Articulating the fundamental values of Machizukuri rooted in life principles and place, extracted from the story of Mihonoseki, Matsue City, and Mr. F

This paper aims to find new values in Machizukuri that respond to the changing values of society (10th article in the series). This study conducted interviews with Mr. F, who operates a long-established inn in Mihonoseki, Matsue City, while actively engaging in Machizukuri. The interviews identified 8 new values in Machizukuri. Raised in Mihonoseki, a town where traditional ways of life remain, Mr. F returned home to take over the family business. By listening to the stories of each household in the town, he reestablished a sense of unity between himself and the community. Employing early-stage Machizukuri techniques (workshops), he expressed the unity between residents and the town. He conceived ideas from the town's perspective, sought necessary administrative resources (national and prefectural projects), and made personal sacrifices to advance solutions for local issues (such as vacant house countermeasures). Mr. F's activities, which pass on the practice of living in harmony with the town to the next generation, demonstrate the fundamental value of Machizukuri rooted in life principles and place.