Municipal Power and Population Decline in Japan Goki-Shichido and Regional Variations

This book provides an insightful sociological study of the declining Japanese population, using statistical analysis to establish the significance of municipal power using demographic data on national, regional, prefectural and municipal levels. Penned by one of Japan's eminent sociologists, it provides a quantitative characterization of population decline in Japan with a focus on regional variation, and identifies the principal explanatory factors through GPI statistical software tools such as G-census and EvaCva, within a historical perspective. Furthermore, it offers a qualitative assessment of what constitutes ‘municipal power’ as this relates to regional/local revitalization as a means of addressing municipal population decline. Using Goki-Shichido as a theoretical framework, this book pays special attention to municipal variations within the same prefecture, presenting a completely unique approach. In combining these two dimensions of analyses, the book successfully reveals the impact of municipal power and socio-cultural identity of social capital in the region, from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives at the municipal level. Demography issues in Japan have been receiving increasing attention among researchers given the growing number of declining populations in developed countries, in tandem with rapid aging and low fertility trends. Providing an original and unique contribution to regional population analysis in the fields of regional demography, historical demography and regional population policy, this book shows that the revitalization of the community is vital if Japan is to increase its population, so as to renew a community ‘raison d'être’. The book is of interest to scholars of Asian studies more broadly, and to sociologists, demographers, and policymakers interested in population studies, specifically.

"Providing an informative and vivid overview of the demographic situation of Japan, the author offers excellent suggestions for effective regional policy in confronting a shrinking society. This book presents a unique analysis of the regional variations on small municipal levels, with demographic variables, social indicators and historical identities. An original contribution to regional population analysis in the fields of regional population policy, regional demography and historical demography."

-  Toshihiko Hara, Professor Emeritus, Sapporo City University  

   

         

  

Professor Fumie Kumagai is a Japanese sociologist holding an doctorate from the US, with extensive experience as a professor and researcher. Professor Kumagai's overseas experience affords her a unique cross-cultural perspective in the fields of families and demography, social issues, and intercultural communication. In discussing Japanese society, culture, families, and demography, she pays close attention to regional variations rather than considering Japan as a homogenous whole. Professor Kumagai has authored 25 books and numerous articles in both Japanese and English, and has given a series of lectures at universities and at various international organisations in Japan, the US, Canada, Europe, and in numerous East Asian countries. Her areas of specialisation include family and demography, ageing and related social policies, community networks, violence in the family, and social stratification and mobility. She is currently Professor Emeritus at Kyorin University.