2017 Volume 29 Pages 43-57
This study has two aims. On one hand, the future trend in national policies and related problems are cleared by Japan’s Grand Design of National Spatial Development toward 2050. Another consideration is how citizen activities are not confused by national policies. We can recognize the development-oriented trend from the last Grand Design. The national government is successful in exercising authority over local governments through the distribution of public investments and the introduction of “choice and concentration.” On the other hand, local governments depend on subsidies. Therefore, the system for governing can be described as a complicated relationship between rule and dependency. Dependence on subsidies is also seen in certain citizen organizations that face obstructions to their independent activities from governments. One way to maintain independence (autonomy) in citizen activities may be for citizens to raise funds.
