The Evaluation of “the Heisei Merger” from the Viewpoint of Urban and Regional Planning

Abstract

This paper discusses the possibilities and achievements of “the Heisei Merger” from the viewpoint of urban and regional planning. It was expected that the merger would decrease the gap between administrative boundaries and daily activity areas, and urban policies could be implemented in wider areas. However, in reality, it is difficult to realize efficient and effective policies such as the reorganization of city planning areas and the relocation of public facilities, partly because of a psychological barrier between councilors and citizens. After “the Heisei Merger”, flexible network policy among municipalities was promoted, but the links between functional cooperation and spatial planning remain weak. It seems to be important to gain experience in regional cooperation and broaden cooperative fields to create space for sustainable polycentric spatial structures.