Paper short abstract:

In this study, I examine Kitahoricho in Matsue, which has a standard of landscaping. This study was developed with two aims: clarifying the relation between residents' feelings and the development of the housing landscape and outlining the problems and conceptions of landscaping in castle towns.

Paper long abstract:

Currently, people are focusing on regional characteristics of particular communities in Japan. A similar tendency can also be seen concerning landscapes in tourism-oriented communities and local revitalization efforts. While the government has enacted some laws for landscape improvement, residents' houses are unlikely to be targeted by this legislation because most people perceive the exterior of a house as a personal matter. We can find them near historical structures, such as castles. A castle becomes key in landscaping. In the case that residents perceive characteristics that are relegated only to their region, to what extent should historical atmosphere be considered? Residents' feelings in such contexts have not been well-researched.

In this study, I examine Kitahoricho, which has a castle and an old atmosphere. The area exhibits a standard of landscaping. This study was developed with two aims: clarifying the relation between residents' feelings and the development of the housing landscape and outlining the problems and conceptions of landscaping in castle towns. The primary method consisted of interviews with local government officials and research conducted on building styles. Questionnaires were also utilized to understand residents' consciousness of landscape. Regarding the period before creating the landscape formation standard, I examined the situation at that time using the materials stored by the residents. The results indicate complex feelings of residents toward this issue. Additionally, it was confirmed that there were many issues regarding consensus building and continuation of activities among the residents.