【北海道東川町‟人が集まり続ける町”の秘密に迫る】移住は大歓迎、でも…｜「写真の町」で有名になるまで｜大規模企業誘致をしないワケ｜若い経営者が次々と移住｜家具を活かした町おこし｜目指すは‟適切な過疎”

★Please subscribe and like★    / @bungeishunju   Program Overview "+ LOCAL" solves local issues and creates the cities of the future. Our editorial team visits local governments across the country to speak with local leaders, representatives of leading companies, and educational institutions. This time, Bungeishunju PLUS visited Higashikawa Town in Kamikawa District, Hokkaido. Higashikawa Town is one of the most notable towns in Hokkaido today. While depopulation in rural areas is a growing concern, Higashikawa Town has experienced population growth for the past 25 consecutive years. It is also popular with immigrants from outside Hokkaido, and according to the town's own analysis, its population is expected to continue growing until 2035. Why are people flocking to Higashikawa Town, with its abundant natural beauty? We spoke with Higashikawa Town Mayor Shin Kikuchi about the town's efforts to address its growing population and the future it envisions together with its community. *Please note: There may be some audio disturbances. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by difficult to hear parts. Table of Contents 00:00 Opening 03:20 Challenges around 1994, when the population reached its lowest point 04:28 Efforts to Increase the Population 06:39 The "Town of Photography" Project Launched in 1985 09:58 Industrial Initiatives 13:40 Why We Don't Actively Attract Large-Scale Businesses 15:06 Attracting Talent, Not Businesses 17:04 Characteristics of Immigrants 18:43 Emphasis on Childbirth, Childrearing, and Education 20:04 The "Your Chair" Project to Celebrate the Birth of a Child 23:35 What is Higashikawa's "Appropriate Societies"? 25:56 Why We Established the Nation's First Public Japanese School 27:18 The Impact of Establishing a Public Japanese School 30:26 Current Challenges in Higashikawa 33:28 The Future of Higashikawa Guests Shin Kikuchi | Mayor of Higashikawa Born in 1967. He was first elected mayor in 2023 after serving as Chief of the Industrial Promotion Division, Chief of the Regional Revitalization Division, Director of the Exchange Promotion Division, Director of the Planning and General Affairs Division, Director of the Higashikawa Style Division, and Director of the Industrial Promotion Division. 〈MC〉 Gen Murai | Editor-in-Chief of Bungeishunju PLUS Born in Inagi City, Tokyo in 1988. In April 2011, he joined Bungeishunju Ltd. and was assigned to the Weekly Bunshun editorial department. In July 2015, he joined the Bungeishunju editorial department. In July 2019, he became the project manager for Bungeishunju Digital. In July 2021, he became the editor of the Weekly Bunshun Online Edition. In July 2024, he became the Managing Editor of the Online Edition, and in December 2024, he became the editor-in-chief of the video media, Bungeishunju PLUS. #Bungeishunju Plus #Bungeishunju #Hokkaido #Hokkaido #Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido #Depopulation #Regional Revitalization #Relocation to the Region