Articles Published in Akiya Lab | Roopt (Makigumi)
Makigumi, which operates Roopt, constantly researches cases and other information regarding the revitalization of vacant homes and publishes them as columns.
Ama-cho is part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a region with beautiful nature and rich culture floating in the Sea of Japan. The town has a population of 2,223 and an area of 33.44 square kilometers. Ama-cho is blessed with abundant seafood and mountain produce, enough to support a self-sufficient lifestyle, and also has a historical background as the place where Emperor Go-Toba was exiled. Local specialties include "Iwagaki Haruka" (rock oysters) and "Sazae Curry" (turban shell curry), which contribute to the promotion of local industries.
This small town has a welcoming atmosphere for new residents, characterized by a large number of I-turners, especially young people in their 20s to 40s and those in their prime working years. The town's board of education supports young people seeking to contribute to the community and find personal fulfillment, engaging in activities that leverage local resources such as education, tourism, and industrial promotion.
These young migrants have made Ama-cho a notable success story in regional revitalization.
Ama-cho is abundant in natural blessings, such as its spring water, selected as one of Japan's 100 best, and the rich sea nurtured by the Tsushima Warm Current. This self-sufficient environment is attractive to many people and is one of the major reasons they decide to relocate.
In Ama-cho, new residents are actively welcomed as new partners in the community. Over more than 20 years of regional revitalization efforts, various projects leveraging local resources in education, tourism, and industrial promotion have been developed. These activities are particularly attractive to young people and those in their prime working years, and the fact that approximately 20% of island residents are new migrants attests to their success.
Ama-cho offers concrete support measures for people considering relocation, such as relocation grants and telework support. This reduces anxiety before moving and facilitates a smooth transition to a new life. Furthermore, the new residents themselves contribute to the further development of Ama-cho by addressing local issues.
Ama-cho is an attractive town with a rich natural environment, challenges that leverage local resources, and comprehensive support measures for new residents. Here, young people are building new lifestyles while achieving personal fulfillment and contributing to the community. Ama-cho's initiatives are a successful case study that can serve as a reference for other local governments, expanding the possibilities of regional revitalization.
First published: Akiya Lab (2024 - now integrated into this site)
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