Government Initiates New Strategy for Regional Revitalization

The Japanese government has set up a new strategy headquarters aimed at fostering regional revitalization. This move is seen as a response to the increasing depopulation and aging issues affecting rural areas across the country. The initiative seeks to combat these challenges through policy reforms and economic initiatives to stimulate growth and attract younger generations.

Regional revitalization is a serious concern in Japan due to ongoing demographic shifts that see young people moving to urban areas, leaving rural regions with aging and declining populations. This issue is particularly poignant in Japan where respect for elderly and maintenance of traditional ways of life are central social values.

In contrast to Japan, countries like the US and EU place more emphasis on urban revitalization - addressing issues such as urban decay, gentrification, and housing affordability. However, these countries do face similar challenges in terms of aging populations and the depletion of services in rural areas.

Information for Your Country

For those interested in strategies addressing rural depopulation, studies from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on "Rural Policy 3.0" may provide additional insights.