National Symposium on Depopulation Issues Held in Fukui

The National Symposium on Depopulation Issues opened on October 29 at Phoenix Plaza in Fukui City, marking the first time the annual event has been held in Fukui Prefecture. Organized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications alongside local committees, the symposium gathered approximately 600 participants, including municipal officials and local lawmakers, to address challenges such as declining populations, aging societies, and the threat of village disappearance.

During a keynote lecture, Associate Professor Terumi Tanaka of Shimane Prefectural University discussed the concept of “relationship population” (people who engage with a region through work or hobbies without necessarily residing there). She warned against “mental depopulation,” a state where residents give up on local development due to a perceived lack of resources or success. Tanaka emphasized that involving outsiders can boost resident motivation and create a sustainable cycle of community building.

The event also included an awards ceremony recognizing nine organizations for their efforts in sustainable regional development. The Izumi Neighborhood Association from Ono City received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award for the second time. Their initiatives include managing a vacant house bank to promote migration and providing support for elderly residents living alone. On October 30, the symposium will continue with field visits to Ono City, Ikeda Town, Minamiechizen Town, and Wakasa Town.