Perspective on Geoparks and Geotourism Based on Case Studies of Geoparks in Japan and China

In the twenty-first century, there has been an increase in geopark projects to encourage the sustainable development of regions. At the same time, issues and questions regarding the status and problems posed by geoparks and geotourism, particularly in Japan, have come under greater scrutiny from researchers and others working in the field. Having outlined the characteristics of geoparks and geotourism in previous studies, this paper will discuss desirable ways to develop geoparks in Japan. The paper will focus on case studies of geoparks in China, which has more geoparks than any other country. There are very few Japanese papers on geoparks in China. There also are no comparative research papers, based on questionnaires or interviews undertaken at Chinese administrative offices, discussing the common features and differences between geoparks in Japan and China. The survey found that geoparks seem to be more popular in China than in Japan and that there are also different views toward geoparks in the two countries. In China, administrative branches of government and affiliated companies have well established cooperative relationships regarding natural landscape development. By contrast, the symbiotic relationship of human beings and the natural environment is more important to the development of geoparks in japan. It is interesting that such characteristics exist despite unified standards of membership and certification in the Global Geoparks Network. We think that it is important to emphasize regional diversity so that geoparks may become more deeply rooted in different regions and countries