The Property Status of “Absentee Landlords” in a Hilly Area: Focusing on the Forests in Nanbu Town

Abstract

This study aims to understand the effective management of forests by investigating the various types of property management in Nanbu town, one of hilly areas in Japan. Specifically, this study focuses on “absentee landlords” who own their property away from their current residence. After characterizing Nanbu using geographical and socio-economic indexes, I analyzed the relationship between recognition of planted-forest management and other related variables. The study found that the absentee landlords who own property in Nanbu has consciousness of possession but cannot manage their forests properly. This case study adds new information on property management by “absentee landlords” in the hilly area.