Report
“The Frontier of Transformative Tourism:Emerging in Japan’s Regions of Artisanal Production”
MORI WO ORU Inc., in collaboration with Commoning Studio Inc., published the report
“
The Frontier of Transformative Tourism:Emerging in Japan’s Regions of Artisanal Production” in February 2026.
This report explores the potential of Transformative Tourism—a form of travel that brings lasting personal change to participants—and the social impact it can generate.
The study focuses on the Tango region of Kyoto, one of Japan’s historic silk-weaving production areas and the manufacturing base for the fashion project MORI WO ORU. Through this lens, the report systematically examines how journeys to traditional craft regions can foster meaningful transformation for visitors while creating positive ripple effects for society.
Background: Why “Transformative Journeys” in Craft Regions Now?
Travel is evolving. People are increasingly seeking journeys that do more than provide experiences—they want travel that changes them.
In today’s world, where efficiency has often separated manufacturing from local communities, Japan’s craft production regions remain deeply connected to climate, landscape, spirituality, and history. These places function as living heritage, where traditions continue to evolve.
Visiting these regions offers more than observing techniques. It allows travelers to encounter the living breath of life behind craftsmanship—the natural environment and the generations of people who shaped it.
In this report, transformative tourism is positioned not simply as a new category of tourism, but as a response to a deeper question:
What do we truly value, and how do we want to live?
The report highlights why Japan’s craft production regions hold great potential as fertile ground for transformative tourism.
Download the report here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12uAI_ggodJE2jTmyG7thSYnjqfKgwE2J/view?usp=drive_link
About the “MORI WO ORU” Project
MORI WO ORU is a fashion project launched in Kyoto in spring 2024 with the mission of regenerating the relationship between people and nature through Japan’s silk textile culture.
The project includes the production of the documentary film “Weaving the Forest.”, which explores the beauty of life through Japan’s silk industry. It also organizes transformative journeys to traditional craft regions across Japan where silk culture remains alive.
Through initiatives such as Transformative Tourism programs and the MORI WO ORU Design Studio, the project creates new value through immersive experiences, encouraging personal transformation and contributing to the regeneration of the world.
Project Overview / Credits
Project Organizer:
MORI WO ORU Inc.
Project Design, Development Support, Report Editing & Writing:
Commoning Studio Inc.
This project was implemented with support from the Small Business Sustainability Subsidy Program of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Small and Medium Enterprise Agency of Japan.
Contact
MORI WO ORU Inc.
Public Relations: Yumi Komori
Email: info@moriwooru.com
Website: https://moriwooru.com
