This study examines from the perspective of population estimation the conditions under which the population density of Dwelling Attraction Area (DAA) can be maintained from the efforts of cities that have created a Location Optimization Olan (LOP). The purpose is to obtain the knowledge for effective use of the LOP for the reconstruction of the city structure by grasping the case examples of the guidance measures and the measures to be taken outside the DAA.
The method of this research is based on the analysis of the appropriate planning documents of 157 cities created and published as of May 2019 (including the analysis of DAA area and future population estimation using GIS), questionnaire survey and hearing.
The promotion policy of the country has a strong influence on the opportunity to create LOP. The effect expected from the planning is consistent with the purpose of the planning system. On the other hand, there are many efforts that expect support from the national government.
In the planning process, there are few active public participation methods. In addition, there are many cities in the parliament that did not have a particularly big debate. Therefore, LOP is recognized as a government-led plan.
Not many cities are actively trying to form a centralized urban structure.
The ratio of the area of DAA to the area of Urbanization Promotion Area (UPA) exceeds 70% in cities that exceed 60% of the surveyed cities. On the other hand, less than half of the cities have less than 15%. Therefore, few cities have limited DAA settings. Even if the population is declining, if the ratio of the area of the DAA to the area of UPA is less than 70%, it is possible to maintain the population density within the DAA. However, in many cities, it is over 70%, and it is inevitable to accept the declining population density of DAA.
Many cities do not have active guidance measures to induce DAA residence. Under such circumstances, Maizuru City, Kariya City, and Honjo City, which have a particularly narrow DAA, actively promote their residence to the areas where urban functions should be concentrated, and the central city area is revitalized according to the appropriate plan. Toyohashi City has set up a double DAA and is actively guiding residents to a narrower area. Setting a limited DAA and taking proactive measures for it are considered effective in forming an integrated urban structure.
Many cities are planning outside the DAA with the awareness that they will not hinder the lives of the residents. As a measure to maintain the living environment in areas outside the DAA, about 40% of cities cite building a system of mutual assistance through community activities. In addition, about 40% of the cities cite promotion of community-based town development activities in collaboration with the government and residents. As the population outside the DAA continues to decline, it is an attitude to promote urban development in line with the actual situation.
