While the benefits of nature—such as clean air, food, and recreational spaces—are widely acknowledged, a recent study by Tajima et al. (2025) sheds light on a more personal dimension of our relationship with the natural world: relational values. These refer to the values individuals place on nature stemming from their sense of identity, lived experiences, and the social connections fostered through nature. Centered on Japan’s culturally significant Nagara River Basin—renowned for its enduring traditions like cormorant fishing and washi papermaking—the study surveyed 2,031 residents to explore how and why they value the river.