The inevitable future? 'Japan's shrinking population: reimagining cities and society
*This article was originally published on the website of Posse Nippon, the publisher of Small Business Japan, prior to the launch of Small Business Japan (October 2024). Articles published before September 2024 have been edited and transferred to this site.*
I recently watched a Japanese news program on TBS titled 'Japan's shrinking population: Reimagining cities and society for a future with fewer people.' I found it very informative for anyone living in Japan now and in the future, and I translated and summarised it in English below.
The program focuses on urban planning and how local governments should adapt to Japan's declining population. It compares two cities, Kobe and Toyama, to illustrate different approaches. Kobe is restricting the construction of high-rise condominiums (called 'tower mansions' in Japan), while Toyama is trying to concentrate its population by connecting city functions with efficient public transportation.
I chose to share this news because it's important to understand how cities, including our own, will adapt (or not adapt) to depopulation. Having lived in both Kobe and Toyama for the past 10 to 25 years, I've also included my personal perspective. It's a long post.
Summary
Translation of the promramme
- Introduction
- Japan's population: Halving in the next 100 years?
- Case Study: Kobe City – High-rise condo regulation
- Discussion: Who will take care of high-rise condos in the future?
- Case study: Toyama City – Rebuilding itself as a 'Compact City'
- Discussion: Beyond the 'connected' – Building truly networked cities
- 'Black hole cities': The population magnets draining Japan's countryside
- What are common between Tottori Prefecture and India?: Rethinking population density
- Notes
Editorial: Yumiko's Take
- Pre-Compact City Toyama with shuttered streets
- Implications to the current inbound tourist boom in Japan
- Kobe: Highest QOL in my life so far
