This document explains the report of the FY2024 International Policy Seminar "Regional Sustainability in the Population Decline Phase" hosted by the National Diet Library.
The seminar was held to examine policy challenges and solutions for achieving sustainable development in Japan's regional communities facing population decline from an international perspective. Professor Kim Tae-hyeon was invited as the keynote speaker, with Professor Mizota Fumihiko serving as coordinator.
Population decline is a serious challenge nationwide in Japan, particularly in rural areas where aging progression and youth outmigration manifest problems including regional economic contraction, difficulties maintaining public services, and weakening regional communities. Multifaceted discussions were conducted regarding new approaches and policy methods for achieving sustainable regional management, including advanced overseas cases.
The seminar examined specific initiatives for maintaining regional vitality despite population decline, including effective utilization of regional resources, resident-participatory governance construction, service efficiency through digital technology utilization, and functional complementation through wide-area cooperation. From an international comparative perspective, analysis was also added regarding policy trends and successful cases in other countries facing similar challenges.
The report was published in August 2025 as Research Material 2025-2, compiling discussion details across 102 pages. It provides important insights for local government policy officials, researchers, and stakeholders involved in regional development regarding regional policy in the population decline era.
The article is evaluated as valuable material that consolidates international knowledge regarding Japan's population decline issues and presents practical policy guidelines for ensuring regional sustainability.