Articles published in Akiya Lab | Roopt (Makigumi)
Makigumi, which operates Roopt, constantly researches case studies and other information regarding the revitalization of vacant houses and publishes them as columns.
Ama-cho is part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a region floating in the Sea of Japan with beautiful nature and rich culture. 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 for a self-sufficient lifestyle, and also has a historical background as the place where Emperor Go-Toba was exiled. Specialty products 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, particularly characterized by a large number of I-turners in their 20s to 40s, the younger and working generations. 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 new residents have made it a notable success story for regional revitalization.
Ama-cho is abundant in natural blessings, such as its spring water selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters and its rich sea nurtured by the Tsushima Current. This self-sufficient environment is attractive to many people and is one of the major reasons for deciding 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 have been developed in education, tourism, industrial promotion, and more. These activities are particularly attractive to young people and the working generation, and the fact that about 20% of island residents are new residents attests to their success.
Ama-cho offers concrete support measures for those 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 realizing their 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 and a model that expands the possibilities of regional revitalization.
First published: Akiya Lab (2024 - now integrated into this site)
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