Resolving Japans Strange Problem

This isn’t something new or just discovered but Japan, rural Japan has been having these issues for a long time.  Being here has really identified the issue so much more for me and now I understand things a lot better.

The Inaka or “Rural” areas of Japan are seeing increasing numbers in population decline.  Meaning, a lot of these towns are for a lack of better words ‘dying’ out. Which for me is a sad realization that one day, something as precious as the town I currently live in may disappear.

On our street alone in what they describe as a “colony” there are three vacant / abandoned homes surrounding us.  Either due to a lack of jobs or families fighting over old homes and not being able to decide what to do with it.

These properties both vacant land and dwellings slowly eat away at themselves, giving in to nature.   The grass and shrubbery are quick to reclaim what was theres while the homes become monuments of what used to be. Being completely honest the homes around us are beautiful, but for how long?  The three on our road are slowly being taken back by nature and god knows how long its been since the home had fresh air.

I like to take strolls around the neighborhood and surrounding areas to see what is going on.  And I see so much potential for growth.  So what will it take?

Many younger generations of Japanese leave the inaka areas due to work or just the enticement of the megacities like Tokyo.  Lets all be honest with ourselves who can resist as a 18 year old or 28 year old the lights, evening life and all the food options you could wish for.   Also what job opportunities are provided.  

So I can’t blame people for leaving.  Businesses have made it difficult if not in some cases impossible for families to stay in the Inaka.  But may Covid has changed that.

Japan for all its glitz and glamour of tech and advancement is still years behind as far as how business and government operates.  Still opting for paper copies vs. digital and using stamps instead of signature or electronic signatures.  Even email to this day is sparingly used.

But Covid has opened the eyes of many Japanese businesses and government officials.  That their ways need to catch up to the technical age.  Remote working is something almost none of them were ready for and yet they adapted well.  So the question now is asked, if remote work is deemed viable in Japan, will that allow the inaka to grow again? 

I have been asking myself this question since we moved and honestly I’m curious.  The NEED to be located in a mega city normally was due to work.  But if work is allowed remotely does that change the dynamic of decision making for the people who live far?

The cost of living in an Inaka area is honestly in my opinion and based off the limited information and personal experience I have is much more affordable then that of Tokyo or the mega cities.

Homes are cheaper to purchase and rent, while you’re also provided with larger land and dwellings.  The people here also seem to be operating at a much slower rate then that of the city.

So here’s my thought or my wishes and goals for the inaka and the areas around us like my little town.

I’m hoping that many businesses see the value in remote work and offer more opportunities for it. This will give many residents the option to work from wherever in the country.  If the government is as focused on saving Inaka pushing businesses or providing incentives to businesses who hire remote workers in Inaka areas then this may be the best option for them.

And in all honest the quality of life may improve for many of the Japanese here.  Which in return may result in happier relationships which may result in children, another issue Japan is facing.

I can name a million reasons why quality of life will improve more things but it would make this blog post way to long.  But that’s my feeling.

My goals for our town or at least for us are relatively clean up, although big.  I am hoping for our businesses to start generating more income so that we can then turn that back into investments into the community.  This town deservers a fighting change and I think we can help it come a long way.

So that is my pledge to myself and to this little inaka town.  I will try my best to promote it, to provide opportunity to it and to be the best resident I can be.

Thus far I am happy here.  The people are great, the quality of life is amazing and I’m experiencing a lot of self realization.

But in any case, those are my pledges and how I feel about Japans strange issue. Hopefully one day I can make a change.