From abandoned bamboo groves to a valuable local resource
Kyoto’s Nishiyama area is renowned for its delicious bamboo shoots, yet an aging population and lack of successors have led to many groves becoming abandoned. This event is an attempt by a local NPO and a team of volunteers to revive this resource for local good.
About us
The NPO Kyohatsu Take Ryuikikankyo Net (or just Take-Net for short) was established in 2009. At Take-net, we have made it our goal to reduce the number of abandoned bamboo groves to zero, protect Kyoto’s world-renowned bamboo scenery, and create a better future for bamboo.
In recent years, the work we do locally has involved the ever increasing amount of unattended bamboo groves, and the degradation of local scenery and increased risk of disaster that accompany this trend.
At Take-net, we aim to preserve the environment through the maintenance and practical use of these groves, and we’re working hard towards revitalizing the regional community and training human resources.
Main activities
Maintenance of Bamboo Groves
- Servicing a total of over 50 ha
- Thinning more than 20,000 stems annually
- Achieving an active use ratio of more than 60%
Exemplary Achievements
- Servicing the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Servicing the smaller paths around Oharano Shrine
Training Human Resources
- Establishing Take School to educate and train bamboo shoot farmers
- Training leaders to maintain abandoned bamboo groves
- Holding workshops at educational institutions using bamboo material
Promoting cultural exchange
- Kyoto Nishiyama Take-Akari event by the Agency of Cultural Affairs
- Bamboo Ware Workshops (in coordination with Urban Renaissance Agency)
Our Hopes for Kyoto Nishiyama Take-Akari
Maintaining bamboo groves is more than nature conservation. Through this event, we would like to shine light on connections between people, local areas, and the future. The beautiful figure of bamboo illuminated is a reminder to visitors of both the importance of nature and the abundance of Japanese culture.
Your support helps
Kyoto Nishiyama Take-Akari is made possible with the help of locals, volunteers, and the assistance from supporters.
We need many hands and resources to thin groves, transport the bamboo, and create items like bamboo lanterns.