Abstract
There are numerous unique socio-cultural phenomena exhibited in Aomori Prefecture, a highly peripheral area located at the northern extent of Honshu Island. An example of such a peripheral phenomenon is the rapidly-aging Aomori population over the last ten years. This study examines the multi-dimensional mechanism of the rapid aging phenomenon in Aomori, identifying this as a demographic feature of peripheral areas of Japan. The study concludes by emphasizing the significance of the so-called Showa single-digit generation, that born between 1925-34. This generation sustained the traditional Japanese family, agriculture, and rural community, in a manner not to be expected by the postwar baby boomer (born 1947-49) or the echo boomer (born 1972-74) generations. Although hidden in most national demographic statistics, the Showa single-digit generation is the most important generation in peripheral areas of Japan at present. As this generation exceeded the 65-years-age-threshold as of 1990, this demographic aging is increasingly serious for peripheral areas, such that rural sociology must account for the attitudes of this generation.
