Process and Issues of Promoting Migration of Supporters for Rural Regeneration

A Case of Midori-no-Furusato-Kyoryokutai in Kutsuki District, Shiga Prefecture

Abstract

This paper focuses on “Midori-no-Furusato-Kyoryokutai” which is the pioneering program to promote rural regeneration. One purpose of this study was to reveal the actual conditions and the process of migration toward a regeneration of rural area. A survey was conducted in Kutsuki district of Shiga prefecture. The main findings were as follows: 1) Friendships between local residents and migrants and building trusting relationships through local activities contributed to promote migration. 2) Migrants faced a lack of income. To solve this problem, constructing a system that creates opportunities for migrants to make a livelihood is an important element to promote migration to rural areas.