Mind Trail as "Excuse" and ”Means”

I participated in the 1,000-person meeting of Mind Trail on November 11th. It was an exchange event named 'Discussing the Direction of Mind Trail,' held as part of an art exhibition called Mind Trail, which took place from September 16th to November 12th. Mind Trail is an exhibition event that involves 'enjoying art while trekking' and 'trekking while enjoying art.

MIND TRAIL 奥大和 心のなかの美術館 2023

Connecting people doing the same thing in different places

According to the organizer, Mr. Saito, the inspiration for this event was, 'If people are doing the same thing in different places, why not connect them?' He wants to increase the active population through this event. Wonderful isn't it?

"Excuse" and "Means"

Now, I want to write about the theme of this event - Mind Trail as an "excuse" and "means." Through the exchange event, I realized that everyone shares the challenges faced in their local areas. "Let's revitalize the local area!" or "Let's promote regional revitalization!" But how? Well, let's organize an event. Events, like tourism, provide an excuse for people to come to that area.
I know Yoshino is famous for its lumber, but it's hard to relate to just saying "lumber." Oh, there's a Wood Festival. Let's go check it out.
It would be ideal if people followed this kind of flow.

So, what about the "means"?
I want to set up a booth. I want to connect with the people in that region. I hope people use events as tools to achieve their individual goals.
I thought that the combination of these two external factors (excuses) and internal factors (means) is what makes an event.

Next year's Wood Festival looks promising

I'm not sure if I'll be involved, but being part of the event's inner workings, especially with the core members, was quite fascinating. I've been inspired to get more deeply involved. I'm excited about the prospect of next year's Wood Festival being even more lively and successful.