While population decline remains a significant issue for Nishiawakura Village, it’s important to note that regional revitalization programs, supported by government financial incentives, have been introduced to counteract these trends. These initiatives aim to attract residents and boost local economies. However, new residents still experience the impacts of declining services. One local resident, new to Nishiawakura Village, reported that her greatest challenge was finding quality, affordable housing. Although she acknowledged that her toddler had access to good childcare, she expressed concern about the future since there is no local high school. This lack of educational options for her child, along with difficulties in securing stable housing, may lead to increased stress for her family. If unresolved, these challenges could affect her ability to integrate into the community, impact her family’s well-being, and ultimately drive her to seek out a new place to live. Environmental Concerns Climate change threatens the viability of Okayama Prefecture forests through drought, insect infestation, and wildfires and landslides. While forest harvesting by A0 is done sustainably, through selective harvesting, the demand for timber may accelerate other practices that are detrimental to the health of forests and their ecosystems. Building and Sustaining a Strong Relationship with Community A0’s partnership with SIIF centers around building a stronger relationship with all community members. Nishiawakura Village has been steadily attracting new residents through its migration promotion policies and the infrastructure developments of A0. Many of these newcomers start their own businesses and feel comfortable living in a community of others who share their entrepreneurial spirit. However, there can be a downside to these changing dynamics. Longtime residents may feel distant from newcomers, making the community feel divided. This loss of social capital may cause a decline of the close-knit community that newcomers originally found attractive about rural life and may cause the village to be less attractive to potential new residents. According to Maki, “this division was visibly manifested as a point of contention between candidates in the recent mayoral election, with the debate centering on whether ‘village budget should be directed towards supporting newcomers or addressing issues faced by long-term residents.’” 25
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Ten Years in the Making
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