ABSTRACT
Rural communities in Japan have suffered from significant depopulation and economic downturn in post-war years. Low birth rates, aging populations, agricultural decline and youth migration to large cities have been compounded by the triple disaster of 11 March 2011, which destroyed farming and fishing communities and left thousands of people homeless. This book identifies these challenges and acknowledges that an era of post-growth has arrived in Japan. Through exploring new forms of regional employment, community empowerment, and reverse migration, the authors address potential opportunities and benefits that may help to create and ensure the quality of life in depopulating areas and post-disaster scenarios. This book will be of interest not only to students of Japanese society, but also to those outside of Japan who are seeking new approaches for tackling depopulation challenges.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|61 pages
Challenges in rural areas
chapter 1|15 pages
Social sustainability in post-3.11 coastal Japan
part 2|29 pages
Case studies
chapter 6|13 pages
Working for others in Kawakami
part 3|44 pages
Sustainability across generations
chapter 7|13 pages
Young urban migrants in the Japanese countryside between self-realization and slow life?
chapter 8|15 pages
Islands for life
chapter 9|12 pages
Reforming life as mothers and wives in rural Japan
part 4|30 pages
Brand management and tourism