In the realm of complex challenges commonly referred to as “wicked problems,” the intricate interplay between social and ecological factors renders conventional scientific methodologies insufficient for resolution (Rittel and Webber, 1973). Focusing on the declining Satoyama landscape as a case study, this paper delves into the inherent limitations of contemporary scientific approaches in addressing wicked problems specifically in landscape recovery, rooted in the dichotomy of environmentalism and professionalism. This paper confronts the conventional division between the roles of the architect and the carer. It proposes an empathetic approach that expands further the significance of human emotions, sensibility, and the ethos of care, employing a blend of empathetic imagination and emotive engagement.