About Himeji 100 Years Conference

Purpose

Future projections indicate that Japan’s population may dwindle to between 30 and 50 million, comparable to the Edo period. The number of large cities with over 100,000 residents could be cut in half, and many smaller cities may vanish. Tokyo and Fukuoka are seen as the only major urban centers to prosper. This simulation scenario has been making headlines.

A team of researchers at Kyoto University, experts in urban and spatial economics, conducted the simulations that led to these projections.

Numerous other research institutions and scholars have made their own projections for Japan’s future over the next two and five decades. While the specific numbers vary, the overall trends are strikingly similar. The results are quite sobering.

The reason why cities are disappearing is simple: Japan’s overall population is declining. However, there is little public discussion about this issue. It seems as if it’s someone else’s problem. Not only the government but also we, the people, lack a sense of crisis.

As our population declines and cities decay, what kind of society will we have? What will Japan, and specifically Himeji, look like 100 years from now based on these predictive models? Isn’t it time for us, living in the Reiwa era, to reflect on what we should think about and pass on to future generations?

Using century-long simulations as a framework, I’d like to weave a future where Japan, and specifically Himeji, can thrive despite population decline and urban decay. I envision a future where we, living in the present, think for ourselves and take action.

How often/ Who/ Topics/

• Frequency of meetings：About once a month.
• Eligibility for meetings：A person who agrees with the purpose.
• Topics discussed：Laying the groundwork for a thriving Himeji, Japan, a century from now.

The decisions made at the project meeting will be carried out as part of our efforts to realize the Himeji Centennial Project.