future.

Gender Studies House

The Gender Studies House provides a platform to examine everyday questions through the lens of gender studies. Members explore everyday topics such as “What is the significance of all-girls schools?”, “Who is Pride March for?”, and “Should traditional gender roles in local festivals be maintained?”. Many members are beginners in this field, and the house aims to foster learning together.

Participation in “Akita Pride March”

Members of the Gender Studies House participated in the “Akita Pride March” held in Akita City. Holding rainbow flags, members marched near Akita Station. The theme for this event was “We are here”. This phrase conveys a powerful message that LGBTQIA+ individuals are here, and so are the allies (supporters and advocates) who stand with them. On the day of the event, many LGBTQIA+ activists from other prefectures also joined, advancing together in a peaceful and joyful atmosphere.

Participant Comment: This was my first time directly participating in an event advocating for equal rights and gender empowerment (promoting gender equality). Although I had an interest in this community and topics regarding gender and sexuality, I felt a bit of fear and anxiety about joining a group of advocates and allies. I worried whether I would stand out or receive cold stares from passersby. However, contrary to my worries, the march proceeded very peacefully, and people on the streets cheered us on warmly. It was a wonderful experience to feel firsthand that many people in Akita show warm support for a celebratory space where all genders are recognized in society.

Discussion Following the “Akita Pride March”

After participating in the Akita Pride March, house members held a presentation and discussion session to reflect on the event. In this session, members reviewed basic information about the event and exchanged ideas on how to raise awareness among younger generations and Akita residents. We also discussed operational challenges from a critical perspective, such as loud music and parade routes crossing vehicular roads. This provided a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Akita Pride March and consider future improvements.

Participant Comment: Because every participant actively engaged in the discussion, it was a very interesting and rewarding experience as an organizer. I was glad to hear one member mention that they were able to expand their knowledge, including the original purpose and history of the Akita Pride March. I am genuinely happy that the presentation and questions I prepared served as a catalyst for everyone to reflect on the current state of the Pride March.