Sustainability in Contemporary Rural Japan

Rural communities in Japan have suffered from significant depopulation and economic decline in post-war years. Problems of declining birth rates, aging populations, agricultural decline and migration to cities have been compounded by the triple disaster of March 11, 2011, which destroyed communities, leaving thousands homeless. This book aims to identify these challenges and to explore the opportunities for bringing sustainable revitalization to Japan's rural areas. The book will be of interest not only to students of Japanese society and development, but also to those outside of Japan who are seeking new approaches for tackling de-depopulation challenges.