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Article

Open Access

Shrinking and Super-Aging Suburbs in Japanese Metropolis

Author(s)

Yoshimichi Yui, Tomoko Kubo, Hitoshi Miyazawa

Full-Text PDF Download XML 1930 Views

DOI:10.17265/2159-5526/2017.04.002

Affiliation(s)

Hiroshima University, Japan; Gifu University, Japan; Ochanomizu University, Japan

ABSTRACT

Japan’s aging rate has exceeded 26%, ahead of any other country in the world. Aging is progressing rapidly in both rural and urban areas. Recently, super-aging in old suburbs is remarkable. Recently, Japanese old suburban housing estates are declining. They are facing several serious problems. Most serious problems are aging of residents and decreasing population, and these are caused by long-term dwelling. Because many Japanese think that “Japanese Dream” is occupancy of detached house in suburb. Japanese suburban residents tend to stay after child rearing. And another severe problem is the increasing vacant houses. In this study, the authors try to clarify the conditions of shrinking suburbs in Japanese cities and will introduce some activities for revitalization in suburbs. As for aging of suburban residents, in old housing estates, the first generation of migrants grew older and continued to live in their own house in suburban areas. Furthermore, their children grew up and moved out. These are caused by the failure of town planning, which supplied the same type of houses in short term. Furthermore, increases in vacant houses are seen throughout every old suburban housing estate, and it induces new uneasiness and social troubles and drop in housing price.

KEYWORDS

Super-aging, suburbs, housing estates, revitalization

Cite this paper

Sociology Study, April 2017, Vol. 7, No. 4, 195-204

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