FEATURE: Rural towns hope idle properties can be used to attract new residents

FEATURE: Rural towns hope idle properties can be used to attract new residents

Asuka Chiba (L), a member of the "relocation concierge" group that promotes relocation into Kyoto Prefecture, meets with Kenji Kono, a regional promotion leader in Kyoto's Nantan city on June 20, 2017, in the city to discuss how to support urban dwellers seeking a quieter, rural lifestyle there. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

A ceremony is held in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2019, to harvest rice for use in the Daijosai, a key imperial succession rite to be performed by Emperor Naruhito in mid-November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

A ceremony is held in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2019, to harvest rice for use in the Daijosai, a key imperial succession rite to be performed by Emperor Naruhito in mid-November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

A ceremony is held in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2019, to harvest rice for use in the Daijosai, a key imperial succession rite to be performed by Emperor Naruhito in mid-November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

A ceremony is held in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2019, to harvest rice for use in the Daijosai, a key imperial succession rite to be performed by Emperor Naruhito in mid-November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

Rice-harvesting ceremony for imperial succession

A ceremony is held in Nantan, Kyoto Prefecture, on Sept. 27, 2019, to harvest rice for use in the Daijosai, a key imperial succession rite to be performed by Emperor Naruhito in mid-November. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo