Searching for Rural Vision in the 21st Century

Abstract

In the 20th century, the form of agricultural management was greatly changed in rural areas in Japan. Many farmers became part-time farmers and began to have a side business. With the spread of cars, roads were paved with asphalt and traffic system to local cities was improved, Moreover, living conveniences such as electric installation and telephone were improved and thier living became very convenient. In the 21st century, the time of information will come, including the infrastructural develiopment, and rural areas will have good living conditions with the increase of urban people who intend to live in rural areas. On the other hand, however, environmental issues are coming out.
Thinking of new rural areas, this paper presents rural vision towards the 21st century and proposes medical services based on the vision. Rural vision of ‘Cultural Residence Sphere’ in the 21st century will design the development of rural areas in about 20-30 km sphere as a unit of sphere (this unit is also for that of environmental conservation). In the sphere, resources will cycle and rural environment will be conserved not only by rural people but also by urban people.
Following three proposals will be given for medical services in rural areas.
1) To make systematic medical service in the cultural residence sphere.
2) To make a community center for aged people in each agricultural settlement.
3) To make traveling medical services.