By Jan Gruber & Max de Bever

Photos by Lee Chapman (Tokyo Times)

In July 2025 we will start Project Hollow Tree, a creative research project focused on the issues and solutions of rural decline. We will be conducting field work, traveling to small towns in central Japan to speak with locals, officials and business owners to uncover and document this global issue. To raise awareness and share possible solutions internationally we will be designing a book with the findings, interviews and documentations, and build an online platform to share our work.

The goal is to create a well-designed and visually appealing book that documents our visit to Japan, where we highlight our discoveries through interviews, journalling, research and exploration. On top of that we want to create a digital platform to accompany the book. With the online platform we are able to share our work internationally and are able to go further in depth and highlight things we weren’t able to include in the book.

Max de Bever

A designer, visual storyteller, and curious mind with a passion for exploration. With a background in graphic and motion design, I’ve co-founded creative projects, collaborated with international teams and companies, and brought concepts to life across digital and physical spaces.

Outside of design, I find inspiration through traveling, exploring unfamiliar places, and experimenting with ideas across disciplines.

www.maxdebever.com - @photography - @Design

Jan Gruber

I’m a media creator and designer with a strong passion for photography, cars, and hiking. Having always been interested in Japanese culture and rural living, I’m excited to be part of this project focused on village revitalization in Japan.

Over the past few years, I’ve gained hands-on experience in video production, UI design, and media work through internships at companies like BMW, Porsche, and KONTRASTFILM.

@Instagram

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