Abstract
In order to make well-balanced regional development and to expedite rehabitation of population into rural areas, the overall improvement of rural residential environments based on their local characteristics is a major problem.
This paper gives special consideration to distribution of advanced educational institutions which is as important as decentralizing of industries, cultural and medical opportunities in rural areas.
The human resources which support these educational organizations are now centralized in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Keihanshin (Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe). Lack of opportunities in rural areas has led millions of young people to large cities which has brought about population density in metropolitan areas and further deterioration of living circumstances in country areas. Therefore, it is essential to provide youth with attractive conditions in rural areas by planning regional relocation of advanced educational organizations which will result in raising the cultural level of these areas.
This paper analyzes the problem of over-centralization of advanced educational organizations and the needs of residents of outlying cities. At the same time the paper reviews the Ministry of Education's University Location Policy and points out the imbalance between that policy and the needs of residents in the outlying areas.
In conclusion, this paper refers to the ideal locations of universities and other technical institutes as well as the feasibility of resolving the imbalance and makes several suggestions on the possibility of improving the present policy.
