The Transition of Interplay Between the Youth, Regions, and Social Issues in Japan

: Objective, Measure and Agency in Social Policy

Abstract

Since the 2010s, the longstanding issue of youth employment has improved. However, the population decline, Tokyo’s overconcentration, and low economic growth have emerged as critical national challenges. The government mobilized the youth to address these issues, but there were no signs of a solution to the problem. Although many young people desire to move to regional areas, it requires a high degree of agency. Many individuals in the regional areas wish to marry and raise children. However, establishing a sufficient economic foundation for achieving these goals is challenging. Consequently, the government’s efforts to mobilize the youth have encountered macro-level boycotts. This boycott was possible because decisions regarding marriage, childbirth, and place of residence were left to individual freedom.

Social policies have evolved to address problems caused by capitalism. Sustained efforts are necessary to create new theories and policies to address current issues stemming from economic and social contraction and stagnation.