The Impact of the Trinity Reforms and the Heisei Mergers on Processes of Peripherisation in Japan’s Mountain Villages

Abstract

The Trinity Reforms and the Heisei Mergers impacted on the peripherisation of mountain villages in Japan. Through structured analysis of the effects of the two reforms, this article draws on theories from recent discourse on peripherisation in Germany and applies the framework to a Japanese context. The two reforms are treated as interrelated measures in line with the neoliberal reform agenda of the Koizumi administration. By examination of cause effect relations, the article assesses induced changes in terms of the four dimensions of peripherisation outmigration, disconnection, dependency, and negative perception. It concludes that the two regional policy reforms led to a further peripherisation of mountain villages in respect of all four facets, albeit to a varying extent and with different implications. Circumstances in many mountain villages can already be deemed critical due to the challenges of demographic change; these are exacerbated by the need to consolidate local finances and the effects of municipal amalgamation. Factors contributing to further peripherisation of mountain villages include a lower level of public service provision, infrastructure cutbacks, the loss of administrative independence, restrictions of policy options of local governments and the weakening of local identity. Paradoxically, the reforms originally aimed at devolution of power to local governments but could now lead to heightened importance of lobbying for funds from central government.