The population influx into the Tokyo metropolitan area continues unabated. The government must reexamine its past policies and take corrective measures.
According to a 2019 report on internal migration by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, the net number of people moving into the Tokyo metropolitan area, people moving in minus those moving out, reached 148,700. The figure has expanded for the third consecutive year, indicating that an extreme concentration in the area is further continuing.
The government had set a goal of bringing the inflow and outflow of residents into equilibrium in 2020, but postponed it to fiscal 2024. Measures on regional revitalization by enhancing the attractiveness of those areas and encouraging young people to settle down there have not been successful.
If many young people move into the metropolitan area, where it is difficult to raise children, the decrease in the number of children could accelerate. In addition, a dense population tends to raise the risks at times of disaster.
By age group of the net number of people moving into the Tokyo metropolitan area, those who are between 15 and 29 accounted for 90%. Those ages 20 to 24 was especially high. Advancement to universities or employment have become major factors to move to the area.
According to a government opinion survey, many young people who moved to the area considered "salary level" and "get a job close to one's interests" important when choosing jobs.
It is significant to provide more work opportunities in regional areas outside the metropolitan area and create an environment where young people can easily show off their abilities.
Creative solutions needed
At the end of last year, the government compiled new comprehensive strategies for the next five years. The plan calls for increasing the number of regional workers, including young workers, by 1 million.
As a concrete measure, the government indicated a policy to choose small and medium-size companies having potential for growth in regional areas and intensively support them.
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has since fiscal 2017 selected companies that can drive the future of such regions. There are about 3,600 such companies, including a company in Kagawa Prefecture that exports panels for large water tanks overseas and a company that has developed equipment to process specialty products.
Reportedly, it becomes easier for certified companies to obtain loans. What is more, the system helps the companies improve their name recognition and hire students.
Some cities, including Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture, or Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, have attracted satellite offices, which serve as business hubs, in their areas, drawing people from urban areas. To improve regional vitality, local governments have to show eagerness and exercise ingenuity.
Living outside the metropolitan area offers some attractiveness not found in city life. The commuting time is shorter and the rent is cheaper. Amid the rich natural environment, there are diverse ways to spend spare time.
In the Furusato Kaiki Shien Center, a nonprofit organization for assisting people who want to move to regional areas, it is said that there are more than 40,000 consultations annually.
It is essential to understand the wishes of those who want to live in regional cities or farming villages, and create an environment for such aspects as employment, housing and education.
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2020)
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