Choosing “Compact Villages” Objectively to Realize Sustainable Life in Rural Areas

Using “Compact Village Potential” Considering “Hard” and “Soft”

Abstract

“Compact Villages” have begun to secure sustainable life in rural areas. This study was undertaken to assess the variation of Compact Villages. We suggest the indicator of “Compact Village Potential”, to choose Compact Villages objectively, considering Hard (daily facilities, roads, etc.) and Soft (social capital) factors. Then we present a case study in Chugoku Shikoku District. From our analyses, we showed that choosing Compact Villages from only Hard viewpoint may arise areas far from Compact Villages. However, from Soft viewpoint, there are villages without Hard but with Soft enough, as “Compact-Compact Villages”, different from the Compact Villages having Hard enough. To cover wide rural areas, a combination of such Villages will be necessary.