Prospects of Spatial Strategic Planning in Japan from an International Perspective

Abstract

First, this paper reviews the current trends in the arguments on spatial strategic planning as well as on regional development from an international perspective, particularly from the viewpoint of European countries where a number of discussions are recently being held in response to the emerging regionalism after the unification of EU and the advent of globalization. The discussions center on the formation of city regions, agglomeration economies, regional governance, and the rise of spatial strategic planning. The situation in the United States and Asian countries are also referred to in the discussions. Based on the discussions on these international trends, this paper attempts to identify the critical issues influencing the future directions of strategic spatial planning in Japan. These critical issues are outlined by the following needs: (1) review the regions where regional strategic plans need to be formulated, (2) strengthen the roles and functions of land use planning in order to induce better results from spatial strategic planning, and (3) establish regional governance and develop deliberative democracy on a regional scale.