This study comprehensively analyzed the daily problems for single-parent families in Okinawa. First, we analyzed a survey of single-parent families in Okinawa published by the prefectural government. Then, we showed the results from questionnaires and interview surveys of single-parent families, which focused on the relationship between child age and daily problems of single-parent families. Finally, we adopted the life-course perspectives to understand why and how the daily problems of these families occurred over time. In Okinawa, single-father families have troubles mainly in childcare and education because of the fathers’ poor skills at housekeeping or childcare. In contrast, about half the single-mother families have troubles as a result of their poor economic condition: limited job opportunities, inadequate childcare services, and difficulties in finding affordable housing were the most important problems. As children grew up, the daily problems of single-parent families changed gradually. When children were small infants, most of the single mothers worried about difficulties in finding jobs because of the age of their children and the care required. When children entered nursery school, most single mothers started thinking about future education for their children: there was a problem funding that education. In the same period, the balance between job opportunities and use of childcare service became a serious problem for single mothers. As children enter elementary school, the problems of single mothers became more complex than before: difficulties in 1） finding jobs suited to their childcare schedule, 2） balancing locations of jobs, residences, and after-school childcare services, and 3） gaining a stable income so that children can afford higher education. In order to solve these problems, total care in matters of employment, childcare, and housing was required. Support from local government, groups like the association for single-mother support, and relatives must contribute to filling these needs for single-parent families.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

The present rural space in Japan is characterized by the increased role of consumption rather than the traditional activity of production. This situation is defined as “commodification of rural spaces.” Referring to Perkins(2006 ) and others, rural commodities in Japan are largely classified into five types: ( 1 ) Well-established agricultural and horticultural products, ( 2 ) new agricultural and horticultural products, (3 ) the consumption of rural spaces by counter-urbanization, (4 ) rural consumption for recreation and tourism, and ( 5 ) activities to improve the quality of life through conserving and managing landscapes and natural environments and through understanding of traditional rural culture and society. The fifth type of rural commodification includes the activities of ecomuseum in which a community itself constitutes a museum managed by local municipality and residents. This paper depicts regional development owing to ecomuseum. The study area, Asahi Town located in the central part of Yamagata Prefecture has been famous for its ecomuseum activity in Japan. Local peoples’ daily community activities are carefully examined. Although local residents are not always aware of their ecomuseum, they have improved the quality of life and sustain and develop local community by discovering, maintaining and utilizing local resources including natural environments and cultural heritages. These ordinary activities appear to typify ecomuseum, which then lead to the regional development in Asahi Town.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract