Shrinking Japan and Regional Variations: Along the Tokaido

This book examines shrinking Japan from a regional variation perspective by municipality along the ancient Tokaido,which comprises 15 provinces,and seven prefectures today. It identifies the principal explanatory factors based on small area data of e-Stat through GPS statistical software tools and presents unique analyses of regional variations on small municipal levels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book delves into the phenomenon of shrinking Japan from a regional variation perspective, focusing on the ancient Tokaido route, which encompasses 15 provinces and seven prefectures today. By employing the Goki-Shichido framework, the study analyzes the shrinking trends in municipalities along this ancient route. The research identifies the primary explanatory factors using small area data from e-Stat, coupled with GPS statistical software tools like G-census and EvaCva. This historical lens aids in understanding the significance of the regional cultural heritage that remains in each municipality today.

The book takes particular care to examine municipal variations within the same prefecture, offering a unique approach compared to previous research endeavors. It explores two present-day prefectures along the ancient Tokaido, namely Shizuoka Prefecture, composed of the former Tootoumi, Suruga, and Izu provinces, and Mie Prefecture, formed by the ancient provinces of Iga, Ise, Shima, and the eastern part of Kii. The selection of these two prefectures is based on two key factors. Firstly, they encompass multiple ancient provinces, providing a diverse range of experiences. Secondly, other prefectures along the Tokaido have already been studied by the author using similar analytical methods, allowing for a comparative analysis.

By presenting detailed analyses of regional variations in population decline within these two prefectures, the book aims to offer insights. It explores demographic variables, social indicators, and historical identities of municipalities in Shizuoka and Mie prefectures, along the Tokaido. Through this comprehensive examination, the book provides suggestions for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by shrinking Japan at the municipal level.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811996085
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023