On June 3, the government released a basic policy plan for promoting regional revitalization, setting fiscal 2034, ten years from now, as the target year for achieving its goals. The new plan succeeds the “Act for Vitalizing Towns, People and Jobs” (enacted in 2014), a comprehensive strategy formulated when current Prime Minister Ishiba served as minister for regional revitalization. It is based on the “Draft Basic Plan for Regional Revitalization 2.0,” compiled at the “9th Meeting of the Council for Creating New Regional Economies and Living Environments” held on May 22.

While the previous policy aimed to halt the population decline, the new plan accepts the reality of decline properly and, based on that premise, seeks to sustain economic growth and maintain social functions. One of the key initiatives of the plan is the “Hometown Resident Registration System.” According to the draft plan, individuals can select their preferred municipalities and register as “hometown residents” through a dedicated app, which will allow them to use public facilities and participate in local events on the same terms as actual residents. The plan sets a target of 10 million registrants, and by offering the option of multiple registrations, it aims to create a total of 100 million “related population.”

Needless to say, the new system is intended to expand the number of potential migrants. However, the author believes that permanent settlement is not necessarily regarded as the goal. An “attractive region” does not mean a miniature Tokyo-like city. Not every municipality needs to strive to attract foreign visitors in an effort to increase their numbers or become a model of innovation in advancing digital (DX) and green (GX) transformation. Moreover, not everyone aspires to launch a startup through an industry-government-academia collaboration hub. Rather, what we should envision is a flexible social system that enables diverse talents to circulate between cities and rural areas—and among rural areas themselves.

Supporting regional revitalization is also one of our key priorities at Yano Research Institute. We have long been engaged in promoting local industries, developing tourism resources, creating new industries, attracting businesses, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing sales channels and expanding overseas. We are currently focusing on revitalizing local regions by means of “regionally rooted folk games.*” Rural regions in Japan have a unique culture of traditional games that has been passed down within specific communities. These games are deeply embedded in the local way of life, livelihoods, and history, and symbolize the independence and identity of the region. I look forward to supporting the future development of these regions. 　

It is reported that the Cabinet will approve the basic policy plan by the end of June, with the goal of incorporating it into a “comprehensive strategy” by the end of fiscal 2025. I hope bold solutions will be included in the strategy--- the solutions that transcend existing administrative boundaries, ministerial frameworks, and entrenched vested interests

 * Yano Research Institute Ltd. exhibited a traditional game booth at the Game Market Spring 2025

This Week’s Focus, June 1 – June 5
Takashi Mizukoshi, the President