Abstract
The term 'internationalization of Japan' refers to the fact that the present Japanese socioeconomic situation is directly affected by international conditions, because the basic Japanese economy has been sustained with the balance of trade obtained by processing materials from abroad. Recently, the trade conflict with other nations has become severe, the yen exchange rate is rising and the depression of steel, shipbuilding and other heavy industries is worsening. These factors are directly hitting agriculture and the rural areas. Thus rural Japan at present faces many problems and is confronted with an important turning point. Therefore, I think rural planning and rural arrangement is required at this time.
The followings are some aspects of rural planning. The first is the encouragement of regional industries including agriculture. The second is the arrangement of land and facilities for the community. The third is the rearrangement of human relations and reconstruction of organizations. The fourth is the reconsideration of regional culture. And finally there is the re-examination of the purpose of rural planning.
