A Study on Activites and Networking of Various Civil Groups/Organizations

—Through a Questionnaire and Interviews in Five Cities of Chiba Prefecture—

Abstract

This study aims at identifying the importance and roles of networking in the formation of a civil society through the advancement of the activities of civil groups/organizations using case studies in Chiba prefecture, Japan. It was observed that the activities of civil groups/organizations heavily depend on the number and quality of the networks possessed by these groups/organizations. Local governments as well as intermediary civil organizations play a key role in networking, and thus, it is important to strengthen these organizations. In conclusion, the paper discusses the desirable actions to be taken toward networking of individuals; the relationship between the vitalzation of the activities of civil organizations, their social activities and networking; and the advancement of activities and the necessary actions to be taken toward networking among civil groups/organizations.