The word Rurban is a combination of “Rural” and “Urban.”It originates from the concept of “Rurbanism,” proposed in 1915 by the American rural sociologist Galpin, describing a way of life where urban and rural environments coexist in balance.
Today in Japan, we are beginning to see a shift from a strictly urban lifestyle toward a new era of “Rurban living,” where the richness of both city and countryside can be embraced.
While the concentration of people and resources in major cities continues, an increasing number of individuals are choosing lifestyles that are not bound to urban centers. Japan’s extreme centralization—especially in Tokyo—is almost unparalleled compared with Western countries, where many regional towns flourish with their own distinct histories, cultures, and ways of life.
At Rurbanism, we believe Japan, too, should rediscover the value of its regional cities and rural areas as meaningful environments for living and community.
Rurbanism is a lifestyle store built upon this philosophy of coexistence.It does not only celebrate urban dwellers seeking nature and slower rhythms, but also rural residents who enjoy the culture, information, and creativity that cities offer.It embraces the idea of people who move from cities to rural areas while maintaining their connection with urban culture—creating a life enriched by both worlds.
Rurbanism proposes this harmonious way of living:a lifestyle where the city and the countryside inform, inspire, and enhance one another.
