Key Facts
• Nagano Prefecture’s population peaked at 222 million in 2001, projected to drop below 2 million in 2024.
• Kiso District faces rapid population decline, with a 50% reduction and 50% aging rate by 2050.
• Local festivals like Nagano’s Gion Festival struggle to find participants due to population decline.
• “Kisobito Conference” formed in May 2024 to tackle regional challenges and promote revitalization.
• Representative Takuro Yamashita moved to Kiso Town in 2020, aiming to create a “regional textbook.”
• Medical challenges include reduced pediatric services and suspended childbirth facilities at Kiso Hospital.
• Local entrepreneur Ryota Tezuka combats depopulation by revitalizing businesses and launching a restaurant.
• Election candidates propose solutions: child allowances, digital tools, and regional empowerment.
• Specific ideas from a local meeting include education reform, vacant house management, and community support platforms.
Summary
Nagano Prefecture faces a critical population decline, with numbers expected to fall below 2 million by 2024. The Kiso District is particularly affected, with projections of a 50% population reduction and high aging rates by 2050. Local initiatives, such as the “Kisobito Conference,” aim to address these challenges through community-driven projects and innovative solutions like a “regional textbook” for new residents. However, medical service reductions and vacant properties remain pressing issues. Entrepreneurs like Ryota Tezuka are revitalizing the area by launching businesses and promoting local culture. In the upcoming Upper House election, candidates propose diverse strategies, including child allowances, digital tools, and regional empowerment, to combat depopulation and foster sustainable growth.
