2014 Grand Prize

Kijimadaira Village in Nagano Prefecture is the birthplace of Uchiyama paper, which has been known since the Edo period as an excellent shoji paper. However, Kijimadaira Village is experiencing severe depopulation and is facing a crisis as a local government. It is sad to see such a wonderful tradition disappear, and it is sad to see the flower garden, which is usually deserted.
So we wondered if there was a plan that could combine Kijimadaira Village's "natural theater" with its beauty through "washi" paper and "flower garden," while also helping to alleviate depopulation, and so we came up with the idea of a natural wedding for the entire village.
The wedding ceremony will be held in a flower garden surrounded by colorful flowers, with the couple wearing a washi wedding dress. Kamisukiya (1) does not produce washi wedding dresses, but they do make washi bouquets. They can also produce washi wedding dresses (e.g. Mino washi). The warmth inherent to washi paper and the unparalleled pure white dress made from natural materials will undoubtedly look great in the flower garden (2).
By realizing this natural wedding, we will not only be able to promote Kijimadaira Village, but if couples who hold their wedding here move and settle in Kijimadaira Village, it may help to alleviate depopulation. We hope that this will lead to the revival of traditional industries, local wedding businesses, and regional revitalization.