Observation of Workation in Depopulating Regions: Based on Field Survey in the Island Region of Ojika-Cho, Nagasaki

Abstract

This study seeks to explore the connections between a new lifestyle called “workation,” and regional revitalization. If conventional lifestyles ― including how people work and spend their spare time ― have changed as a result of modified values and technological advancements spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and if these changes could bring about regional revitalization, examining such mechanisms is essential. Investigating workation as a process to solve problems faced by rural areas may enable us to discover solutions. This study focuses on workation in island regions where the decreasing birthrate, aging population, and depopulation is advancing at an observable rate. We believe this study will contribute to the regions’ academic development because previous research undertaken from a workation perspective is inadequate to address these problems in the island regions. Our observation proceeded as follows: First, we confirmed the workation concepts in the areas of government and finance and observed its present implementation while reviewing prior studies. Second, taking these matters in mind, we clarified the definition of workation （hypothesis formulation）. Third, we examined workation in Ojika-cho, Nagasaki, conducted field survey, and verified the definition based on actual conditions. During the process of field survey and hypothesis corroboration, we defined the way people from urban areas interacted in this region through workation. We also explored the methods this region utilized to attract urban residents. We reached the following conclusion based on the results we obtained: “Workation, which is becoming a phenomenon in rural areas where depopulation, decreasing birthrate, and aging population are apparent, can revitalize these areas by creating opportunities for individuals to live in these areas while working remotely.” A characteristic of workation in Ojika-cho is that local communities are not expecting innovation through workation. Conversely, they hope that teleworkers’ contributions will revitalize the town while the workers integrate into the town’s ordinary life. In Ojika-cho, the NPO Ojika Island Tourism Association mediates workation to connect teleworkers to the town’s revitalization. Workation cases in small island regions such as Ojika-cho are versatile. Therefore, we anticipate that this study will help to develop other island regions where problems of depopulation, birthrate decrease, and aging population exist.