Misfunction in ‘Ecosystem’ of population decline in rural area in Japan : the case of Shimane Prefecture

チホウ　ニ　オケル　ジンコウ　シャカイゲン　ノ　セイタイケイ　シマネケン　ノ　コンナン

キッカワ, トオル

Kikkawa, Toru

島根県

大学進学流出

「生態系」観察アプローチ

population decline

Shimane Prefecture

outflow in university enrollment

‘ecosystem’ observation approach

論文

Research Article

Rural area in recent Japan is generally facing difficulties arise from population decline. I propose an ‘ecosystem’ observation approach as a way of conducting studies on each particular regional issue. It enables researchers to maintain a broad and objective perspective. In this study, I focus on the case of Shimane Prefecture, which is tackling population decline under the banner of ‘Shimane Creation.’ I examine the practices of the stakeholders involved in the outflow of younger population, and I clarify the complexed situations that are difficult to reach a simple solution. Finally, I present a ’bathtub model’ in which the structure of population decline in Shimane Prefecture is illustrated.