"Reverse Disparity Theory: The Legacy of Nago Mayor Tateo Kishimoto and Atelier Zo"

I do not claim to know everything, but I have written several books with the desire to consider the transformation of postwar Japanese society through the lens of people's "consciousness."

After discussing three Emperors of the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras in my 2020 book "In the Land of the 'Symbol'," I felt that I absolutely had to write about Okinawa next.

Later, while writing "To the Shores of Okinawa: 50 Years of Emotional History" in the 50th year since the "reversion," I learned about the protagonists of my current book.

They are Tateo Kishimoto, a city hall official who later served as the Mayor of Nago, and Atelier Zo, an architectural group that created numerous works that could be described as "ancient avant-garde."

The two met in Okinawa exactly in the year of the "reversion." Due to several connections, it was not a complete coincidence, but looking back now, it was a "miraculous" encounter.

Bringing their respective ideas to the stage of northern Okinawa, including Nago and Nakijin, they produced groundbreaking town planning projects and unique architecture (such as the Nago City Hall and the Nakijin Village Central Community Center).

The "core" of these creative activities was the "Reverse Disparity Theory."

The basis upon which they could directly confront the industrialization/modernization path imposed by the mainland government under the guise of correcting economic disparities was a natural environment far more abundant than the mainland's and a simple philosophy of life. Their refreshingly simple theory of a labor society built on primary industries appeared as the image of "another Okinawa" that challenged the rapidly permeating consumer culture.

It was surprising to learn that such an era existed in the town of Nago (even if only for a short time) before it was later tormented by deep divisions over the construction of the new base in Henoko.

In this reporting, I was most fortunate to be able to hear precious stories directly from those who were present at the site of the "Reverse Disparity Theory."

Of course, that philosophy is still alive. It was a precursor to the later "Endogenous Development Theory," and it contains perspectives that look beyond the advanced welfare society. In a broad sense, it also attempted experiments in a circular society.

And most importantly, it continues to launch a resolute rebuttal to the narrative of "affluence and growth" that still holds postwar Japanese society under its spell.

"Reverse Disparity Theory: The Legacy of Nago Mayor Tateo Kishimoto and Atelier Zo"

Fumihiko Kikuchi

Ronsosha

320 pages, 2,750 yen (tax included)