Regional Development Policy of Local Government on Wine in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture

Abstract

The consumption of Japanese wine, produced exclusively from domestically grown grapes, is on the rise. This trend not only signifies the product’s value but also highlights its potential multifaceted regional impact, including agricultural land restoration and tourism promotion. This study examines the current state of wine tourism in Nagano prefecture and the city of Shiojiri, two major producers of Japanese wine, focusing on their efforts to establish wine as a valuable regional resource. The former initiated the Shinshu Wine Valley Concept in 2013, aiming to stimulate regional development through wine-related activities and increased winery establishments. Looking ahead, the forthcoming Shinshu Wine Valley Concept 2.0 in 2023 is expected to build upon this success, further boosting tourism and regional development through wine-related initiatives. Additionally, the city of Shiojiri, renowned for its wine production, has embraced wine as a significant regional asset following its amalgamation with neighboring municipalities. Currently, the city actively hosts large-scale wine-related events, led by the local government, and utilization is being made of those events across primary to tertiary industries.