Cultural Research on Environmental Protection Strategies of Tsukuba City, Japan: How to Integrate Traditional and Modern Thoughts to Promote Environmental Protection

Abstract

Tsukuba City, Japan, stands as a captivating example of a modern research and education hub. Our single-case study explored the potential for integrating traditional Japanese environmental philosophies with modern environmental protection practices in Tsukuba City. We employed a mixed-methods approach, first conducting a survey with 52 participants from various environmental and cultural disciplines. The survey assessed their knowledge of traditional philosophies, perceptions of current environmental practices, and attitudes towards integrating these approaches. Our findings revealed a moderate level of self-reported familiarity with traditional philosophies, along with a belief in their potential contribution to environmental protection. Regarding current practices, participants expressed a mix of positive and negative views, with some questioning the effectiveness of existing programs and advocating for a stronger focus on community engagement. Encouragingly, the survey indicated a generally positive attitude towards integrating traditional and modern approaches. The interviews highlighted a range of knowledge regarding traditional philosophies, with some participants expressing a desire to learn more. Perceptions of current practices were mixed, with concerns raised about the over-reliance on technological solutions. A key theme emerged around the importance of community engagement in environmental efforts.  Our findings suggest a receptive environment for integrating traditional and modern approaches in Tsukuba City.