Final Report to Tsukaisute Jidai wo Kangaeru Kai

Abstract

My research was a program analysis for Tsukaisute Jidai wo Kangaeru Kai, a community discussion space questioning the modern values. Founded in 1973 by Tsuchida Takeshi, the organization mainly attracts those drawn by his ideas of building a more sustainable world. This manifests in the organization’s many programs, ranging from homemade beer workshops to work days at farms in rural areas near Kyoto to anti nuclear protests. However, most of these meetings and programs consist of older members, mostly retired housewives. Apart from those introduced to these events by people they know, the organization is having difficulty attracting new younger members. I spent the past two months researching how the organization can attract such new members by participating in events and interviewing the people in attendance.