Factors Ensuring the Legitimacy of Local Autonomy Management Organizations in Rural Areas

A Case Study of T Committee in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the factors ensuring the legitimacy of organizations that have been established in recent years throughout Japan to manage local autonomy. The subject of this study is the T Committee, a resource conservation organization in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. The results revealed the following. First, the organization should be designed to cover all households in the community. To establish such an organization, a preparatory organization is built with selected individuals; this selection is important for the intended purpose. Second, it is necessary to use existing local kinship organizations. Mutual support and checks and balances in a community where residents have a “face-to-face” relationship with each other can contribute to the smooth operation of the organization. Third, it is necessary to plan and execute public activities that interest several residents and to maintain responsiveness and openness among members.