What Are the Top Three Regions Japanese People Most Want To Move To?

With the continuous increase in Japan's urban population, the trend of relocating to rural areas is gradually gaining popularity. A wave of changes in recent years, such as the shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to more people considering relocation.

This time, let's introduce the NPO organization "Hometown Return Support Center," which collaborates with approximately 580 local governments. They conduct a "Most Desired Migration Ranking" for clients and seminar participants. This ranking has been conducted for 21 consecutive years, providing insights into the most desired places to relocate. Let's take a look at which counties have received support.

#3 Tochigi Prefecture

As a relocation destination, it has always been popular, with its greatest advantage being convenient access to the city center.

Despite the promotion of remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many situations that require physical presence in the office. On the other hand, Tochigi Prefecture also has a Shinkansen (bullet train) station, so commuting is not an issue for many people.

The chairman of the center, Mr. Takahashi, not only mentioned the opening of the "Light Line" in Utsunomiya City but also discussed the Utsunomiya Station's consultation window for relocation and settlement, called "miya come (ミヤカム)," which is now fully operational and accepting immigrants," he said.

Furthermore, the Tochigi region is relatively less affected by water-related disasters such as tsunamis, floods, and typhoons, and it has benefits that support daily life, such as the affordability of large independent houses, facilities for raising children, and ample medical and welfare services, which are another reason for its popularity.

#2: Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture ranks second, making a significant leap from its previous ninth position. Due to being an area with frequent earthquakes in Japan, earthquakes are relatively rare here. Additionally, located in the Kanto region near Tokyo, the cost of living and education expenses are low, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular.

It is said that there is an increasing number of consultations from the generation raising children. Gunma Prefecture ranks first in the Hometown Support Center's ranking, second in actual consultation ranking by age group, and has risen from 14th to 1st place in the comprehensive ranking of seminar participants.

There has also been an increase in immigration consultation requests from telecommuters. The inquiries and trends received at the consultation window, such as renovating old houses DIY-style and holding workshops on required funds, contribute to its popularity.

All 35 local governments in Gunma Prefecture have become members of the center and are prepared to accept immigrants. Additionally, cultural seminars on Gunma Prefecture's cuisine and history are held to promote its charm.

#1 Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture has held the top spot for the fourth consecutive year due to overwhelming popularity. The most attractive factor is its "convenient transportation," as it is not only close to the Tokyo metropolitan area but also provides access to the Chubu and Kansai regions.

Furthermore, there are many benefits to living here, such as the scenic view of Mount Fuji, the blessings of both the sea and mountains, and a warm climate with little snowfall. These conditions explain its popularity among people of all ages.

The prefecture is also welcoming to those who wish to immigrate. In addition to hosting immigration expos and workshops, there is a "visiting consultation desk" where people can engage in tripartite discussions between actual municipal immigration representatives and immigration representatives. The counselor at the center has provided guidance over 70 times, with consultation numbers steadily increasing proportionally.

While rent prices in Shizuoka City, being a designated government city, tend to be somewhat high, its attractiveness is enough to compensate for this. Shizuoka Prefecture was where Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, spent much of his life, making it a desirable place to live.

Based on the actions taken by attendees of seminars, exhibitions, and consultations, the latest "Most Desired Migration Ranking" is revealed, illustrating the inevitable result of long-term residency in a desirable land.