[US National Parks Vol. 4] The 'Distance Between Nature and Humans' in National Parks: Differences Between the US and Japan

Objective of this article

US national parks strictly limit human activity for the sake of nature conservation. How does this philosophy differ from park systems in other countries, such as Japan? Through the differences in their views on nature, we will consider the relationship between politics and culture.

Main Text

When visiting a US national park, the first thing that surprises you is the fact that 'no one lives there.' There are no private homes or shops inside the parks, and you might drive for dozens of kilometers before finally reaching a single visitor center—such vast nature stretches out before you. This is not a coincidence, but a design based on a clear philosophy.

US national parks are managed under the concept of 'separating nature from human activity.' Development within the parks is strictly limited, and accommodations and roads are kept to the bare minimum. Even campsites cannot be used outside of designated areas. The top priority is to 'keep nature in an untouched state.'

Behind this philosophy lies a uniquely American view of nature: that 'nature is a shared national asset and not something to be placed under human control.' It can be said that this is the result of an awareness rooted in society—born from reflections on the development during the era of westward expansion—that 'once nature is destroyed, it can never be restored.'

On the other hand, Japan's national parks are based on the fundamental philosophy of 'coexistence between humans and nature.' There are villages and inns within the park areas, where daily life and tourism coexist with nature. For example, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is dotted with hot spring towns and tourist spots. This is a reflection of the fact that Japanese culture has always operated on the premise that 'humans live within nature.'

In short, the US protects nature by 'separating nature and humans,' while Japan seeks harmony by 'humans living within nature.' This difference also relates to the formation of politics and society. American policy emphasizes 'clearly drawing the line between freedom and restriction,' while Japan values 'maintaining the harmony of relationships.'

This is not a matter of which is superior. Rather, the values held by each society—the US, which respects individual freedom, and Japan, which values coexistence—are reflected in their national park systems. When comparing approaches to nature conservation, the 'cultural aspects of politics' become visible.