Abstract
The revision of Japan’s Basic Law on Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas, initiated in 2022, has largely overlooked the policy implementation framework. Given that rural policy encompasses objectives and content that span agricultural production, livelihoods, and community activities, formation of local executive entities is of paramount importance. In this study, we shift the focus to municipalities and explore rural policy’s potential. First, we scrutinize how the rural policy domain, conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, has evolved. Next, we examine changes in the central government relationship between the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. Furthermore, we consider municipalities’ role in rural policies, considering the national and local governments’ fiscal relationship. Finally, to exemplify rural policies’ potential, we examine Toyota City in Aichi Prefecture. Overall, we emphasize the perspective of diversity within regions and communities and explore approaches to encourage residents’ voluntary participation in rural policies.
