Ama Town: A new challenge in the countryside and a successful example of relocation.

Article published on Vacant House Lab | Roopt (Makigumi)

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Ama Town is part of the Oki Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a region blessed with beautiful nature and rich culture floating in the Sea of Japan. The town has a population of 2,223 and an area of 33.44 square kilometers. Ama Town is blessed with abundant seafood and mountain produce, enough to allow for a self-sufficient lifestyle, and also has a historical background as the place where Emperor Go-Toba was exiled. Local specialties include "Iwagaki Haruka" oysters and "Sazae Curry," which contribute to the development of local industries.

This small town has a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers, and is particularly characterized by a large number of young people in their 20s to 40s and working-age individuals who have moved to the area. The town's education committee supports young people who are seeking to contribute to the community and find fulfillment in their work, and is engaged in activities that utilize local resources, such as education, tourism, and industrial development.

These young migrants are attracting attention as a successful example of regional revitalization.

A life in harmony with nature

Ama Town is blessed with abundant natural resources, including spring water selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters and a rich sea fed by the Tsushima Current. This self-sufficient environment is attractive to many people and is one of the major reasons why they decide to move there.

Town initiatives to attract young people

In Ama Town, newcomers are actively welcomed as new partners in the community. Over more than 20 years of community revitalization efforts, various projects utilizing local resources have been developed in areas such as education, tourism, and industrial promotion. These activities are particularly attractive to young people and working-age generations, and the fact that approximately 20% of the island's residents are newcomers speaks volumes about their success.

Relocation support system and contribution to the local community

In Ama Town, concrete support measures such as relocation subsidies and telework support are provided to people considering moving to the town. This reduces anxieties before relocating and makes the transition to a new life smoother. Furthermore, by addressing local issues themselves, the residents contribute to the further development of Ama Town.

summary

Ama Town is an attractive place thanks to its rich natural environment, innovative initiatives utilizing local resources, and comprehensive support measures for new residents. Here, young people are building new lifestyles while realizing their sense of purpose and contributing to their community. Ama Town's initiatives are a successful example that other local governments can learn from, and can be considered a model that expands the possibilities for regional revitalization.

source: Vacant House Lab