Abstract
A large transfiguration occurred in the family succession process in the rural areas, after the so called rapid growth period of the Japanese economy. In Kutsuki village, Shiga Prefecture, more than 70% of the heads of families are older than 45, and among these families, more than 40% of successors had moved out. The average of moved out successors shows a tendency to be higher in the small hamlets of the mountain areas, and among the low propertied class families. According to the intention to come back and return age, four types were pointed out. Among these peoples, about 15% are planning to return while young, and to assure employments to them is important to accelerate this tendency.
